A delegation of experts from Australia's skills sector, including Hunter TAFE Institute Director, Phil Cox, arrived in India last week to explore how they can partner to meet this country's burgeoning demand for skills development.

The Australia Skills Mission to India includes representation from Australia's government owned Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions, private skills training providers, industry peak bodies, Industry Skills Councils, and Commonwealth and State/Territory governments.

Conference participants also had the opportunity to gain a further understanding of successful quality VET skills development models already operating and they participated in discussions about what was working well in India.

Phil Cox and TAFE partner Michael Bhullar of Bhullar Education services (XLT JAYPEE) were on a panel of experts for a discussion titled “VET projects that work”. The interactive panel discussed how programs were structured and set up and to be successful.

Following this, a memorandum of understanding and contract was signed with Bhullar Education services to provide a recognition process for staff and students in Heavy Automotive, following the previous contract to provide a recognition process for Light Engineering Fabrication

“Australia and India share a mutual goal to shape a skilled workforce to lift the productivity of the nation, these initial contracts for Hunter TAFE have the potential for significant growth in business opportunities for delivery of training services in India,” Phil said.

India needs to train up to 500 million people by 2022, and is projected to add 12 to 15 million workers to its labour force every year over the coming decades. Quality training delivery and standards will be essential and Australia is well positioned to provide this expertise. 

“Both countries recognise the valuable contribution that vocational education and training plays in improving skills and preparing students for the increasing demands of the workforce, as well as strengthening national competitiveness,” Phil said.

Image | Peter Nolan from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, CEO of Bhullar Education Services, Michael Bhullar, Hunter TAFE Institute Director, Phil Cox and Commander Singh, JAYPEE Group