Future of Queensland s international education and training sector

Transcription

1 Submission to the International Education and Training Advisory Council Queensland on the Future of Queensland s international education and training sector Prepared by: Queensland Tourism Industry Council PO BOX GEORGE STREET QLD QTIC Submission on the future of Queensland s international education and training sector (APRIL 2014) April 2014

2 QUEENSLAND TOURISM INDUSTRY COUNCIL QTIC is the State s peak body for tourism in Queensland and represents the interests of business operators, 20 sector associations, over 3,000 regional members and all of Queensland s 13 Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs). QTIC works in partnership with government agencies and industry bodies at a local, state and national level to strengthen the voice of tourism in all relevant policy forums. QTIC s partnerships with the industry and government enable a greater level of responsiveness to increasingly diverse policy settings. QTIC is contracted by the Department of Education, Training and Employment as an Industry Skills Body to assist the Queensland Government drive workforce development, skills reform and training investment for Queensland. POSITION OVERVIEW The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission to the International Education and Training Council Queensland to inform the future of Queensland s international education and training sector. QTIC supports the development of a five year International Education Engagement Strategy for Queensland, that brings together industry, government and the education sector into a framework that ensures optimum arrangements are in place to direct and support investment in the International Education sector. Investment in the international education sector is not confined to one area or stakeholder, but requires joint investment across industries, governments, universities at all regional, state and national levels. STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT POLICY ALIGNMENT QTIC remains committed to working with governments and industry to provide clear policy alignment with related national and state strategies. GREAT SKILLS.GREAT OPPORTUNITIES Great skills.great opportunities is the Queensland Governments five year action plan for reform of the state s further education and training sector. The action plan builds on the recommendations from the Queensland Government Response to the Independent Commission of Audit Final Report and the Government response to the Queensland Skills and Training Taskforce (which QTIC is a member) final report. The development of the five year International Engagement Strategy aligns with Great Skills. Great Opportunities Action area (2.9) Enhancing international education and training with includes promoting Queensland training and education products and services internationally is an investment in the state s future growth. The priority areas are: Create an international education and training advisory group to provide advice to government on key issues relating to the industry in Queensland. Develop long-term strategy and programs to ensure Queensland s international education and training industry is responsive, robust and sustainable. 2 QTIC Submission on the future of Queensland s international education and training sector (APRIL 2014)

3 Promote international student engagement and support including exploring options for scholarships to Queensland for international students. Develop a program of offshore visits focusing on potential areas of growth for Queensland s international education and training industry. Advocate Queensland s position on Australian international education and training policy particularly with respect to those policy issues that are having an adverse impact on the sector. Examine education export opportunities for Queensland in growth areas, particularly as Asia s middle class consumers emerge as the world s largest market. Facilitate collaboration between training providers, universities, schools, peak bodies and industry to maximise opportunities for Queensland s participation in international education and training. DESTINATION SUCCESS Destination Success, the 20-year tourism plan for Queensland and prioritises six key themes that will grow the tourism industry, one of the six themes is deliver quality, great service and innovation. A strategic direction under this theme is identify workforce priorities to meet the needs of the industry. To achieve this direction the tourism industry requires an industry-led model to workforce development that is supported by a strong and responsive partnership with government and the education sector. COAG INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS STRATEGY FOR AUSTRALIA ( ) The International Students Strategy for Australia ( ) was developed for Australian Governments to support a high-quality experience for international students, in order to ensure a sustainable future for quality international education in Australia. The strategy has 12 initiatives to address four key issues: international student wellbeing, quality of international education, consumer protection and the availability of better information. To achieve these initiatives governments, international students and the international education sector work together to implement the strategy which has been developed alongside a number of other complementary measures at State, Territory and national levels. 3 QTIC Submission on the future of Queensland s international education and training sector (APRIL 2014)

4 KEY CHALLENGES A key challenge for the tourism industry is directing investment towards priority areas in industry development and marketing, that positions Queensland and Australia as a quality international education, lifestyle and employment destination. A key challenge for government is to develop an effective and efficient framework that clearly links information sharing between government departments and trade agencies with universities and industries to maximize investment in industry development, marketing and quality of training. A key challenge education sector is in offering quality education that adapts to new and emerging products and technologies whilst meeting industry needs and international student s expectations around quality and delivery. PRIORITY AREAS QTIC has identified priority areas of responsibility for industry, government and the education sector provided in this section. However, key responsibilities of all stakeholders are student wellbeing, consumer protection and the availability of up to date and relevant information. TOURISM INDUSTRY 1. The Great Skills. Great Opportunities Action areas 2.9 Enhancing international education and training should be identified and clearly linked to the development of the five year International Education Engagement Strategy to avoid duplication of resources and provide clear policy alignment. 2. Develop key marketing messaging that links quality international education, lifestyle and employment with Queensland s branding and marketing initiatives. 3. Develop and invest in industry pathways that link employment and work placement within Queensland s tourism businesses and international students. 4. Strengthen the partnership with peak industry bodies as they can play a very efficient and costeffective role across a range of outcomes; provide integration of employment opportunities into tourism industry, resource sharing, strategic engagement and policy advice. 5. Enhance resources to promote the importance of voluntary and paid internships. QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT AND EDUCATION SECTOR 6. The COAG International Students Strategy ( ) includes the following priority areas (a and b) which QTIC sees as particularly relevant to the development of Queensland s five year International Education Engagement Strategy. a. The need for clear and accurate information for international students before coming to Australia and during their stay. It recommended strengthened requirements for 4 QTIC Submission on the future of Queensland s international education and training sector (APRIL 2014)

5 providing information about learning and living in Australia by providers and government, as well as increased emphasis on providers to take responsibility for their overseas education agent s actions. b. Further strengthen the quality and integrity of international education in Australia and reduce the likelihood of provider closures affecting students in the future. 7. Develop a framework that clearly identifies how information is shared around funding, policy, and marketing to avoid duplication and overlap between departments, trade agencies, universities and industries sectors to enhance the portability of information across sectors and locations. 8. Streamline the reporting requirements and approval process of the Visa processes to alleviate reporting burdens and improve its effectiveness. 9. Increase the voice of industry in managing the expectation of students around financial internships and employment opportunities. FURTHER ENQUIRIES We would welcome any opportunity to provide further input development of Queensland s five year International Education Engagement Strategy. Please contact Kim Harrington (07) or policy@qtic.com.au. 5 QTIC Submission on the future of Queensland s international education and training sector (APRIL 2014)