Improved careers services and advice is increasingly important in a labour market characterised by skills and labour shortages, skills mismatches and perceptions of vocational education and training (VET).

As we approach the budget season, we are in continuing discussions with the State Government to ensure business remains positioned to provide the growth the State needs. I expect those meetings will continue over the next few weeks as well.

Australia’s systems of managing visas, permanent residency, skilled migration and international students are set for an overhaul after a report deemed it was “not fit for purpose”.

On Tuesday, we reflected on the sacrifice that generations of Australians and New Zealanders have made to protect our way of life. Hundreds of Anzac Day commemorations took place across the State to honour the Anzac spirit; it felt to me as if that spirit was particularly prominent this year, perhaps it was heightened among Victorians because of the war in Ukraine and global instability.

The Victorian Government’s Head Start school-based apprenticeship program has broadened to roll out to all government secondary schools by the end of 2023.

It certainly feels like the year continues to accelerate, and I hope you are doing what you need to ensure your business is in good shape.

Fast-track nomination is now available in Victoria for skilled visa candidates with an eligible health, teaching or social services occupation who meet the minimum visa requirements.

I hope you all had a wonderful and safe long weekend. It was certainly great to have a break, and hopefully some of you can enjoy extra time with your children as we enter school holidays.

Experience the ultimate flexibility with the Victorian Chamber’s newly released e-learning self-paced courses covering themes of workplace mental health, an effective hybrid workforce and exporting essentials.

The Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) has expanded to include Metropolitan Melbourne applicants.

We saw Melbourne at its best over the weekend as we played host to a Melbourne-record Formula One crowd of more than 440,000 people at Albert Park.

Two thirds of the world’s growth is predicted to come from Asia over the next decade, and efforts are being made to prepare Australia to achieve long-term financial and strategic outcomes in the region.

Want a rewarding career pathway while promoting health and safety outcomes for the good of society? The Victorian Chamber is launching our first Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (WHS) program for the year.

Having come straight from the Albert Park track this morning from the Victorian Chamber and Keolis Downer Grand Prix™ Breakfast, I can tell you that Melbourne is certainly in for a treat this weekend!

How good is it to have the AFL back? Four action packed days and evenings resulted in some nail-biting results for round one, and I have to say, the ladder is looking spectacular to this Essendon supporter!

As Victorian businesses continue to grapple with staff and skills shortages, it may come as some relief to learn the Overseas Qualifications Unit (OQU) provides a free and confidential assessment of current or prospective employees’ overseas qualifications to determine their compatibility with Australian standards.