Skills for a Global Future. 27th National VET Research Conference 'No Frills'

In simple terms, it's about new ideas being put into practice, and it underpins human progress, while in economic terms it can drive long-term productivity growth (Australian Department of Industry, Innovation and Science 2017). The opportunities underpinning the largest growth 'will come from knowledge-intensive companies that innovate and export, as they are the most profitable, competitive and productive' (Innovation and Science Australia 2017, p.1). To be able to do so, these companies will require a workforce whose skills can match, or are better than, our global competitors. This year's theme "Skills for a global future" reflects the international nature of the 27th National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference 'No Frills' and the New Zealand Vocational Education and Training Research Forum. This theme also signals the pivotal role that vocational education and training (VET) plays in preparing people for an increasingly globalised workforce. Last year National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) looked at "Skilling for tomorrow" (Payton 2017), which took a broad view of the trends changing the world of work, the skills employers seek and the ways in which VET providers can respond. This year, they return to the topic of future skills, but this time they explore skills within the increasingly interconnected world in which Australia and New Zealand not only operate, but in which they seek to succeed. The paper explores findings from recent research into the future of work and skills to prompt questions and discussion at this year's conference. [To view "Skilling for Tomorrow. 26th National VET Research Conference 'No Frills'," see ED574755.]