PROJECT: pilot of the asia-pacific economic cooperation (apec) occupational standards WITH the pacific alliance – peru, chile, mexico and colombia, 2019 - 2023

SkillsIQ was contracted to deliver this Australian Government-led pilot project, and to work closely with government and local industry stakeholders in the tourism sector across the four participating economies. Having been originally involved in the development of the Occupational Standards for APEC, SkillsIQ collaborated closely with all four economies and facilitated a number of engagement and validation activities, providing methodological and industry expertise to each stage of the project.

Project Aim
The main focus was to determine the feasibility of implementing the APEC Tourism Occupational Standards in training in Peru, Chile, Mexico and Colombia, for two occupations of focus, Cook and Housekeeper.

Project Approach
A comprehensive program of activities was implemented. SkillsIQ facilitated a series of in-country face-to-face workshops with industry, and online workshops with the training sector to map, validate and review the potential implementation of standards domestically.

Figure 1: Sub-regional Pilot of the APC Occupational Standards in the Pacific Alliance Methodology



Note: *This standard was added to the original scope in response to the tourism and hospitality sectors of all countries requiring a higher level of knowledge and skills to minimise the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Project Outcomes
A final report was submitted in February 2024, providing a summary of project insights, lessons learned and recommendations to inform further considerations for APEC-wide pilots.

PROJECT: Developing Micro-Credentials for the Aged Care Sector

SkillsIQ partnered with a peak body in the aged care sector to design and deliver a suite of introductory micro-credentials under the “Aged Care is the Place to Be” initiative. This strategically targeted program aimed to attract new entrants into the aged care workforce - particularly young people, First Nations Australians, and individuals experiencing barriers to employment. The objective was to develop concise, engaging, and accessible learning that would prepare participants with limited or no prior experience for entry-level roles, while also supporting sector-wide goals around workforce growth, quality care, and improved onboarding practices.

SkillsIQ created a series of learner-centred modules that addressed foundational skills essential for success in aged care environments. Each micro-credential was designed with accessibility in mind, using short, mobile-friendly content and interactive tools such as knowledge checks, reflection activities, and practical exercises. Careful consideration was given to the learning needs of the target audience, including those with non-English speaking backgrounds, limited formal education, or minimal exposure to structured training.

The resulting micro-credentials reflect a scalable, future-ready solution. By embedding vocational learning principles and focusing on job-readiness, SkillsIQ ensured the micro-credentials not only prepare learners for meaningful roles, but also provide a foundation for further education and career progression.

This project exemplifies SkillsIQ’s expertise in workforce planning and innovative training design. It demonstrates our ability to translate strategic workforce needs into practical, high-quality learning solutions - bridging the gap between industry expectations and learner readiness. Through this work, we are helping to build a more confident, skilled, and resilient aged care workforce prepared to meet the growing demands of the sector.