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Today, South Australia's Simon 'Birmo' Birmingham was sworn in a Minister for Education and Training, replacing Christopher Pyne.

Previously serving as Minister for Vocational Education and Training, Senator Birmingham is focussed on lifting the quality of training, its relevance to modern jobs and the status of VET.  The first dedicated minister for vocational education at the national level in more than seven years, Simon's last position gave a real focus to the development of Australia's skills base into the future, and in particular, to the role of vocational education and training, apprenticeships and traineeships that develop our skills base.

Noting that vocational education is central to Australia's economic growth, business productivity and employment outcomes; Senator Birmingham has acknowledged  tradespeople as a whole and particularly carpenters and electricians in his public addresses, linking apprenticeships to the heart of constructing Australia.

Another focus of his VET post, which we're sure will continue in this new position, is also close to our heart - completion rates.  At the MAS Experience Launch, Senator Birmingham promoted the value of an apprenticeship over a University degree, but was concerned about lifting the completion rate. "The thing that (strikes) me is that completion rates for apprentices in Australia sit around the 50% mark. If we can lift that, we can have confidence that we're helping apprentices secure jobs, that provide businesses with access to a better, more skilled workforce and will lift the competitiveness and productivity of our economy."

Lucky for us, Blue Dog Training's award-winning recipe for customer service and quality education means we have one of the industry's highest completion rates, with 90% of our apprentices completing their training.

In his new post, Senator Birmingham is keen to create an education and training system that equips Australian's to meet the challenges of a global world. Today, he said "I am committed to ensuring that from early learning through schools to universities and vocational education and training, our education system equips all Australians with the opportunity to be their best, do their best and make our country its best."

Impressed by and appreciative of his work in the VET sector, Blue Dog are happy to have the continued support of Senator Birmingham in our industry, as the new Minister for Education and Training.