PVCA CALLS FOR SKILLS SURVEY FOR GOVT

PVCA is urging printers to complete a new skills survey it is launching, which it will then use to lobby the new government to re-instate the nine print awards into the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List from which they were sensationally dropped by the previous government.

The industry employers’ association says the data used to feed the decision to drop print apprentices from the Priority List is “incorrect”, is “flawed”, is “against the government’s own commitments”, is “unedifying” and is “based on internet job vacancies”.

Now as part of its mission to bring print apprentices back into the prioritisation of government, the PVCA is seeking to reverse what it describes as “the erroneous” position held by the government and its agencies in relation to the skills and training needs and requirements of the print industry.

Kellie Northwood, chief executive officer, PVCA, said, “Put simply, the current industry outcomes from the National Skills Commission (NSC) data collection are incorrect. The PVCA is highly critical of the erroneous methodology behind the Skills Priority List. Identifying skills demands based on internet job vacancies, and without industry consultation or input is ultimately flawed and against government commitments made to industry bodies. This approach has resulted in skewed data outcomes for our industry. The approach taken in the Skills Priority List is unedifying, and results in preferential treatment towards certain skills and occupations.

“I cannot appeal more to members and industry to please support this survey and assist getting your voice into government to have this decision reversed for 2023.”

Charles Watson, general manager – IR, Policy & Governance, PVCA, said, “The feedback, data and results collected from this survey will inform our discussions with Government on this and related issues and help to make positive changes for the industry.

"The survey is succinct and to the facts required for government and the departments, I urge all to get behind this, a few short minutes will assist greatly in our arguments.”

The survey is open now, to submit your response, go to: PVCA Skills Priority List Survey.