Hope you are all well and had a great break. The year has certainly taken off in a hurry. I would first like to welcome all of our new subscribers. We had a significant increase in subscribers in Dec as our news letter is pushed on through your email networks. Word of mouth is certainly a powerful force. When people find something they like, they tell their friends! This is certainly the basis for our continued growth and I am sure it is for your business as well. To those subscribers that continue to send me news worthy items for everyone’s benefit, thank you! These have been great and certainly add to the relevance of the news articles we include.

There is lots happening at the moment in the VET sector. Heraclitus (535 – 475 BC) said “the only thing constant is change”. Certainly never a truer statement reflects the current Australian VET sector. I hope our news is keeping you up to date.

We invite new subscribers at: Subscribe to VET News

If you have some news, send it to us at: news@newberyconsulting.com.au

Kind regards,

Joe Newbery

Compliance and Regulatory News

Aged care focus

According to the Aged Care INsite publication, ASQA has made aged care training a top priority and will treat aged care qualifications as a potentially high risk. Read the INsite news article at:

http://www.agedcareinsite.com.au/pages/section/article.php?s=News&idArticle=22827

QLD Transition – Can they do it?

The upcoming QLD election could significantly complicate the transition of QLD RTO’s to ASQA. They have until the 30th June 2012. After that, the determination that enables QLD to refer power to the Commonwealth expires. Click below to read the full article.

http://newberyconsulting.com.au/qld-transition-can-they-do-it

ASQA update

With one of its lengthiest updates so far, the latest edition of ASQA Update is brim full of information. There’s a heads-up about information sessions to be held in the first half of 2012; news of the panel of external auditors recently engaged; tips and information about the various ASQA application processes; an update on the transition of Qld, SA and Tasmania; information about disputing ASQA decisions through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT); and more. Click below to read the full publication.

http://www.asqa.gov.au/verve/_resources/ASQA_Update_Issue_7_January_2012.pdf

Information on Quality Indicators from the NSSC

In a special bulletin released in December 2011, the NSSC advised that it is currently reviewing the Quality Indicators for RTOs but stressed the ongoing requirement for RTOs to collect quality indicator data under the current Learner Engagement, Employer Satisfaction and Competency Completion arrangements. It was also noted in the bulletin that the use of the SMART system provided by ACER is not compulsory for the reporting of Learner Engagement and Employer Satisfaction data. To read the full bulletin, go to:

http://www.nssc.natese.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/62278/NSSC-SB-01_-_QIs_for_RTOs.pdf

Training Package News

SIH11 Hairdressing – Incorrect prerequisites on TGA

Service Skills Australia has advised that incorrect prerequisites for two hairdressing units of competency are shown on training.gov.au. The units are SIHHCLS303A Design and perform full and partial highlighting techniques and SIHHCLS305A Perform on scalp full head and retouch bleach services. SSA advises that there should be only one prerequisite for each unit and that is SIHHHSC301A Apply the principles of hairdressing science.

CUL11 Library, Information and Cultural Services Training Package Launch Registration

IBSA has called for registrations to attend its launch of this new training package which supersedes CUL04 Museum and Library Information Services. A link to the online registration form is provided below.

http://www.ibsa.org.au/news-and-projects/news/tabid/112/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/514/CUL11-Library-Information-and-Cultural-Services-Training-Package-Launch-Registration.aspx

Recent or Imminent Training Package updates

• UEE11 Electrotechnology ver 1.0, date release date TBA
• MEM05 Metal and Engineering ver 6.0, 21/12/2011
• MEA11 Aeroskills ver 1.0, release date TBA
• MTM11 Australian Meat Industry ver 1.1, 19/12/2011
• AUR05 Automotive Retail, Service and Repair ver 4.0, release date TBA
• FNS10 Financial Services ver 2.0, 16/01/2012
• UEG11 Gas Industry ver 1.0, 19/01/2012
• FPI11 Forest and Forest Products ver 1.0, release date TBA
• CPP07 Property Services ver 9.0, release date TBA
• TLI10 Transport and Logistic ver 2.0, release date TBA
• CUL11 Library, Information and Cultural Services ver 1.0, 20/12/2011

