Big step for Albo’s new employment scheme

The Albanese government will set aside $9.1m to prepare a business case as they seek to launch a National Skills Passport.

Employers will be able to match more easily with skilled workers according to the Albanese government as it takes a big step towards launching its National Skills Passport scheme.

The government on Sunday announced it is preparing a business case for the skills passport, ahead of Monday’s release of the Employment White Paper.

The passport would collect a person’s qualifications across a number of institutions – such as university and TAFE – and make it easier for an employer to search for skilled workers.

Preparing the business case will cost $9.1m, which includes a wide-ranging consultation.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the National Skills Passport will make it easier for both employers and employees. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The government said the passport aims to “make it easier for employees to demonstrate their skills, change jobs and upskill, while making it simpler for employers to hire new staff with the skills and qualifications they need.”

Businesses, unions, tertiary institutions, states and territories and students will be involved in the consultation period.

Education Minister Jason Clare said the passport will make it easier for employees to demonstrate the skills they have. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the scheme would make the workforce more adaptable.

“For more and more workers in the future, their education won’t finish when they graduate school or complete their apprenticeship – they’ll need to continue to retrain, renew and re-skill,” Dr Chalmers said.

“Our goal is to make it easier for workers to have their qualifications recognised and easier for employers to find the well-trained, highly-qualified workers they need.”

Education Minister Jason Clare said retraining and re-skilling is becoming increasingly necessary.

“A National Skills Passport could make it easier for employees to demonstrate the skills they have, and for employers to have confidence that employees have the skills they need,” Mr Clare said.