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About us

About the Department

Western Australia’s diversifying economy and changing industry needs require a labour force that is skilled, versatile and highly competitive. Established in 2009, WA’s Department of Training and Workforce Development provides leadership in training and workforce development to drive a responsive, flexible and quality training system to meet the needs of industry and build a strong and successful future for our community.

Our vision is that all Western Australians can be part of a skilled workforce to meet the State’s economic and community needs.

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Our work

We work closely with industry, government and the community across Western Australia to support and facilitate training and workforce development strategies that will build, attract and retain a skilled workforce for now and into the future.

This is achieved through our focus on:

  • planning and leading the State Government response to workforce development issues in Western Australia;
  • growing Western Australia’s workforce through attraction, retention, participation and skilled migration strategies;
  • providing career development services that support individuals to plan and reach employment and career goals;
  • delivering an innovative, flexible and responsive vocational and education training system; and
  • governing the Department’s services and performance systems to ensure they are client centred, of the highest quality and managed in an open, transparent and accountable manner.
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Key documents

The following key documents guide our work. 

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Annual report 2020—21

The Department is pleased to announce that our Annual report 2020—21  is now available. The report provides the Western Australian Parliament and the community with an overview of our performance, as well as budget papers and other strategic documents. It offers transparency, accountability, and compliance with legislative and government policy requirements, focuses on key areas of achievement and describes the functions, operations and performance highlights of the Department over the period.

A key theme is our journey to recovery, highlighting our core focus to train Western Australians for jobs and support the State’s economy through fast-changing and uncertain times. Last financial year saw mass job losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and as we entered this financial year we envisioned and prepared for a long recovery, but instead — with the State’s economy recovering strongly from the COVID-19 pandemic — we are now seeing some of the most promising economic conditions in recent times.

View the full Annual report 2020–21 here

 

Feedback, queries, and previous years' reports

If you would like to see our annual reports from previous years, or if you have any queries or feedback for the Annual report 2020—21, please contact us via info@dtwd.wa.gov.au. 

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Strategic Plan 2019—2023

Strategic Plan.

Our Strategic Plan 2019—2023 sets a clear, high level vision for the future of Western Australia's vocational education and training (VET) sector. It draws on extensive stakeholder consultation, which conveyed consistent views about the Department's emerging priorities and primary activities. The goals of WA Government strategic initiatives are also embedded in the plan.

To achieve our vision of transforming people’s lives and creating strong, vibrant businesses and communities through training, the plan outlines key actions that we will take under the following five priorities.

  1. Drive accessibility and participation in training that lead to jobs and careers, especially in the regions
  2. Embed STEM and digital capability into VET
  3. Drive innovative, quality training content and delivery with employers and industry
  4. Support micro-credentials for more agile skills development
  5. Promote a contemporary and dynamic VET sector domestically and internationally
View our Strategic Plan 2019—2023
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WA State Training Plan

Image of the cover of the State Training Plan 2022—23

Section 21(1)(a) of the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996 requires the State Training Board to provide a State Training Plan for the Minister’s approval.

The State Training Plan is a key strategic document, developed by the WA State Training Board in consultation with industry and other stakeholders, that sets out the training needs of Western Australia's industries, and how those needs should be met by the State Government's investment in vocational education and training (VET). It ensures public investment in VET delivers skills needed by WA industries for future WA jobs.

The State Training Plan 2022–2023 identifies eight priority areas to guide a well-funded, responsive and innovative VET sector that supports the strategic development of the State's industries and the economy.

 

Find out more and view the State Training Plan 2022–2023, on the STB website
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Workforce Diversification and Inclusion Strategy 2021–2025

Workforce Diversification and Inclusion Strategy 2021 – 2025

Our Workforce Diversification and Inclusion Strategy 2021–25 outlines our plan to diversify our workforce and create an inclusive work environment.

It includes separate action plans for each diversity group with tailored initiatives designed to increase the representation of people from diverse backgrounds at all levels across the Department, and ensure our staff experiences a sense of belonging and inclusion at work.

The Strategy supports the Public Sector Commission’s Workforce Diversification and Inclusion Strategy for WA Public Sector Employment 2020–25, and aligns with our Workforce Plan, our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, our Multicultural Plan and Disability Access and Inclusion Plan.

View the Workforce Diversification and Inclusion Strategy 2021–25

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Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2022—26

Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2022–26

The Department is committed to funding and providing services that meet the needs of all Western Australians, and provides ongoing support to assist WA's workforce and vocational education and training (VET) sector to be more accessible; particularly for people with disability.

