At Victoria University's Sunshine campus on Friday, representatives from local schools, universities, councils, business and community groups discussed the future of the western suburbs.

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard opened the forum with an overview of the Federal Government's 'education revolution', listing school infra

structure grants and funding for universities and trade training programs.

Victoria University vice-chancellor Elizabeth Harman said the western suburbs community "has been promised so much for so long".

She said there needed to be more people educated and more jobs in the west, as existing employment opportunities were being taken by higher-skilled workers from other areas.

LeadWest chief executive Anton Mayer said the west would need even more government investment in education as the population grew rapidly.

"It is probably the most important issue going forward for the community in Melbourne's west. We must make sure we have good human capital."

State Education Minister Bronwyn Pike said improvements had been made in education in the west, with 75per cent of young people going into tertiary education or training.

She said better partnerships needed to be formed between industry and education providers.

"Everyone shares the obligation and responsibility of the education of our young people. If businesses want a productive workforce into the future, they need to think about how they invest back into education.

"It is not just money; it's using expertise. We need to draw other professional groups into the education system. If we only leave it to the schools and the teachers, we are missing out on all those other learning environments."

Copperfield College principal Tony Simpson said a whole western region education plan should be developed.

"We are not linking together. We have all the cards but are not making the moves."

Mr Simpson said it was important to provide incentives for young people to stay in the area, by having the best teachers and programs available.

Westbourne Grammar principal-elect Meg Hansen said self-expectations of young people in the west must be raised.

"For some reason their aspirations are limited."