Federal Education Minister Jason Clare this week announced major changes to international student caps which are set to have a significant impact on the Australian vocational and higher education landscape. Below are a collection of links to analysis of the issues and strategic approach. 

The government will cap new international students
Australia’s approach to international student caps is even more radical than in the UK and Canada
Go8 statement on the National Planning Level and international student caps
Universities Australia: National planning level limits nation's ambition
TAFE Directors Australia: Impact of new international policy directions
NTEU: University jobs must be guaranteed as part of international student caps
The government has revealed international student caps from 2025. What's been announced?
Albanese government announces plan to cap international student enrolments at 270,000
International student commencements to be capped at 270,000 next year
International students and university staff concerned about impact of future cap on overseas student numbers
Fall in international student numbers could lead to 14,000 job losses, peak body warns amid concerns over caps
New foreign students capped at 270,000 in blow for large universities
​Calling time on international student numbers
Australian Strategy for International Education 2021‑2030

This report from Jobs and Skills Australia explores employer sentiment towards mature job seekers, finding that flexible working conditions are commonly used to attract mature workers, who are valued for their experience, skills, and work ethic.

​The report may be accessed here.

This article from the Mitchell Institute for The Conversation argues for moderate international student caps that protect economic benefits and shield international students from constant policy changes. The acknowledged losers from the proposal would likely be private RTO's with a primarily international student base.
​The Conversation article may be accessed here.

In this article for ArtsHub, FutureNow alumni Jo Pickup explores the latest trends and data gleaned from the ArtsHub jobs site. A significant gap between vacancies and skills in the area of business development, funding, and finance ​emerges from the data, reflective of conversations had with FutureNow stakeholders on the ground in WA over the past year.

Read the article and explore the data here

In this article for The Conversation, Margaret Sears AO, Emeritus Professor and Senior Honorary Research Fellow, The University of Western Australia, argues that mapping community participation in the arts, gleaning concrete data to draw back into arts policy setting, can deliver the kinds of funding and political benefits long enjoyed by the sport sector in Australia. 
​The Conversation article may be accessed here.

This paper explores the Australian Government's commitment to implementing a new needs-based system as a core funding component for higher education teaching and learning. This is intended to ensure more students from under-represented backgrounds are supported to participate and succeed in higher education, a key part of meeting Australia’s future skills needs. The paper is open for public feedback until 9th August 2024.
More background and a link to the briefing paper may be found here.

This edition of the OECD Employment Outlook examines the characteristics of the jobs that are likely to thrive because of the energy transition ('green-driven jobs'), including their attractiveness in terms of job quality, and compares them to jobs in high-emission industries that tend to shrink. Decarbonisation and sustainability are a key pillar for the West Australian State Training Board's 2023-24 State Training Plan.

The OECD employment outlook 2024 report may be accessed here.

VET partnerships powering a dynamic workforce is the theme for the 33rd National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference, ‘No Frills.’
In keeping with the conference’s theme, this discussion paper focuses on Australia’s workforce demands and the importance of equipping the workforce with necessary skills through targeted education, training and partnerships.

The report may be accessed here

This new report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) explores the role of Chambers of Commerce in local and national skills and workforce development conversations and initiatives across 65 countries, and asks what more they could be contributing.
​The report may be accessed here

This summary outlines research on culturally responsive teaching practices that create culturally safe learning environments.
Every Australian student has a right to a complete, relevant and responsive education that is designed and delivered to give them the educational success to which they aspire. To achieve this for First Nations students and their families, schools and systems should be culturally responsive and strive to create culturally safe learning environments.

​The report may be accessed here