The strengths of the Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) system and opportunities for Australia to support Indonesia to meet its skills needs have been the focus of Ministerial talks in Indonesia this week.
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Karen Andrews today completed a successful visit to Jakarta after leading the Vocational Education and Training (VET) stream of Indonesia-Australian Business Week.
“This visit, my first since assuming responsibility for vocational education and skills, is a strong demonstration of the commitment that Australia has to further strengthening our relationship with Indonesia,” Minister Andrews said.
“The meeting follows President Widodo's instruction last year to make vocational education reform a priority of the Indonesian Government by revitalising vocational schools to improve the quality and competitiveness of his country's human resources.
“During a meeting with my counterpart Minister for Manpower HE Hanif Dhakiri we discussed the skills priorities for Australia and Indonesia, and how best to enhance the bilateral education and training relationship into the future.”
Minister Andrews said discussions with her Indonesian counterpart and Australian and Indonesian skills stakeholders demonstrated the priority that Indonesia is placing on skills development.
“Australia is well placed to support Indonesia achieve their skills objectives, drawing on our expertise right across the sector in industry-led, competency-based training, underpinned by excellent quality assurance measures,” Minister Andrews said.
“The Australian VET system is well regarded internationally, and this was very evident during my visit.”
Minister Andrews said international education was a key success story of the Australia-Indonesia bilateral relationship, representing Australia’s largest services export to Indonesia, and valued at $619 million in 2015-16.
“Australia hosted almost 15,000 Indonesian students during 2016, who each made the choice to study in Australia in search of a high quality education and welcoming student experience,” Minister Andrews said.
“These students make a valuable contribution to our institutions and communities, and will go on to become major ambassadors for Australia.”
In April 2016 the Government launched the National Strategy for International Education 2025 and the Australian International Education 2025 market development roadmap.
This will enhance Australia’s role as a global leader in education and training, and enable sustainable growth in international education services – delivered onshore, offshore and online.
“The strong reform agenda being delivered by the Turnbull Government is helping to ensure that the Australian VET system remains well positioned to make a contribution to the skills needs of Australia and the globe,” Minister Andrews said.