For details of release information go to http://training.gov.au/

Events, Resources & Funding News

Applications for the National Workforce Development Fund have reopened

DEEWR has advised that a further $50 million in funding has been released for three priority workforce development areas and applications are now open. To find out more go to:

http://www.deewr.gov.au/Skills/Programs/SkillTraining/nwdf/Pages/default.aspx

E-learning for workforce development – funding opportunities

As part of the National VET E-learning Strategy, the Industry System Change business activity is seeking expressions of interest for co-investment from collaborative regional partnerships. Funding of $100,000 (plus GST) from the initial round remains available. Partnerships should focus on regional employers and their common workforce development needs, and formulate e-learning strategies or models for implementation. Find out more at:

http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/content/NVELS-funding-opportunities-jan-jun+2012

Do you have a vested interest in Queensland education funding?

If your answer is ‘Yes’ then the Queensland Department of Education and Training would like your feedback on how it spends the billions of dollars expected from LNG royalties over the next 10 years. Feedback is requested by 17 February 2012 and you can find more details at:

http://www.vision6.com.au/em/message/email/view.php?a=11660&id=820787

Australian apprenticeships & traineeships updates

Click on the links below to open the December & January updates which include qualifications recently implemented in NSW, QLD, WA, SA and NT:

http://www.aatinfo.com.au/news_view.cfm?y=2011&i=216&s=1&cfid=11082380&cftoken=33356608

http://www.aatinfo.com.au/news_view.cfm?i=217&s=1&cfid=11082380&cftoken=33356608

2012 Emerging Technology Trials funding

In an annual program that has been running since 2008, co-investment funding is made available to RTOs, through the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, for the trialling of emerging technologies. If you are interested then you need to act quickly, as applications close on 10 February 2012. Follow the link below for full details.

http://e-standards.flexiblelearning.net.au/research/emerging_technology_trials/index.php

Level 1 digital literacy resources from IBSA & DFEEST – free to download

Learning and assessment materials are available for the following units:

ICAICT101A, ICAICT102A, ICAICT103A, ICAICT105A, ICAICT106A and ICAICT108A

Click on the link below to go to the download page.

http://www.ibsa.org.au/news-and-projects/news/tabid/112/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/506/Digital-literacy-resources.aspx

New IBSA resources – free to download

Learning and assessment materials are available for the following units:

• ICTTEN3054A Provide infrastructure for telecommunications network equipment
• ICTCBL3052A Cut over new system and equipment on customer premises
• ICTCBL2005A Install customer cable support systems
• ICTCBL2006A Place and secure customer cable

Click on the link below to access the resources.

http://www.ibsa.org.au/news-and-projects/news.aspx

Other News of Interest

Skilling for the coal seam gas (CSG) industry

A recent international symposium in Brisbane addressed the opportunities and challenges as Australia enters the “golden age of gas development”. At the symposium it was announced that SkillsTech Australia, Queensland’s largest TAFE, would partner with Santos GLNG Project to establish a specialised training centre to combat skills shortages in the CSG industry. Read more at:

http://www.vision6.com.au/em/message/email/view.php?a=11660&id=820717

Carbon accounting training for businesses

Queensland’s Department of Education and Training announced that Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE will be Queensland’s first vocational education provider to offer a carbon accounting program designed to assist businesses with evaluating and monitoring their carbon emissions. Read more at:

http://www.vision6.com.au/em/message/email/view.php?a=11660&id=820761

TEQSA open its doors

On January 29, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) began its job as regulator for higher education. It recently announced the proposed fee schedule for its services, advising that it may charge up to $90,000 to register a university and $10,000 for accreditation. You can read more at:

http://www.teqsa.gov.au/consultation-fees-teqsa-services

No change in the NSW funding model…yet

As reported in the Sydney Morning Herald on 12 January, NSW continues to resist the push for a contestable funding model that would require TAFE institutes to compete with private providers for public funding. You can read the full SMH article at:

http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/nsw-resists-pressure-to-adopt-tafe-funds-model-20120111-1pvh8.html

RTO survey of energy efficiency skills demand and training provision

As reported by RTO Management, the Commonwealth Government has engaged the services of Allen Consulting to conduct a survey of RTOs with energy efficiency qualifications and units on their scope. The review is part of the Government’s Clean Energy and Other Skills Package in support of Australia’s transition to a low carbon economy. Read the RTO Management article at:

http://www.rtomanagement.com.au/magazine/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=285&Itemid=1

Encore careers – a new target market for RTOs?

Encouraging older workers to stay in the workforce is a policy priority but has the VET sector figured out what part it can play in supporting these workers? A recent NCVER publication, “Reskilling for encore careers for (what were once) retirement years”, explores the concept of encore careers and focuses on the role the VET sector might play. To download the article click on the following link (you will need to be a registered used on the NCVER site).

http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2457.html

Debate heats up on HECS for VET

An article in The Australian on 26 January reported the education union’s denouncement of the Government’s extension of income contingent loans (ICLs) for VET students. Supporting views are also reported. Click on the link below to read the article (NB. May require subscription):

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/hecs-for-vet-a-smokescreen-aeu/story-e6frgcjx-1226253684978

Important Note: The inclusion of news items about recently released resources does not constitute an endorsement by Newbery Consulting. A full and detailed review of any ‘off-the-shelf’ resource should be undertaken to determine if it is suitable for your organisation and can be customised to meet your needs.

These news items have been researched and prepared by: Anne Maree Newbery.

QLD on the other hand is in a whole different ball game. At last count there were 1528 current RTOs in QLD. That number is growing fast. The combination of a cheap application fee, light regulation and a stalling transition to ASQA is seeing a rush at the gate for QLD RTO registrations. I base this on the increased  volume of enquiries we receive for registrations in QLD.

The effect of the upcoming QLD election on the transition is also something to look out for. The QLD legislation was introduced into the Queensland Parliament on 11 October 2011. The Bill is currently with the Industry, Education, Training and Industrial Relations Committee for review. To enable the transition to ASQA to occur, the Bill needs to come through this process with amendments and then be presented to parliament to be turned into law. This must occur before the 30th June 2011 or the QLD determination that it will be a referring jurisdiction will expire:

“On 1 July 2011, the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations made a determination under section 7 National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 (Cwlth) that Queensland would not become a non-referring jurisdiction. This determination gives Queensland until 30 June 2012 to refer power or it will become a non-referring jurisdiction.”

Vocational Education and Training (Commonwealth Powers) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2011, Explanatory Notes

(click here for a copy of the Explanatory notes)

If this happens, all bets are off and it will be back to the drawing board to establish a new determination. It also has likely implications for the NVR Transition Provisions. Do the LNP support the referral of powers to the Commonwealth? Will the passing of the legislation be a priority if the LNP take government? These are big questions and I am sure the folks at ASQA are asking themselves the same things.

Important dates to note:

• 14 February 2012 – Next scheduled sitting for QLD Parliament (two weeks away!)
• 24 February 2012 – QLD likely to enter into Caretaker Government
• 24 March 2012 – QLD Election (LNP tipped to romp it in!)
• 16 April 2012 – Likely return of Parliament after the school holidays
• 30 June 2012 – QLD determination expires!

Can they do it? I hope so! There are lots of businesses making decisions based on the advised transition arrangements. Nationally consistent regulation will benefit the QLD VET sector immeasurably.

Fingers crossed!

Joe Newbery

Email: joe.newbery@newberyconsulting.com.au

Last edition for the year. We decided to send this edition out a little early. Let’s face it, who wants to get a work email the week before Christmas!! It has been another big year for us and I seriously need to spend some time at the beach reading a good book. Newbery Consulting will be closed over the period 17 Dec 2011 – 08 Jan 2012 returning on Monday the 9th Jan.

We invite new subscribers at: Subscribe to VET News

If you have some news, send it to us at: news@newberyconsulting.com.au

I sincerely wish you all a safe and merry Christmas and hope you take some time out with family and friends to recharge ready for a new year!

Merry Christmas,

Joe Newbery

Compliance and Regulatory News

New ASQA evidence requirements for change to scope applications

ASQA has recently updated its online Change to Scope application form on ASQAnet. The form now provides clear specifications on the supplementary evidence requirements for a change to scope. Click on the link below to see a summary of the changes in the December edition of ASQA Update:

http://www.asqa.gov.au/verve/_resources/ASQA_Update_Issue_6_December_2011.pdf

See bottom of page one.

New Board members for the VRQA

Three new members were welcomed to the VRQA Board at the December meeting. They are Ms Michonne van Rees, Mr Richard Tudor and Mr Stephen Elder. Click on the link below to find out more about the new faces.

http://www.vrqa.vic.gov.au/about/board.htm

ASQA Transition update—Queensland, South Australia & Tasmania

Legislation referring vocational education and training regulatory powers is currently being considered by the South Australian and Queensland parliaments. The legislation has passed through the Tasmanian Parliament successfully. I predict that South Australia and Tasmania will transition in late January and Queensland to transition in May. I am not taking any bets!

Click on the link below to see a summary of the changes in the December edition of ASQA Update:

http://www.asqa.gov.au/verve/_resources/ASQA_Update_Issue_6_December_2011.pdf

See middle of page two.

New portfolio for Senator Chris Evans

According to Senator Chris Evans, the consolidation of Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research into a single portfolio signals the Government’s determination to ensure we meet the needs of the future economy. Read Senator Evans’ media release at the following link:

http://www.ministers.deewr.gov.au/evans/meeting-australias-skills-education-and-research-challenges

Read The Australian’s story on this new ‘super ministry’ at the link below (NB. May require subscription):

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/gillard-innovates-in-education-with-super-ministry-cabinet-shuffle/story-e6frgcjx-1226220035295

Training Package News

Consultation period now open for two CS&HISC projects

CS&HISC has made changes to four First Aid units as part of the continuous improvement of the Health Training Package. There are also draft components for the Hospital / Health Services Pharmacy Support qualifications. Links to both project web pages are provided below.

https://www.cshisc.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=847&Itemid=92

https://www.cshisc.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=633&Itemid=162

A busy November for IBSA with three Training Package launches

IBSA held recent launch functions for CUA11 Live Performance, ICA11 Information and Communications Technology and V2.0 of FNS10 Financial Services. Follow the links in the latest IBSA news for more information:

http://www.ibsa.org.au/news-and-projects.aspx

Recent Training Package updates:

SIB10 Beauty, Ver 1.2, 12/12/2011

BSB07 Business Services, Ver 6.0 28/11/2011

FNS10 Financial Services, Ver 2.0 No details on TGA as yet

CUA11 Live Performance, Ver 1.0 6/10/2011

SIS10 Sport, Fitness and Recreation, Ver 1.3 28/11/2011

For details of release information go to http://training.gov.au/

Events, Resources & Funding News

Important Note: The inclusion of news items about recently released resources does not constitute an endorsement by Newbery Consulting. A full and detailed review of any ‘off-the-shelf’ resource should be undertaken to determine if it is suitable for, and can be customised to meet the needs of, your organisation.

