Transformation of the Australian VET Sector: Investigations into the Key Competencies Required of the Australian Workforce in the Era of Industry 4.0 Technologies

Abstract

With the commencement of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the future of new jobs, worker skills, and competencies appears to be a major concern for the Australian economy. There is widespread agreement that the current revolution (i.e., Industry 4.0) will impact both labour force transformation and future worker education. As a result, it is of high importance for researchers and practitioners in the Australian vocational and educational training (VET) sector to investigate the skills and abilities that will serve as the foundation for jobs in the third millennium. Hence, this paper aims to provide a scoping review of the skills and competencies needed in the Australian workforce in light of the Industry 4.0 revolution. Besides this, the paper offers knowledge-based contributions for all stakeholders to encourage and facilitate the transition of Australian businesses and workers to the Industry 4.0 revolution.