Our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2022–26 (DAIP) builds on achievements to date and provides the commitment and direction for further progress in improving access and inclusion for people with disability in training and employment.

It outlines plans for how the Department will improve the accessibility of its facilities, services and information for people with disability; build an inclusive VET system that helps break the cycle of disadvantage for people with disability; and provide people of all abilities with the same opportunities, rights and responsibilities. 

View the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2022—26

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Reconciliation Action Plan 2022—23

DTWD Reconciliation Action Plan.

We embrace the spirit of reconciliation, and it plays a key role in helping Aboriginal people in our community acquire skills, qualifications and employment. Our third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a culmination of learnings through our ongoing reconciliation journey in which we aim to embed and continuously improve our cultural capacity.

Our new Innovate RAP strengthens the voice of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees in shaping the strategies and initiatives that influence their working environment. It deepens our engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and other government agencies, and continues our commitment to focus on maximising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s participation in training and sustainable employment. By strengthening and growing these partnerships, we will ensure a broad range of perspectives are included to inform best practice within the training and workforce development sector.

Download the RAP

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Aboriginal Employment Strategy 2019

Aboriginal Employment Strategy 2019

The Department plays an important role in helping to reduce disadvantage and improve economic participation among Aboriginal people. We are actively engaged in providing services that assist Aboriginal people to gain vocational skills and qualifications, find employment, or further their career. As an employer, we are committed to growing and developing our Aboriginal employees.

Our Aboriginal employment strategy 2019 supports our vision for reconciliation, and reflects the Western Australian Public Sector Commission’s key priorities to:

  • attract Aboriginal people to work for the Department;
  • appoint Aboriginal people to positions commensurate with their skills and expertise;
  • advance the careers of Aboriginal employees; and develop Aboriginal leaders.

View the Aboriginal employment strategy 2019 document 

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Review of skills, training and workforce development

On Thursday 21 May 2020, the establishment of an urgent review of skills, training and workforce development in response to COVID-19’s impact on the workforce in Western Australia was announced.

A review team was established, to engage with industry and business to identify practical and responsive training solutions for the post COVID-19 recovery period. Over the review period, the review team met with over 238 stakeholders in 70 meetings. 

A full report from the review is now available. The report sets out a targeted training and skills roadmap for Western Australia's economic recovery, and details 46 recommendations of the review team under five key themes. A paper detailing the WA State Government's response to the recommendations, and notes regarding implementation is also available.

Go to dtwd.wa.gov.au/trainingreview to read more, and view the report and paper

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Our structure

Responsible to the Minister for Education and Training and led by the Director General, Karen Ho, the Department comprises four directorates. Each directorate has a key role to play in all aspects of the Department’s core business, from strategic planning and policy development through to operational functions and programs and services to build and support WA’s workforce. Our organisational structure is outlined in the following diagram.

 

State Training Board

Minister for Education and Training 

 

Department of Training and Workforce Development

Director General: Karen Ho

Training Accreditation Council

 
The Training Accreditation Council (TAC) is Western Australia's registering and course accrediting body. It is responsible for the quality assurance and recognition of VET services in WA. The Department assumed responsibility for the TAC Secretariat on 1 January 2019.

Service Resource Management

 
The Service Resource Management directorate purchases training and other services from TAFE colleges, private training providers and community organisations. The directorate also develops and manages WA’s training infrastructure and develops governance processes to support TAFE colleges.

Corporate

 
The Corporate directorate is responsible for establishing, maintaining and monitoring the Department's governance structures, and providing corporate oversight and administration of the Department's financial, physical and information and communications technology resources.

Policy, Planning and Innovation

 
The Policy, Planning and Innovation directorate determines how the Department's funding will be allocated. Working with industry, training providers, the WA community and government at all levels, the directorate also coordinates the State's response to local needs and national initiatives.

Service Delivery

 
The Service Delivery directorate leads areas that deliver services directly to the WA community. This includes the Apprenticeship Office, Migration Services, TAFE International WA and Training Sector Services.
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Working with us

The Department of Training and Workforce Development is building the workforce to meet the economic and community needs of Western Australia. We are a medium-sized public sector agency leading and working across many areas of Western Australia’s training and workforce development landscape. Our work requires dedicated staff behind the scenes to develop and drive the training and workforce development initiatives, strategies and plans that support the State’s economic and community needs. 

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

As a leader of workforce development for the State, the Department recognises the need to ensure that our own workforce reflects the diversity of the wider community.

Our Workforce Diversification and Inclusion Strategy outlines our commitment to increasing the representation of people from diverse backgrounds at all levels, and to ensuring our staff experiences a sense of belonging and inclusion at work. The Department welcomes people from a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experiences; including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, youth, women, and people of diverse sexualities and genders.

