About the Commissioner

Mr Neil Coulson was appointed as the first Victorian Skills Commissioner (VSC) in December 2015.
This independent role signalled a new direction in how industry would engage with the training system. The VSC works with employers, unions and government to better align training with the needs of the Victorian industry and economy. This will ensure the training requirements of students and employers are met, and that skills outcomes support the Government’s economic objectives for productivity and growth.

Find out more

Recent News

Victorian business to have their say on workforce skills and training

23 May 2017

The Victorian Government is asking businesses to share their views on workforce skills and training in the largest state-wide survey of its kind. The 2017 Victorian Employer Satisfaction and Skills Survey will reach almost 100,000 businesses seeking opinion on industry skills needs and the quality of training delivered through registered training organisations. All businesses, regardless […]

Tackling Skills Shortages in the Mallee Region

23 May 2017

On May 22, Victorian Skills Commissioner Neil Coulson met with prominent Mallee business leaders and local council representatives to discuss skills shortages and workforce training needs. The inaugural Mallee Regional Skills Taskforce meeting was held at Mildura Airport and outlined the unique training and skills requirements of the region, workforce pressures and future industry growth priorities. […]

Growing Apprenticeships And Traineeships In Victoria

4 May 2017

Victorian Skills Commissioner Neil Coulson joined Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney and apprentices on Wednesday, 3 May in Docklands to launch a new taskforce to drive apprenticeships and traineeships. Mr Coulson will chair the taskforce which will look at barriers stopping people from taking up an apprenticeship or traineeship and whether issues are […]

NBAA networking breakfast

22 March 2017

On 3 March, Victorian Skills Commissioner Neil Coulson addressed more than 100 business leaders at the Northern Business Achievement Awards networking breakfast in Preston. During his presentation, ‘aligning training with industry needs’, Mr Coulson highlighted his work with industry to build real skills for real jobs under the Industry Engagement Framework and newly established Industry Advisory […]

Master Builders Strategy Workshop

5 March 2017

On 17 February, Victorian Skills Commissioner Neil Coulson delivered a presentation at the Master Builders Association of Victoria’s Strategy Workshop. The presentation, ‘aligning training with industry needs’ highlighted his work with industry to build real skills for real jobs under the new Industry Engagement Framework. He also outlined the gaps and opportunities the VET system needs to […]

AISC appointment

2 March 2017

Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney has nominated the Victorian Skills Commissioner (VSC) Neil Coulson as the Victorian representative for the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC). The Federal Government and the AISC Chair have accepted the nomination. The AISC was established by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Industry and Skills Council as […]

TAFE Victoria: It’ll Take You There

12 February 2017

The Andrews Labor Government is taking the next step in reforming Victoria’s training and TAFE system with the launch of TAFE Victoria. For the first time, a new, united brand will position TAFEs as modern, contemporary institutions that all Victorian can access to get the real training they need to get a real job. Victoria’s […]

Working together with Victoria’s
Industry Advisory Groups.

Construction

Construction including Construction Technologies and Civil Construction

Resources, Forestry, Pulp and Paper

Resources, Forestry, Pulp and Paper including Frame and Truss Manufacturers and Australian Manufacturer Workers Union

Primary Industry

Primary industries including Agriculture and Rural Production, Food and Fibre, Horticulture, Animal Care and Management, Racing, Conservation and Land Management, and Seafood and Aquaculture

Manufacturing

Manufacturing including Engineering and Automotive, Aerospace, Medical Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Transport Technology, Defence Technology, Furnishing, Textiles, Clothing and Footwear

Electro Technology and Electrical

Electro Technology and Electrical including Electricity Generation and Supply, Gas Supply and New Energy Technology

Transport and Logistics

Transport and Logistics including Aviation, Road Transport, Rail, Maritime, Ports and Warehousing

Community Services and Health

Community Services and Health including Community Child Care, Aboriginal Health and Disability Services

Service Industry

Service Industry including Retail, Tourism, Travel, Personal Services, Sport, Fitness and Recreation

Public Safety, Public Sector, Corrections, Water and Local Government

Public Safety, Public Sector, Corrections, Water and Local Government including Fire and Emergency Services, Police and Corrections

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Reforming Victoria`s training system

Regional Skills Taskforces

Regional Skills Taskforces

Regional Skills Taskforces will gather information and provide advice about the unique skills needs of Victoria’s regions.

Industry Skills Taskforces

Industry Skills Taskforces

The VSC will also bring together Industry Taskforces at the request of the Minister or as required that will work for a time-limited period to examine a particular existing or emerging issue.

Industry Advisory Groups

Industry Advisory Groups

Ten new Industry Advisory Groups (IAGs) have been established as part of the Industry Engagement Framework covering industries ranging from construction and health, to resources and manufacturing.

The Industry Engagement Framework

Our new Industry Engagement Framework provides a structured way for industry, unions and employers to inform and engage with the training system in Victoria.

ALIGNING TRAINING WITH INDUSTRY NEEDS

The Victorian Government is committed to working with industry, unions and expert bodies to ensure Victoria’s Government-funded training system best serves the needs of the economy.

The Government has also committed to reforming the training system to recognise the importance of industry, employers and students – to ensure that students gain the skills they need for real jobs, which in turn boosts industry productivity.

Connecting industry
with skills

Aligning training
with industry
needs

Strengthening
industry
engagement

About the Commissioner

Recent News

Victorian business to have their say on workforce skills and training

Tackling Skills Shortages in the Mallee Region