Federal government launches Future Skills Organisation

The federal government has launched the Future Skills Organisation (FSO) in a bid to relieve pressure upon the country’s current skills crisis.

Building on years of industry knowledge and collaboration as the Digital Skills Organisation (DSO), the FSO has been tasked with not only developing strategies to help address skills shortages in critical areas such as digital, but also future-proofing skills and training for sectors - critical to advancing Australia’s economy - the finance, technology, and business sectors.

Brendan O’Connor, minister for skills and training said the FSO will be established as the Finance, Technology and Business Jobs and Skills Council (JSC).

JSC's are at the forefront of implementing the government’s jobs and skills plan.

Established by the Australian Government in 2022, JSCs will provide industry with a more strategic voice in ensuring Australia’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector delivers stronger outcomes for learners and employers.

Patrick Kidd, CEO at the FSO said as a JSC, they look forward to working with government, training providers, unions, employers and importantly, learners and employees, to deliver world-class outcomes and make Australia more competitive.

“We will draw on the experience we gained as the DSO through the pilots undertaken and the successes and learnings garnered to tackle the contributing causes of Australia’s skill shortages,” he said.

Kidd said the FSO has a “significant responsibility” to shape Australia’s skills and workforce future.

“Our mission is to collaborate with stakeholders across training, industry, unions, and government to grow Australia’s finance, technology, and business talent to benefit industries across Australia,” he said.

“We will start by understanding and defining the skills and challenges facing employers by utilising data and feedback to forecast current and emerging opportunities.”

He added, “As we transform from DSO to FSO, we have a talented and passionate Board representing a cross-section of finance, tech and business, and from across Australia to drive us forward with our new remit.”

Yasmin Allen, FSO board chair and non-executive director at ASX, Cochlear, Santos and QBE said this progression to a JSC is an important step in delivering critical work in accelerating digital skills across Australia.

“I want to see all Australians included in the digital transition. The only way we can do that is to ensure everyone has real access to training and development in a contemporary and timely way,” she said.

“Finance, technology and business intersect with our personal and professional lives every single day, it’s critical that we get it right."

Kidd said support from government and industry stakeholders has been key in a landmark year ahead of this transition.

“We believe in Australia’s VET system and education. Together we have a unique opportunity to act as stewards across finance, technology, and business sectors to ensure our VET system is agile, responsive, and innovative,” he said.

“FSO is committed to building a resilient workforce, working with both training institutions and industry to provide the skills that will prepare our economy for the jobs and opportunities of tomorrow – and beyond.”