View/download the Workforce Diversification and Inclusion Strategy
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Australian Network on Disability, Diversity Council of Australia

Proud members.

The Department is proud to be a member of the Diversity Council of Australia, and the Australian Network on Disability (AND); leading organisations committed to advancing workforce diversity, inclusion and belonging.

This enables us to learn from people with lived experience, and tap into the knowledge of hundreds of Australia’s leading organisations actively championing accessibility and inclusion for the employees; and commit to removing barriers to employment.

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Mentally healthy workplace

Mental health at the Department.

The Department is committed to building a mentally healthy workplace where all employees are encouraged and supported to thrive at work.

We have been awarded gold level recognition under the Mental Health First Aid Skilled Workplace Program, acknowledging our significant achievements in developing mental health first aid skills in our people and embedding a sustainable and effective mental health wellbeing program.

The Department is also an Act Belong Commit partner, committed to providing a mentally healthy work environment and proactively supporting positive mental health promotion.

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What we offer

Employee benefits

Our employees have access to a range of benefits including:

  • career and professional development programs and opportunities;
  • a comprehensive health and wellbeing program designed to help employees thrive at work;
  • cultural immersion initiatives and cultural leave;
  • employee networking groups, including the Aboriginal Employees Yarning Circle; and
  • salary packaging options.
A business office setting.
Employment opportunities

It is an exciting time to join the Department as we work towards achieving our goals outlined in our Strategic Plan, supporting the State Government’s WA Recovery Plan.

You can keep track of the positions available across the Department on the WA Government jobs board at jobs.wa.gov.au. The Department also participates in the Public Sector Aboriginal Traineeship Program and the School-based Traineeship Program. For more information on applying for a traineeship, visit the Public Sector Commission’s website.

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Media and news

Media statements released by the WA State Government can be found on the State Government’s website.

You can also search all ministerial media releases for items relating to training and workforce development by using the search function, or by searching by Minister.

 

 

For all media enquiries, please contact the Department’s Communications and Marketing team via email at media@dtwd.wa.gov.au and we will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.

To view our current and archived news stories, please visit the What's new section of our website.

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Statement of Business Ethics

This Statement of Business Ethics (Statement) provides guidance to business partners, contractors and suppliers on the values and ethical standards the Department of Training and Workforce Development (the Department) upholds when conducting business, and the conduct and standards the Department expects from its business partners, contractors and suppliers in return. Compliance with this Statement will enable fair and ethical partnerships to be built to the advantage of both parties.

Our Code of Conduct principles

The Department’s Code of Conduct (the Code) sets out principles and standards of behaviour that all employees must observe when performing their duties and is intended to promote accountable and ethical decisionmaking. The Code includes the following principles.
 

  • Principle 1: We value the Department’s reputation and act in the best interest of both the public and Department
  • Principle 2: We act with honesty and integrity
  • Principle 3: We act in an open, transparent and accountable manner and commit to using public resources responsibly
  • Principle 4: We commit to ensuring a healthy and safe workplace
  • Principle 5: We act professionally and treat others with respect, courtesy and fairness
  • Principle 6: We respect and maintain privacy and confidentiality
     

What you can expect from the Department

We will maintain and update all relevant policies, protocols and procedures to reflect legislation and industry best practice to guide employees’ actions and decisions.

You can expect Department employees to:

  • accept responsibility and be accountable for their decisions and actions which at all times will be fair, ethical, transparent and legal;
  • promote and uphold the integrity of the Department and the State Government;
  • act professionally always and provide a proactive and responsive service to maintain excellent and efficient working relationships with all our business partners;
  • disclose any real or perceived conflicts of interest and immediately report any real or perceived unethical behaviour; 
  • utilise public resources efficiently and effectively; and  
  • secure and protect your proprietary and commercial in confidence information.

What the Department expects from you

The Department expects all business partners, contractors and suppliers (and any of their sub-contractors) to be aware of this Statement, and of the Department’s obligations and commitment to comply with the law and applicable legislation. The Department expects all business partners, contractors and suppliers to act ethically, fairly and legally and provide goods and services in compliance with contract and purchasing requirements.

The Department takes a zero tolerance approach to unethical behaviour, including fraud and corruption, which will be investigated and may result in negative consequences such as:

  • termination of contracts and loss of future work with the Department;
  • debarment from supplying goods, services or works to State Government agencies;
  • damage to business reputation;
  • referral to investigative bodies including the Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) and the Public Sector Commission (PSC) and/or criminal investigation.

