Community Services Health & Education Training Council Inc
The Community Services Health & Education Training Council Inc, now operating as Community Skills WA, is a not-for-profit organisation based in Western Australia. It provides strategic industry advice to the Western Australian Government on vocational education and training (VET) needs for the health, community services, and education sectors[1][2].

Overview

Established to address workforce development challenges, the organisation acts as an intermediary between industry stakeholders, training providers, and government bodies. Its primary role involves identifying skill gaps, advocating for sector-specific training programs, and advising on policy to align training delivery with workforce demands[2][5].

Functions and Activities

• Industry Advocacy: Advises the WA State Training Board and Department of Training and Workforce Development on priority occupations, regional skill shortages, and training opportunities[5].
• Training Program Development: Designs targeted skill sets and traineeships, including initiatives such as the COVID-19 Direct Care Skill Set and Financial Counselling Traineeship[5].
• Policy Input: Contributes to state and national training package reviews, such as reforms to aged care, mental health, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker qualifications[5].
• Research and Reporting: Conducts workforce surveys, including the WA Jobs, Education Training (WAJET) Survey, and publishes industry analyses like the Social Assistance and Allied Health Report[5].

Governance and Structure

The organisation collaborates with sector-specific Industry Advisory Groups, including committees for aged care, disability, enrolled nursing, and mental health. These groups ensure training frameworks reflect evolving industry standards and regulatory requirements[5].

Historical Context

Initially focused on advising the WA Government on vocational training pathways, the organisation rebranded to Community Skills WA while retaining its original governance structure. Its work emphasizes regional workforce development, particularly in addressing disparities in access to training and employment opportunities[2][5].

Impact

Community Skills WA has facilitated partnerships between employers, schools, and training providers to promote vocational pathways. Key achievements include piloting the Enterprise Training Program and developing pre-traineeship courses in disability and community health sectors[5].

[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/d7c11ef2-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd [2] https://cswa.org.au [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/d7c11ef2-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd/documents/78dc0c55-d352-ea11-a813-000d3ad1cd99 [4] https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.community_services_health__education_training_council_inc.5b532d7da427d6502e86f73055e96ac2.html [5] https://cswa.org.au/about/