Local MP Alison Marchant will chair a new parliamentary inquiry focused on Victoria’s future employment needs.
The member for Bellarine is chair of the Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee, which will investigate how to guide and support students to find employment in industries that are vital to the state’s economic development.
Those industries include health care and social assistance, construction, technology, clean energy and education.
The inquiry will look at pathways into vocational education and training, school career development and how to support disadvantaged, regional and female students.
“This is an important inquiry because actions taken today will help to determine the future economic success of our state,” Ms Marchant said.
The state government expects that by 2034 more than 1.4 million new workers will enter the Victorian workforce.
Nearly 1.2 million of those workers – more than 85 per cent – will need a post-secondary qualification to find employment.
“This inquiry will be examining the types of support students need to gain employment in industries that are in demand,” Ms Marchant said.
“We’ll be looking at support to enter TAFE and other vocational routes, as well as pathways to some in-demand occupations that require higher education.”
The lower house of the Victorian Parliament agreed to hold the inquiry on May 20 this year, stating the committee must report on its findings by September 30, 2026.
The inquiry is currently accepting public submissions, seeking data from a broad range of people including industry members, employees and students.
“We want to hear from a range of industries that are experiencing workforce shortages, as well as from students and young people so we can understand what influences the direction they choose to take after school,” Ms Marchant said.
“We’re also keen to hear from educators and those who have experienced barriers to participation so that we can make meaningful recommendations for the benefit of students, educational institutions and employers.”
Visit parliament.vic.gov.au/jobpathwaysinquiry for more information or to make a submission. Submissions can be made until August 1.