Practical guidelines

Conflicts of interest

Procurement Review Committee and Evaluation Panel Members and employees must ensure there is no actual, perceived or potential conflict of interest between their personal interests and the impartial fulfilment of their public duties and functions. This includes those that exist, or could arise, from personal relationships between employees and staff of contractors and the suppliers of goods and services.

Any conflicts of interest must be disclosed and the offering of inducements to any employee, or collusion with employees or other contractors, must be scrupulously avoided.

The Department has systems to manage any actual, perceived or potential conflicts of interest which may include for example; the removal of an employee from a tendering process. Any conflict of interest must be resolved in favour of the public interest.

Confidentiality and intellectual property
The Department will take all reasonable steps to protect your proprietary and commercial in confidence information. Such information will not be released without your permission or as required by the Freedom of Information Act 1992 or other applicable legislation.The specific requirements of copyright laws and individual contracts must be adhered to in relation to confidentiality and intellectual property.
Communication and cooperation
The Department and its business partners, contractors and suppliers will maintain business relationships based on open and effective communication, respect and trust and adopt a non-adversarial approach to dispute resolution.
Secondary employment

Business partners, contractors and suppliers must not offer Department employees secondary employment that conflicts with the employee’s public duties.

Gifts, benefits and hospitality

Procurement Review Committee and Evaluation panel members and employees do not expect and will not seek from business partners, contractors and suppliers any incentives, gifts or acts of hospitality for carrying out normal business activity.

Any offers of gifts, benefits or hospitality must be declared and recorded in the Department’s Gift Register, as per Department policy.  

The offer of gifts, benefits and hospitality must not be encumbered by an obligation or to seek a favourable outcome that creates a real or perceived conflict of interest (for example; during a tendering process or prior to a contract performance review).

Public comment
Representatives of business partners, contractors and suppliers must not make any public comment or statement that may lead anyone to believe that they are representing the Department.
Public interest disclosure

The Department does not tolerate corrupt or other improper conduct, including mismanagement of public resources, in the exercise of its public functions, and is committed to the aims of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003.

If you wish to make a disclosure please visit the Department’s website at dtwd.wa.gov.au/about-us#public-interest-disclosure or contact the Department’s Principal Public Interest Disclosure Officer (Assistant Director Training Sector Labour Relations) on 08 6551 5179.

Reporting misconduct to external agencies
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 and the Corruption, Crime and Misconduct Act 2003 protect persons who disclose misconduct from reprisal or detrimental action and ensure disclosures are properly assessed and dealt with. Information on how to make disclosures to the PSC or the CCC can be obtained by visiting their websites.
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Public interest disclosure

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 (the Act) promotes accountability within government agencies by facilitating the disclosure of public interest information involving misconduct, offences, misuse of public resources or risks to public health or safety. The Act also serves as a means to protect those who make disclosures to appropriate authorities, and those who are the subject of disclosures.

The Department of Training and Workforce Development recognises the value and importance of reporting to identify and address potential wrongdoing. We will respond to disclosures thoroughly and impartially, and treat all people in the disclosure process fairly — including those who may be the subject of a disclosure.

Our PID policy and procedures provide further information on how the Department deals with and processes public interest disclosures. 

View the Public interest disclosure policy

PID enquiries

We strongly encourage anyone thinking about making a public interest disclosure to seek confidential advice from the Department's principal PID officer before making a disclosure. All enquiries will be treated in confidence.

Ms Jacqueline Furey, Director Human Resources
P: 08 6551 5070
E: jacqueline.furey@dtwd.wa.gov.au

Lodging a disclosure of public interest information

Those wishing to make a disclosure of public interest information under the Act are encouraged to do so in writing. The Public interest disclosure lodgement form is available to assist you in defining the details of your disclosure. Once completed, please email it to the Departmet's nominated PID Officer (details above).

View/download the Public interest disclosure lodgement form

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Freedom of information

Freedom of Information (FOI) gives the public a right to access government documents, subject to some limitations.

In Western Australia, under the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (the FOI Act), the right applies to documents held by most State government agencies (such as departments, public hospitals, public universities and State government authorities), Ministers and local government.

Documents accessible under the FOI Act include paper records, plans and drawings, photographs, tape recordings, films, videotapes or information stored in a computerised form.

View the Department's Access to information policy (May 2020)

You might also find these Frequently asked questions about FOI useful

A person reaching for a file.

You can also find out more about the FOI Act by visiting the WA Office of the Information Commissioner’s website.

For further information, please contact the Department's FOI coordinator via email to foi.coordinator@dtwd.wa.gov.au.

