The Australian Government wants experts and insiders to inform the future of its vocational training subsidies.

The government has opened a new round of consultation ahead of reforms it wants to deliver more industry-relevant and flexible national training packages.

The Industry Minister says this will drive improvements to productivity and competitiveness.

Minister for Industry Ian Macfarlane has put out two discussion papers on the design and implementation of training packages, which focus on finding improvements and “better outcomes” for students and employers.

“This is the first time in almost 20 years that there’s been an honest assessment of whether training packages are delivering what students need to get a job, and what industry needs to enhance its productivity through access to the right skills,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“Australian Governments spend more than $7 billion a year on the training system and we need to improve the way that training is developed and designed, with a stronger role for industry.

“Through extensive consultations, we have heard the message loud and clear that the days of one-size-fits-all in the training system are over,” he said.

The first discussion paper, Review of Training Packages and Accredited Courses, will seek comments on whether training packages are meeting the needs of industry, employers, students and the economy.

The second, Industry Engagement in Training Package Development – Towards a Contestable Model, will examine contestable approaches for the development and maintenance of training packages.

The discussion papers and options for feedback are accessible here.