15 Aug WAVE Calls for Equity-Focused Approach in National Skills Taxonomy Proposal

Posted at 09:09h in Advocacy and Lobbying, Home Page News by

Women in Adult and Vocational Education (WAVE) has submitted a comprehensive response to Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) regarding the proposed National Skills Taxonomy (NST), emphasizing the need for a gender-transformative and inclusive approach.

While questioning the necessity of the NST, WAVE's submission outlines crucial recommendations to ensure that, if implemented, the framework actively promotes equity and inclusivity in Australia's skills ecosystem.

Key points from WAVE's submission include:

  1. Prioritising an intersectional and gender-transformative approach to dismantle existing inequities.
  2. Ensuring flexibility to recognize diverse skills, particularly in female-dominated sectors.
  3. Implementing transparent governance with inclusive stakeholder engagement.
  4. Establishing accessible pathways for skills recognition, especially for vulnerable groups.
  5. Integrating the NST with broader education, training, and migration systems.

Kit McMahon, National Co-Convenor of WAVE, stated, "Any skills taxonomy must prioritise equity and responsiveness to diverse needs, particularly those of women and marginalised communities. It should be a tool for dismantling barriers, not reinforcing systemic inequities."

WAVE emphasises the potential risks of an overly rigid taxonomy, including the perpetuation of skill undervaluation in female-dominated sectors and the stifling of innovation in evolving industries.

The organization calls for:

  • A critical examination of the NST's impact on traditionally undervalued sectors.
  • Flexible systems that evolve with changing workforce needs.
  • Transparent and inclusive governance structures.
  • Equitable resource allocation to support marginalized groups.

As the consultation continues, WAVE remains committed to advocating for a skills system that actively contributes to equity and inclusion in Australia's workforce.

For more information, please visit www.wave.org.au.

About WAVE
Women in Adult and Vocational Education (WAVE) is the only national organization with a focus on women and girls in the adult, vocational education and training sector.

View submission (PDF)



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