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Contact us

Write to us

For enquiries, feedback or complaints please use our online form available here.

Or by post to:

Department of Training and Workforce Development
Locked Bag 16
Osborne Park DC 6916

Call us

08 6551 5000
For callers outside of Australia: +618 6551 5000

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Apprenticeship Office

The Apprenticeship Office registers and administers training contracts, and regulates the apprenticeship system in Western Australia.

Call us

Phone 13 19 54

For callers outside Western Australia, please call 08 6551 5499

Write to us

Email apprenticeshipoffice@dtwd.wa.gov.au or use our online enquiry form.

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Migration Services

The Migration Services team provides a settlement information and referral service for skilled migrants, including overseas qualification assessments for Western Australian residents.

Visit us

The Migration Services team is located at 1 Prospect Place, West Perth.

Visit our website migration.wa.gov.au

 

Call us

Migration Services: +618 9224 6540

Write to us

Email:  migration@dtwd.wa.gov.au

 

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Muresk Institute

Muresk Institute is dedicated to supporting the growth of a skilled rural workforce. With a focus on the agriculture, agribusiness, health and mining industries, Muresk Institute is an education and training facility that aims to improve rural productivity, build capacity and attract and retain a skilled rural workforce in Western Australia.

Visit us

Muresk Institute is located on Muresk Road, approximately 10km southwest of Northam.

Visit our website at dtwd.wa.gov.au/muresk

 

Call us

1300 994 031

For callers outside of Western Australia please call 08 9690 1591

For callers outside of Australia please call  +618 9690 1591

Write to us

Email: muresk@dtwd.wa.gov.au

Or by post to:

Muresk Institute
Locked Bag 2
Northam WA 6401

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TAFE International WA

TIWA is responsible for the recruitment and admission of international students studying at Western Australian TAFE colleges. It also manages the placement of overseas students into WA public schools.

Visit us

The TIWA team is located at the East Perth TAFE campus – Building B, Level 2, 140 Royal St East Perth.

Visit our website tafeinternational.wa.edu.au

 

Call us

08 9218 2100

For callers outside of Australia please phone +618 9218 2100

 

Write to us

Use the online enquiry form available on our website.

 

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Enquiries, compliments and complaints

The Department welcomes your enquiries, and we want to hear what you have to say. Your feedback helps us understand more about what’s important to our clients and stakeholders, and your complaints let us know where there’s something we need to improve.

Enquiries

Please use our online enquiry form and we will make sure your enquiry is handled as quickly as possible, so that we can get back to you with the information you’re looking for.

Enquiry form

Compliments and feedback

We appreciate knowing when our clients are happy, and like to recognise and acknowledge a job well done. We will be sure to forward your compliment on to the right area. We also appreciate your feedback for improvement. Please use our online feedback form.

Feedback form

Complaints

We believe in continuous improvement, and we aim to deliver services that benefit the Western Australian community. We invite you to let us know if there’s a situation or an issue that you’re not happy about, or if you feel we need to improve our service in some way. In accordance with our Complaints management policy; we will respond via the contact details you provide with a formal acknowledgement of your complaint within two business days, and an update or resolution within ten business days.

Complaints form

Please read our privacy guidelines for information on how the Department manages information you provide.

If you would prefer to contact us in writing or over the phone, please refer to our Contact us information for postal address and telephone number details.

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Legislative framework, policies and guidelines

The Department of Training and Workforce Development manages the State Government’s investment in vocational education and training and builds the Western Australian workforce for the future.

This work is carried out across the sector in accordance with relevant legislation and our own policy framework developed through stakeholder engagement and consultation.

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Legislation

Vocational Education and Training Act 1996 (the VET Act)

The VET Act prescribes how the VET system operates in Western Australia. Its main objectives are to:

  • establish a State training system for the effective and efficient provision of vocational education and training to meet the immediate and future needs of industry and the community;
  • provide for the recognition of vocational education and training, training providers, qualifications and skills;
  • provide a means by which the State is able to meet its obligations under national arrangements relating to vocational education and training;
  • promote equality of opportunity to undertake vocational education and training;
  • provide for research and development for the purposes of vocational education and training; and
  • allow for the operation of an open and competitive training market in this State.

The Act, under Part 5, also prescribes the establishment and functions of WA’s TAFE colleges, and under Part 7 the obtaining of VET qualifications including the registration and administration of training contracts for the apprenticeship and traineeship system in Western Australia. You can view the full VET Act document online.

Vocational Education and Training (General) Regulations 2009 and the Vocational Education and Training (Colleges) Regulations 2006

You can view both of these Regulations online.

