Skills for Australia

This Australian Commonwealth government policy statement presents the approach and program directions and priorities in the fields of employment, education and training for 1987-88. It is presented in two parts. Part one outlines the government's approach to aligning the education and training system to the new requirements for skills generated by the major economic challenges facing Australia. Government objectives and priorities are explained for the following areas: increased participation in education and training; quality and structure of education and training; distribution of education and training effort; raising industry's commitment to training; employment and training for disadvantaged groups; efficiency and effectiveness in education and training; and fiscal constraint. Part two begins by examining the labour market context in terms of unemployment, the job market for 15-19 year olds, skills shortages, and the outlook for the 1987-88. The key features of the government's budget decisions are then described under five main program areas: (1) Commonwealth support for TAFE; (2) employment and training assistance for youth; (3) apprenticeship and trade training programs; (4) industry training programs and services; and (5) employment and training programs for the disadvantaged. The appendices are: Rationalisation of employment and training assistance during 1987-88; Employment and training assistance expenditure and numbers approved (based on 1987-88 program structure).