Federation University welcomes Jobs and Skills Roadmap for regional development
Federation University Australia today welcomed the release of the 'Jobs and Skills Roadmap for Regional Australia – Phase 1' by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), applauding its in-depth focus on the employment and education landscape opportunities and challenges across Australia's regional communities like the Mallee, Ballarat, Berwick and Gippsland.
The report highlights crucial challenges and opportunities, particularly the concerning decline in engagement among 18 to 24-year-olds in both higher education and the workforce.
Professor Duncan Bentley, Vice-Chancellor and President of Federation University Australia, underscored how the JSA roadmap reflects key elements of the university's core value proposition and ongoing efforts in regional development.
"This roadmap is a vital document, and we particularly acknowledge the strong interest from the Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles, and JSA Commissioner, Professor Barney Glover, in the future of our regions," said Professor Bentley. "
"Their attention to the challenges and opportunities in regional labour markets aligns perfectly with Federation University's mission. We especially welcome the report's call to boost youth tertiary participation rates and address hiring pressures, which are critical for the economic vitality of places like Ballarat and broader regional Victoria."
“Federation’s Co-operative Education Model is aimed at dramatically improving the education value proposition for young local learners across Ballarat, Berwick and Gippsland – they are the key to boosting the nation’s productivity.”
Professor Bentley highlighted Federation University's demonstrated impact on regional retention.
"The report’s insights resonate deeply with our experience. For example, our own data shows that 70 per cent of those who study in our region are still living and working in the region five years later. This statistic powerfully illustrates the positive feedback loop between accessible local education and sustained regional growth."
He further emphasised Federation University’s proactive role in overcoming barriers identified by JSA, such as financial challenges, digital connectivity, and access to foundational skills.
"As Victoria's leading regional University across our four campuses, Federation is constantly refreshing our course offerings in line with what regional students want to study. This responsive approach helps students both learn and attain employment in the regions, often in the very areas they live. In this context, Free TAFE has been absolutely critical in removing cost barriers and driving participation in priority areas."
"Our commitment is unwavering: to provide accessible, high-quality education and pathways that equip regional Australians – from secondary school leavers to those seeking to upskill, with the capabilities needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow," Professor Bentley said.
"We are proud of our contribution to a harmonised TAFE and university system, and we value the Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles' engagement with Ballarat and this holistic approach."
“The University Accord reforms being delivered by Minister Giles, MP, and the Minister for Education, the Hon Jason Clare MP, is one way this roadmap will become a reality. Federation is committed to playing its part in the reform process to deliver more accessible education for our local communities.”
Federation University is also working closely with the Victorian Government, the Minister for Skills and TAFE, Gayle Tierney MP, and our local state Members of Parliament, to ensure our student levels and infrastructure are aligning these regionally focused opportunities with the needs of the Victorian Skills Plan.