(Colleges Regulations)
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Statutory bodies, advisory groups and training regulation

Under the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996, the following bodies have been established.

WA State Training Board

The State Training Board (the Board) is a statutory body established by Part 3 of the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996, and is the peak industry training advisory body to the Education and Training Minister in Western Australia. The Board comprises members appointed by the Minister for their industry expertise and their ability to make a high level contribution to the strategic direction of the State's vocational education and training system. A key function of the Board includes the preparation of the State Training Plan that provides a four year outlook into Western Australia’s skills needs and priorities.

For more information, please visit the WA State Training Board website at stb.wa.gov.au.

Industry training advisory bodies

Under section 21(1)(b) of the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996 the State Training Board recognises various industry training advisory bodies from which the Board takes advice for the purpose of drafting a State Training Plan or making recommendations to the Minister on apprenticeships and traineeships.

The State Training Board currently recognises 11 industry training advisory bodies:

  • nine industry training councils funded by the Department of Training and Workforce Development;
  • the Public Sector Commission for advice on State Government Administration; and
  • the WA Local Government Association (WALGA) for advice on Local Government Administration.

A full list of WA ITCs is available on the WA State Training Board website.

The Training Accreditation Council

Established as per Part 4 of the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996, TAC is Western Australia’s independent statutory body for the quality assurance and recognition of vocational education and training (VET) services. TAC’s key responsibilities include the:

  • registration of WA training providers delivering nationally recognised VET training in accordance with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015; and
  • accreditation of VET courses under the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF).

For more information, please visit the TAC website at tac.wa.gov.au.

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Policy

The following policy documents relate to the Department’s role as Western Australia’s State Training Authority, with responsibility for administering the State’s VET system. This involves managing the investment of public resources to provide a quality training system.

Apprenticeship and traineeship policy

This document outlines the requirements associated with the commencement, registration, variation and completion of the training contract for apprenticeships and traineeships and provides support in the interpretation of the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996 and the Vocational Education and Training (General) Regulations 2009 .

This policy contains information relating to school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, trade skills recognition (TSR), trade certificates, and travel and accommodation allowance (TAA) for apprentices and trainees.

View the Apprenticeship and traineeship policy (v2.0 10 July 2020)
Complaints management policy

This policy establishes the complaints management process for the Department for complaints made by external clients, members of the public and other government agencies. The policy conforms with the relevant Australian Standard and Public Sector requirements.

View the Complaints management policy document
(v6.1: November 2021)

Government building training policy

Important notice
From 1 April 2019, the Priority Start policy will replace the Government building training (GBT) policy. Those contracted under the GBT policy will have the option to transition to the Priority Start policy from 1 July 2019, once their 2018–19 reporting obligations have been fulfilled. No new tenders or contracts should include clauses relating to the GBT policy.

Further information on the new policy, including transition arrangements, is available on the Priority Start policy page

GBT resources and further information

The following resources are still available to assist contractors and State Government agencies with contracts reporting under GBT policy.

General information
For contractors

Head contractors

Subcontractors

Target training rate

For State Government agencies

If you require any further assistance, please contact the GBT policy officer on 08 6551 5607 during business hours, or email policy.gbt@dtwd.wa.gov.au.

Language services policy and guidelines

The Department of Training and Workforce Development is committed to the use of competent interpreters and translators to provide a service to those unable to communicate through written and spoken English. This policy ensures that the rights of Western Australians who are unable to communicate effectively in spoken or written English to access Government funded services are not compromised by this inability.

View the Language services policy document
View the Language services guidelines document

Priority Start policy

The Priority Start policy came into effect in WA on 1 April 2019, replacing the previous Government building training policy (GBT), and applies to State Government building, construction and maintenance contracts resulting from tenders released from 1 April 2019. Under the policy, all head contractors awarded State Government building, construction, civil construction and maintenance contracts valued over $5 million must meet the industry's average target training rate for apprentices and trainees.

View the Priority Start policy document

Full details about the policy, and helpful information and resources, are available on our Priority Start page

Public interest disclosure (PID) policy

The Department of Training and Workforce Development (the Department) is committed to the aims and objectives of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 (PID Act). It recognises the value and importance of contributions of all Department employees to enhance administrative and management practices, and strongly supports disclosures being made by Department employees about misconduct, offences, misuse of public resources or risks to public health and safety.

This policy applies to all Department employees, public sector contractors, and any person making a disclosure to the Department relating to a matter of public interest information where the discloser prefers that their identity remains confidential to protect them from victimisation or other reprisal by reporting an issue. A copy of the related PID procedures is available on request. 

View the Public interest disclosure policy document
 
School-based apprenticeship and traineeship policy
As of November 2018, the School-based apprenticeship and traineeship policy is now incorporated into the Apprenticeship and traineeship policy.
 
Sponsorship policy

This policy outlines the sponsorship principles and procedures to be followed as part of all sponsorship arrangements; both providing and receiving, and prior to any binding commitment given by the Department of Training and Workforce Development or TAFE college.

View the Sponsorship policy document 

View the Sponsorship procedures document, including forms 

TAFE Admissions policy

This policy outlines the framework for admission to publicly funded VET award qualifications at TAFE colleges. It contains detailed information on the processes applied by TAFE Admissions to select prospective students for places in full time courses and by TAFE colleges to select students in part time qualifications.

View the TAFE Admissions policy document

Trade certificate policy

As of November 2018, the Trade certificate policy is now incorporated into the Apprenticeship and traineeship policy.

 

Trade skills recognition policy

As of November 2018, the Trade skills recognition policy is now incorporated into the Apprenticeship and traineeship policy.

 

Travel and accommodation allowance policy

As of November 2018, the Travel and accommodation allowance policy is now incorporated into the Apprenticeship and traineeship policy.

 

VET fees and charges policy

This policy outlines the procedures governing the administration of fees and charges by registered training providers who deliver vocational education and training funded by the Western Australian Department of Training and Workforce Development.
 

VET delivered to secondary students: Funding policy

This policy outlines the eligibility of enrolled school students to access funding for approved courses listed in the list of VET courses funded for delivery to secondary students. 
 

The following VETDSS 2022 Pilot program policy outlines the scope and detail of a new pilot program to support the WA State Government’s commitment to increase the number of vocational education and training places for students in secondary schools. The pilot will be run during Semester 2 2022, and is effective from 1 July 2022 to 31 December 2022.  This document is an addendum to the VET delivered to secondary students (VETDSS) funding policy.
 

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Guidelines

Travel and accommodation allowance (TAA)

Through TAA, the Department assists apprentices and trainees with travel and accommodation related to the completion of their off the job training component. Assistance is also available to lecturers and employers whose travel and accommodation arrangements meet the requirements of the policy. Full information about TAA is available in the Apprenticeship and traineeship policy, available under the Policy section of this page.

View the Procedures for TAA for apprenticeships document

The following must be used for all TAA claims.

For enquiries relating to TAA, or to submit application forms, please contact taa@dtwd.wa.gov.au.

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Priority Start policy

The Priority Start policy came into effect in Western Australia on 1 April 2019, replacing the previous Government building training (GBT) policy. The new policy meets the State Government’s Plan for Jobs commitment to maximise opportunities for apprentices and trainees on all major State Government funded building, construction and maintenance contracts. 

Priority Start aims to ensure a sustainable construction trades workforce for WA by increasing the overall numbers of apprentices and trainees in the building and construction industry. To achieve this, the policy requires companies awarded State Government building construction, civil construction and maintenance contracts valued over $5 million (including GST) to meet the industry's average target training rate for apprentices and trainees. 

View the Priority Start policy

A major construction project.
A major construction project.
A major construction project.
A major construction project.
A major construction project.
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Who's in scope

State Government agencies issuing building, construction and maintenance contracts and the head contractor and subcontractors used for the contracts are in scope of the Priority Start policy. Government trading enterprises (GTEs) should consider the policy when procuring these contracts. 

What's new under Priority Start

  • Applies to contracts with a total value over $5 million (including GST).
  • Separate target training rates for general construction – 11.5%, and civil construction – 5%.
  • Contractor reporting has been reduced to once a year.
  • Expanded range of in-scope qualifications and construction trades worker occupations.
  • Probationary apprentices/trainees are now included in the training rate calculation.
  • Stronger monitoring and compliance.
  • Panels established to consider head contractor requests to vary their training rate.

Transitioning to Priority Start

Head contractors reporting under the GBT policy will have the option to transition to the Priority Start policy from 1 July 2019, once their 2018–19 reporting obligations have been fulfilled.
Note: No tenders issued from 1 April 2019 should include clauses relating to the GBT Policy.

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Enquiries and assistance

If you require any further assistance, or have any queries, please contact our Priority Start officer on 08 6551 5607 during business hours or email policy.prioritystart@dtwd.wa.gov.au.

     

    The following photos appearing on this page are used with permission.

