Industry Reference Groups (IRG) / Jobs and Skills Councils (JSC)
Evolution Timeline
2016-2022: Industry Reference Committees (IRCs) operated as part of the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) system, working with Skills Service Organisations (SSOs)
2023-Present: System transitioned to 10 Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs) - industry-owned and industry-led organisations providing stronger strategic voice
What Are Jobs and Skills Councils?
Jobs and Skills Councils are not-for-profit companies that are industry-owned and industry-led. They bring together employers, unions, and governments in a tripartite arrangement to find solutions to skills and workforce challenges. JSCs replaced the previous IRC/SSO system to provide industry with a stronger, more strategic voice in ensuring Australia's VET sector delivers better outcomes for learners and employers.
What They Do
Four Core Functions
1. Workforce Planning
Identify skills and workforce needs, map career pathways, create workforce analysis and projections
2. Training Product Development
Develop contemporary VET training products to improve quality, speed to market, and responsiveness
3. Implementation & Promotion
Partner with training providers to align workforce planning with national training products and career advice
4. Intelligence & Analysis
Act as source of intelligence on issues affecting industries, support collaboration between industry and providers
The 10 Jobs and Skills Councils
1. Agribusiness JSC
Sectors: Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation & Land Management, Forestry, Furniture, Textiles & Fashion
Website: agribusiness-jsc.com.au
2. Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism & Hospitality JSC (SaCSA)
Sectors: Creative Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism, Hospitality, Events, Sport & Recreation
Website: sacsa.org.au
3. Built & Natural Environment JSC (BuildSkills Australia)
Sectors: Construction, Plumbing, Property Services, Electrotechnology, Gas, Water
Website: buildskills.com.au
4. Business Services & Technology JSC (SkillsIQ)
Sectors: Business, Financial Services, Information Technology, Telecommunications, Education, Library & Information Services
Website: skillsiq.com.au
5. Care, Community & Social Services JSC
Sectors: Community Services, Health, Early Childhood Education & Care
Website: ccssjsc.com.au
6. Energy, Water & Utilities JSC (Australian Industry Standards)
Sectors: Energy, Utilities, Water, Resources & Infrastructure
Website: australianindustrystandards.org.au
7. Manufacturing JSC (Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance)
Sectors: Manufacturing, Engineering, Food, Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Printing, Plastics, Rubber
Website: ibsa.org.au
8. Mining & Automotive JSC (AUSMASA)
Sectors: Resources & Infrastructure, Mining, Drilling, Civil, Automotive
Website: ausmasa.com.au
9. Public Safety & Government JSC (Public Skills Australia)
Sectors: Public Safety, Government, Defence, Emergency Services, Policing, Firefighting, Corrections
Website: publicskillsaustralia.org.au
10. Transport & Logistics JSC (Industry Skills Australia)
Sectors: Aviation, Maritime, Rail, Road Transport, Warehousing, Postal, Courier, Stevedoring
Website: industryskillsaustralia.org.au
Key Information
Governance
Work closely with Jobs and Skills Australia and state/territory governments
Structure
Industry-owned, tripartite model with employers, unions, and government
Funding
Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations