A new research paper released by Jobs and Skills Australia highlights the essential role of First Nations people in building a strong, culturally responsive vocational education and training (VET) workforce.
The First Nations VET Workforce Research Paper is an extension of JSA’s VET Workforce Study, and shows that First Nations-led approaches are central, not supplementary, to quality training outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners and communities. The research into accredited training programs emphasises self-determination, genuine community engagement and the valuing of Indigenous expertise as key foundations of effective workforce development.
The Paper finds the First Nations VET workforce grew by 18% between 2016 and 2021, faster than the overall VET workforce. However, First Nations people remain underrepresented at just 2% of the workforce, compared with 3.2% of the Australian population, signalling both strong momentum and a clear need for further investment.
First Nations educators improve learner engagement and completion rates, while also helping address skills shortages, particularly in regional and remote areas. Strengthening this workforce supports Closing the Gap priorities and contributes to more resilient local economies across sectors such as care, land management, business and technology.
While systemic barriers persist, including cultural load, insecure employment and limited career pathways, the research highlights the strength and contribution of First Nations VET workers. Five co-developed design principles offer practical guidance for governments, RTOs and VET leaders to create culturally safe workplaces and grow a workforce led by and for First Nations people. The Design Principles have been co-developed with First Nations leaders and VET practitioners and are a practical tool which will enable successful local co-design processes to guide government and industry on practical steps to grow and sustain the First Nations VET workforce.
The Paper provides the VET sector with clear evidence and actionable direction to support First Nations participation, delivering lasting benefits for learners, communities and Australia’s future skills system.
