Key Takeaways:
- Industry Skills Australia (ISA) is the new identity of Australian Industry Standards, now operating as a Jobs and Skills Council.
- ISA will lead workforce planning and skills development across transport, logistics, omnichannel logistics, and space transport.
- Its responsibilities include forecasting skills needs, guiding training product development, and promoting career pathways.
- The work of ISA strengthens Australia’s supply chains by building a resilient, agile workforce prepared for future challenges.
- As part of the Jobs and Skills Council network, ISA ensures industry voices shape VET system policies and reforms.
Industry Skills Australia (ISA), formerly known as Australian Industry Standards (AIS), has announced a new brand identity. The organisation is preparing for major changes to the national training system and is establishing one of the new Jobs and Skills Councils. This council will collaborate closely with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR), Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), industry leaders, and key stakeholders to address the nation’s workforce planning and skills development challenges.
Industry Skills Australia’s Focus
ISA’s main focus is to lead and drive workforce development planning and skills development for the Transport and Logistics (Road, Rail, Aviation, and Maritime), Omnichannel Logistics, and Space Transport industries.
“The resilience and strength of our nation’s supply chains play a vital role in how we fare as a society and how quickly our economy rebounds and grows,” said Laurie D’Apice, ISA Chair and Linfox President of Human Resources. “Led by industry leaders, our model brings together experts from across Australia’s core supply chain sectors with the goal of building a world-class, resilient, and agile workforce.”
Responsibilities of ISA as a Jobs and Skills Council
As a Jobs and Skills Council, ISA’s responsibilities include:
- Assessing and forecasting the current and future skills needs of the industry and creating national workforce development plans
- Improving the quality, innovation, and speed to market of training products
- Developing and implementing solutions, promoting career pathways, and monitoring the effectiveness of training delivery
- Industry stewardship to give the industry a robust and evidentiary-based voice on issues affecting their industries and to provide advice on VET system policies to ensure they are fit for purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Australian Industry Standards rebrand to Industry Skills Australia?
The rebrand reflects its expanded role as a Jobs and Skills Council, tasked with broader workforce planning and closer collaboration with government and industry.
What industries does Industry Skills Australia cover?
ISA focuses on transport and logistics (road, rail, aviation, maritime), omnichannel logistics, and space transport—sectors critical to Australia’s supply chains.
How does Industry Skills Australia impact RTOs?
By forecasting skills needs and advising on training product development, ISA ensures that RTOs deliver qualifications aligned with real workforce demand.
How is ISA different from previous industry bodies?
Unlike its predecessor, ISA now plays a more active stewardship role—monitoring training effectiveness, guiding career pathways, and providing policy advice.
Where can I find updates from Industry Skills Australia?
Updates, workforce plans, and policy insights are shared directly on the Industry Skills Australia website and through its newsletters.
Conclusion
The Jobs and Skills Councils were announced in late 2022 and progressively established through 2023. ISA was confirmed as a JSC in late 2022, with operations ramping up from early 2023. By July 2023, all ten JSCs were fully operational under DEWR contracts.
Check out Industry Skills Australia’s website for more information. Don’t miss out on important news or updates to this story. Subscribe to our newsletter!
