The Public Safety and Government industry-sectors are operating in an environment of rapid and complex change.

Increasing natural disasters, climate impacts, geopolitical uncertainty, technological transformation, and shifting community expectations are driving more complex capability requirements, placing growing pressure on the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Workforce to deliver timely, relevant and high-quality training.

The VET system is a key mechanism for equipping current and future workforces with current and emerging skills.

In 2024, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR), acting in support of the Skills and Workforce Ministerial Council, released the VET Workforce Blueprint, signalling the national priority to transform, strengthen and streamline the VET Workforce model.

In response, DEWR commissioned all Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs) to undertake a VET Workforce Study in their respective industries; an initiative designed to identify practical, evidence-informed actions to grow, support and sustain the VET Workforce across Australia.

Public Skills Australia, as the JSC supporting the Public Safety and Government industry-sectors, has delivered the Study through three interconnected work streams.

Each stream has built progressively toward a deeper understanding of the VET Workforce and the actions required to better support, strengthen and sustain it.