The head of Jobs and Skills Australia, Barney Glover, is concerned we are not "producing the right workforce for the sort of economy we need'', emphasising trades in that mix of skills ("Schools must guide students into right careers: skills boss", NH, 20/7).
One way a clever and wealthy country could address this need is by providing free education from womb to tomb, supported by a substantial rise in job-seeker allowances to help those Australians access education services. Importantly, free education will remove barriers for that 70 per cent of the Hunter workforce who, Professor Glover says, are "willing to retrain to fill future job gaps". Free preschool would give parents and carers access to further education, or part-time jobs in industries that are crying out for employees, such as hospitality.
