There are 2.1 million people with a disability, of working age, in Australia.
The reality is that education and employment outcomes for people with disability are well below the general population. In fact, barely half of this group is participating in the workforce. And of those who aren’t in the workforce, but go on to complete a VET qualification, half are likely to still be out of a job one year later.
The Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) is undertaking an innovative new project that aims to educators and employers the skills and knowledge they need to better include people with disability in Vocational Education and Training (VET) and workplaces.
PwC’s Skills for Australia has been commissioned to investigate how Australia’s VET system can be improved to build the capability of educators and employers to better support people with disability.
Students with disability make up only 4.3 per cent of all students undertaking VET, and only around half of working age Australians with disability are in the labour force, compared to 83 per cent of those without disability.
Working with industry and other key stakeholders, PwC’s Skills for Australia is planning extensive consultation and research from November 2017 through April 2018 to investigate these issues and help drive change.
PwC Skills for Australia wants to hear from interested employers, industry representatives, employees, teachers, trainers, recruiters, learners, and others who are passionate about improving the Vocational Education and Training outcomes of people with disability.
To find out more or to contribute your views to the project, subscribe to the website or email info@skillsforaustralia.com.