Jobs in the finance, tech and business sectors are evolving quickly; employment and learning pathways need to be simple and made more accessible.

Stakeholders point out that entry level employment pathways are not well defined or understood, resulting in learning pathways and associated qualifications lacking relevance.

And with the rising cost of living and growing demand for contextualised learning, pathways focusing on earning while learning are becoming more essential.

By 2033, over 90% of new jobs will require post-secondary qualifications, with 44% of those having VET as the primary pathway. This presents a unique opportunity to elevate VET’s status as a primary career option.

However, training providers are concerned that the expectations for entry level positions are being raised as the skills landscape is evolving and changing - making these roles less defined and harder to obtain straight out of training without on-the-job-experience.

Defining pathways into finance, technology and business - especially for mid-career professionals with transferable skills - offers a chance to tap into a broader talent pool. Highlighting these pathways at the primary and secondary school levels also brings long-term benefits.

Collaboration between government, industry and training providers is crucial to ensure appropriate funding, skill standards and adaptable training. A closer partnership between universities and VET will further create accessible, clear career pathways for all learners, as outlined in the Australian Universities Accord which aims to drive lasting and transformative reform in the tertiary  education system.