Updated Aspire learning guides for CHC08 Version 3.0

Aspire has now released updated learner guides for CHC08 version 3.0, including incorporating the Early Years Learning Framework into the Children’s Services resources.

http://aspirelearningresources.com.au/training-packages/chc08-community-services-training-package

New IBSA resources – free to download

The following new resources may be of interest:

• Facilitator and Participant Guides and Industry Supplements for TAESUS501A Analyse and apply sustainability skills to learning programs
• Facilitator and Participant Guides for TAESUS502A Identify and apply current sustainability education principles and practice to learning programs

Click on the link below to go to the download page:

http://www.ibsa.org.au/products-and-services/free-downloads/skills-for-sustainability.aspx

Australian apprenticeships & traineeships updates

The link below will take you to the 9 December 2011 update which includes qualifications recently implemented in NSW, QLD and WA:

http://www.aatinfo.com.au/news_view.cfm?y=2011&i=215&s=1&cfid=7580650&cftoken=43416095

Australian apprenticeships reform

On 6 December 2011, Senator Chris Evans outlined the Australian Government’s intentions for reform of Australian Apprenticeships and announced the Australian Apprenticeships Ambassadors Program. The reforms include the national harmonisation of rules and regulations and a range of incentive and support measures. The link below provides a number of resources on the topic.

http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/ExpertPanel.asp

$87 million Australian Government-industry training investment

On 14 December 2011 Senator Evans announced the first round of grant recipients of the National Workforce Development Fund. The funding partnership will provide for almost 24,000 workers and trainees to upgrade their skills. Read the full media release at:

http://ministers.deewr.gov.au/evans/24000-workers-trained-under-87-million-government-industry-partnership

Free resources from Regional Skills Training

Interactive workbooks funded by DEEWR are available from Regional Skills Training and are intended for free use by any student, RTO or school. Click on the link below to view the resources.

http://www.regionalskillstraining.com/training/course/training

Other News of Interest

Support for the early childhood workforce

Peter Garrett announced that the Government will allocate $10 million from its National Workforce Development Fund to early childhood workforce training, creating up to 2000 extra training places. Read the full Media Release at:

http://www.ministers.deewr.gov.au/garrett/extra-support-early-childhood-workforce

Applications are open for NCVER’s 2012 Community of Practice scholarships

Ten scholarships worth $4000 each are available for new researchers working in the vocational education and training (VET) sector. This is an opportunity to undertake a small-scale work-based research project over 12 months with the guidance and support of an experienced mentor. Applications close on 6 February 2012 and information is available at the following link:

http://www.ncver.edu.au/research/opportunities.html

2011 Student Outcomes Survey

This year’s NCVER survey shows that employment outcomes for VET graduates are improving. They have not yet however returned to the levels seen before the economic downturn of 2008–09. To read the full statistical report go to:

http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2442.html

These news items have been researched and prepared by: Anne Maree Newbery.

As always there is lots happening at the moment. Anne Maree has been busily scanning news services and other information sources to research the news for this edition. There were many items that didn’t make the cut but the items we have included should be highly relevant. We have also organised the news into categories this week in order to help you navigate to items that may be of interest to you.

We invite new subscribers at: Subscribe to VET News

If you have some news, send it to us at: news@newberyconsulting.com.au

Kind regards,

Joe Newbery

Compliance and Regulatory News

ASQA Training Package Transition Requirements

The Australian Skills Quality Authority has released a new fact sheet that outlines their rules and requirements for transitioning between revised training packages. The keys points are:

• The release date as published on Training.gov.au is designated as the official transition date.
• There will be no roll over. All revised qualification will need to be added to scope through an application. For “equivalent qualifications” this should be a painless process.
• Minor changes to units of competence (version A to B) will not require an amendment to scope.