    • Optus Stadium transport construction (also used on home page), and Forrestfield Airport Link project: courtesy of the Public Transport Authority WA;
    • NorthLink WA and Nicholson Rd (Bridge) over rail projects: courtesy of Main Roads WA; and
    • Yagan Square construction: courtesy of Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority.
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    Western Australian Defence Industry Workforce Office (WADIWO)

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    What we do

    The Western Australian Defence Industry Workforce Office (WADIWO) was established in May 2019 as an outcome of the Advancing Education, Training and Skilling Strategy, part of the Western Australian Defence and Defence Industries Strategic Plan launched by the Premier in 2018.

    The WADIWO leads the development of the WA Defence Industry Workforce Development Plans, working closely with Defence West and collaboratively with education and training providers, taking input from the WA defence industry and with the support of the Department of Training and Workforce Development. The plans focus on priority projects across all five of the capability domains in the Commonwealth Government’s Defence 2020 Defence Strategic Update and the 2020 Force Structure Plan. It also developed a state-based skills profile for naval shipbuilding to enable WA's education and training providers to better respond to emerging workforce needs.

    Western Australian Defence Industry Workforce Office
    Western Australian Defence Industry Workforce Office
    Western Australian Defence Industry Workforce Office
    Western Australian Defence Industry Workforce Office
    Western Australian Defence Industry Workforce Office
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    Supporting WA's defence industry

    To ensure a holistic approach towards defence industry workforce development, and support the expanded scope to include white and grey collar roles, WADIWO is now co-located with the Department of Training and Workforce Development. This  is a natural transition as WADIWO’s work expands to look at the defence industry’s professional and paraprofessional as well as trades workforce, and includes greater collaboration with WA’s highly capable universities and TAFE colleges. The Department also provides additional strength to WADIWO’s capabilities, with comprehensive workforce planning and labour market analysis expertise.

    An historic $270 billion is being invested by the Commonwealth Government to modernise Australia’s defence capability, securing our nation while strengthening our defence industry and creating Australian jobs. Conservative estimates are that defence industry activity currently contributes $3 billion to WA’s economy annually and, when already-approved Commonwealth defence projects and investment for future work is accounted for, this is realistically expected to almost double in the decade ahead.

    Contact the WADIWO

    If you would like to contact the WADIWO team, please call or email via the following.

    P: 08 6551 5145
    E: wadiwo@dtwd.wa.gov.au

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    A growing industry brings job opportunities

    Over the next decade and beyond, the demand will increase for Australian workers with trade, technical, science, engineering and technology skills to design, install, build, integrate and maintain our ships, submarines, aircraft, land vehicles, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and information technology and cyber security, and provide services to support the men and women in the Australian Defence Force.

    WADIWO’s work on formulating trades workforce strategies for the maritime defence industry resulted in the WA Government’s $18.34 million investment in defence initiatives, which was added to with a further $11 million investment in the WA State Budget 2022—23. This includes boosting new initiatives for defence industry training, an overarching marketing campaign to build greater awareness of defence industry career opportunities and the creation of specialised career guidance and industry engagement at the Rockingham Jobs and Skills Centre.

    This is an exciting and growing industry to be involved in, and an unprecedented level of investment provides the WA economy with significant long term opportunities.

    Western Australian Defence Industry Workforce Office
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    Forge your career path in WA's defence industry

    Opportunities for everyone!  
    • Australia’s defence industry will provide increasing and rewarding long term career opportunities, as a number of major defence projects ramp up over the next decade.
    • New opportunities will be available in the Western Australian companies that win defence contracts, and across their supply chain.
    • Jobs in the defence industry encompass a broad array of industries, skills and defence disciplines.
    • WA vocational education and training (VET) providers including TAFE colleges and registered training organisations (RTOs) and universities have defence industry relevant training courses and professional programs to suit a range of occupations and job roles across the entire defence sector.

    To find out more about the job and career opportunities available in WA's defence industry, and the training to get you there, visit the Defence page of the Jobs and Skills WA website.

    Go to jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/defence > 
    Free support and assistance

    Western Australia's Jobs and Skills Centres offer free career guidance, information about training options, and employment assistance — they're a one-stop-shop for anyone looking to get into training, seeking a job, or making a career change. You can call your local JSC on 13 64 64, or find your nearest centre and drop in for a chat.

    A dedicated defence industry team is available at the Rockingham Jobs and Skills Centre to undertake careers promotion across all schools, and with veterans, and provide advice to jobseekers and potential defence industry workers about options for training and career planning. All services are free, and available to anyone in WA. To contact the team, call or email the Rockingham JSC or drop in for a chat.

    P: 08 9599 8655
    E: defence.careers@smtafe.wa.edu.au
    South Metropolitan TAFE Rockingham campus.  Simpson Avenue Rockingham (Building G)

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    Page last updated June 09, 2022