The Hon Ian Macfarlane MP, Minister for Industry, led the largest ever Australian skills delegation of over 100 representatives from across the industry and training sector to India to attend the third India Australia Skills Conference in Mumbai, India, on 11 November 2014.

 

Minister Macfarlane met with India’s new Minister for Labour and Employment, Shri Dattatraya, to discuss changes and challenges in the Australian and Indian VET sectors and industry, delivered the keynote address and launched an innovative VET pilot programme to be trialled in India over the next 12 months.

 

Australian registered training providers working with industry, Indian training providers or governments will deliver this programme. The courses will be delivered under the Australia Future Unlimited brand.

 

The conference also provided excellent networking opportunities for delegates and facilitated plans for future Australia India skills collaboration through the signing of seven memoranda of understanding.

 

Held under the auspices of the Australia India Education Council (AIEC) Skills Working Group, the third India Australia Skills Conference – Skills for Better Business – was jointly organised by the Departments of Education and Industry.

 

Chaired by the Education Ministers of both countries, the AIEC is a key mechanism for maintaining high-level government involvement in bilateral education, training and research engagement.

 

The AIEC has met twice since its inauguration in 2011 with a third meeting expected in 2015.

 

Four AIEC working groups pursue an ambitious agenda in the priority areas of skills, higher education and research, student mobility and welfare, and quality assurance and qualifications recognition.

 

Further information:  Dr Amanda Day, South Asia, Policy and Systems Branch, International Group