The Future of Work in Australia: Preparing Graduates for Changing Work Patterns that Require New Skill Sets

Abstract

This chapter explores the key data and issues effecting Australian VET and higher education (HE) graduates' preparation for the transition from education to work. In particular, we investigate current data collection mechanisms which record aspects of graduate work-readiness (GWR) in Australia for both the VET and HE sectors. The chapter then addresses contemporary challenges for the future of work and GWR in Australia; this chapter also updates and builds on the Australian chapter presented in `Transitions from Education to Work. Workforce ready challenges in the Asia Pacific', and examines GWR from the perspectives of each of the major stakeholders, namely, government, industry, education providers and the graduates themselves, including what current policies and programmes are in place to address GWR challenges.