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$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Lifelong learning helps build a stronger industry for the future

Media release

Lifelong learning helps build a stronger industry for the future

Media release
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has thrown its support behind the Jobs and Skills Australia drive to start a conversation about Australia’s lifelong learning needs and the specific learning dynamics and systems that are needed.

“The recent release of Jobs and Skills Australia’s Forces at work: Adult learning and the Australian labour market report, highlights the advantages and value of lifelong learning,” said Mike Hermon, HIA Executive Director Future Workforce.

“In an environment that is rapidly changing, it has never been more important that skills are current and relevant. The economy and society is the real winner of lifelong learning as it benefits both the employer and employee. 

“Foundational skills such as those gained when doing an apprenticeship or traineeship are the cornerstone of ongoing skills development. Many tradespeople use their apprenticeship to progress their career into other related roles in their industry - today’s apprentices are tomorrow’s carpenters, builders and project managers.

“All forms of learning and skills development are needed – it is important these are structured and delivered within established frameworks, added to the mix must also be more recent contemporary approaches to upskill and reskill such as micro-credentials and vendor training.

“It is acknowledged there can be barriers to lifelong learning. These can be due to a range of challenges, including age, remote locations and time. It is important these barriers are identified and overcome to ensure lifelong learning is available to people from all backgrounds and experience.

“Whether an individual is looking to change jobs or remain in the same role it is important to keep pace with our changing environment through applying key lifelong learning principles, such as skills deepening, upskilling and reskilling. Individuals should also seek out having skills they have developed over time be formally recognised.

“Learning a new skill or adding to your existing knowledge is the best way to advance your career or even help reignite your passion for getting up in the morning and doing a job that you love.

“Lifelong learning is about investing in yourself and the future of your industry. 

“Given the increasing role of technology and AI and the ever changing regulatory landscape in the construction industry, as part of this year’s federal budget HIA is encouraging the government to support an industry wide upskilling program to help leverage new skills to boost productivity and drive industry,” concluded Mr Hermon.

For more information please contact:

Mike Hermon

Executive Director - Future Workforce

Joe Shanahan

Manager, Communications & Media
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