New report highlights the key role of lifelong learning for Queensland

The importance of embedding a lifelong learning culture across the Queensland community is the focus of a new Jobs Queensland report released today.

Jobs Queensland Chair Donna Bonney said Lifelong learning: The foundation of future work is a timely reinvigoration of discussion about lifelong learning and why it is important for Queensland.

“The COVID pandemic has shown it is critical Queenslanders are able to learn and acquire new skills quickly to adapt to rapid changes, particularly in workplaces,” Ms Bonney said.

“Even before the pandemic, it was increasingly clear that significant shifts in industries and workforces driven by technology and other factors was making lifelong learning an essential requirement in people’s lives.

“No longer can individuals expect that their school or first post-school qualification will provide them with the skills and capabilities needed over the course of their working life.

“We are now likely to change jobs and careers several times during our lifetimes and we will need to access various forms of education and training to make those transitions successful.”

Lifelong learning: The foundation of future work follows on from Jobs Queensland’s Future work, future jobs (2019) research highlights that industries and their workforces are undergoing rapid change and that ongoing skills development will be needed to drive economic development and to ensure meaningful employment opportunities across Queensland.

“The concept of lifelong learning isn’t new, but it needs to have a strong place to support Queensland’s economy as its industries and workforces adapt and evolve with the rapid changes we are seeing,” Ms Bonney said.

“Industry, government and the broader community need to take fresh look at what lifelong learning means for Queensland and consider how we are supporting Queenslanders to be lifelong learners.”

Lifelong learning: The foundation of future work examines the concept of lifelong learning and how it can be encouraged and enabled in Queensland.

Ms Bonney said to better understand the current state of lifelong learning in Queensland, Jobs Queensland profiled how the Automotive, Financial Services and Health Care and Social Assistance sectors approached lifelong learning.

“Many industries and enterprises are already supporting the ongoing learning needs of their employees to remain competitive and there is benefits to be gained from understanding the strengths and gaps in these different industry models for embedding lifelong learning,” Ms Bonney said.

“Similarly, the report’s comparison of the lifelong learning characteristics of eight countries and regions across the globe shows that successful economies embrace lifelong learning.

“A positive focus on learning across Queensland can be a critical source of competitive advantage long-term and position the state to successfully harness opportunities and respond to changing economic circumstances.

“There is a role for governments to further enhance lifelong learning in a number of ways including promotion, collaboration and continued support for suitable and targeted education, training and career advice.”

To access Lifelong learning: The foundation of future work, visit www.jobsqueensland.qld.gov.au/lifelonglearning

Last updated 26 July 2021