For more information go to: http://www.asqa.gov.au/verve/_resources/FACT_SHEET_Revised_training_packages.pdf

Queensland legislation on the table

The Vocational Education and Training (Commonwealth Powers) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2011 to refer VET regulatory power to ASQA was introduced into the Queensland Parliament on 11 October 2011. It has been referred to the relevant Committee who is scheduled to submit its finding by 6 February 2012. For more information go to: http://www.vision6.com.au/em/message/email/view.php?a=22142&id=811876

New CRICOS registration forms for Qld

Application forms for CRICOS registration have recently been reviewed and will shortly be published on the Queensland Department of Education’s website. Keep your eye out at the following web address: http://training.qld.gov.au/training-organisations/registration-audit/index.html

ASQA announce rules relating to use of elective units

The Australian Skills Quality Authority has released guidance that lays out its approach for RTOs flexible use of elective units. Essentially, if you need to incorporate a unit as an elective in order to meet a clients requirements and that unit is from another training package qualification (not on your scope), there is no need to inform ASQA or seek approval. It is important that the inclusion of the unit meets the qualification rules and there are no licensing implications for the student. This is a sensible approach and strengthens the flexibility arrangements that are now built into the qualification framework of most training packages. For more information go to: http://www.asqa.gov.au/verve/_resources/FACT_SHEET_Regulating_RTO_delivery_of_elective_units.pdf

Changes coming for VET trainer competency

The National Skills Standards Council (NSSC) has flagged upcoming changes to the competency requirements for VET trainers. What HASN’T changed is the requirement for a trainer to hold at least TAE40110 or demonstrate equivalence of competencies. Also unchanged is the ability for someone to work under the direct supervision of a trainer who meets these minimum competency requirements. What HAS changed is that a trainer under direct supervision must, at a minimum, hold the ‘Enterprise Trainer Skill Set’ from the TAE10 Training Package or demonstrate equivalence of competencies. Go to the following link to read the full NSSC Meeting Communiqué: http://www.nssc.natese.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/61427/NSSC_Communique_2_-_November_2011.pdf

Qualified Australians falling short of COAG targets

The COAG Reform Council has recently released its third annual report on progress under the National Agreement for Skills and Workforce Development. Whilst there is some good news with increasing numbers of Australians getting qualified, the progress is too slow to meet the Government’s 2020 targets. Read more about the outcomes of the Government’s workforce agenda in the Council’s report. http://www.coagreformcouncil.gov.au/reports/skills.cfm#2010compare

Regulatory changes for early childhood education and care

If you are delivering Children’s Services qualifications then you’ll need to be across the regulatory changes in early childhood education and care. There is a new national body, the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), and a new National Quality Framework that commences on 1 January 2012. Find out more at: http://www.acecqa.gov.au

Training Package News

Do you have a vested interest in Hospitality qualifications?

If so you may be interested in the first draft of Service Skills Australia’s Hospitality Review. Feedback needs to be submitted by Friday 16 December 2011. For more information go to: http://www.serviceskills.com.au/tourism-hospitality-and-events-continuous-improvement

IBSA redevelopment project – CUE03 Entertainment Training Package

If you’d like to get involved in the review of CUE03, then IBSA is calling for feedback on current qualifications and units and registration of interest to be part of the project’s consultation process. Find out more at: http://www.ibsa.org.au/news-and-projects/news/tabid/112/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/484/CUE03-Full-Review-update-November-2011.aspx

Capability framework for the VET workforce

IBSA has released a Discussion Paper and announced some December consultation dates in relation to its project to develop a capability framework for the VET workforce. To obtain more information, go to the IBSA website at: http://www.ibsa.org.au/news-and-projects/current-projects/12-09.aspx

Calling all RTOs involved in Hospitality and Retail

Service Skills Australia is seeking the assistance of RTOs who deliver Hospitality and Retail qualifications. SSA is undertaking a survey of the pathways students take after completing their studies. They are asking RTOs to help disseminate a short recruitment questionnaire to their relevant students. To find out how to participate, go to: http://www.serviceskills.com.au/blog/rtos-to-play-pivotal-role-in-new-destinations-survey?utm_source=newsletter

Foundation Skills Training Package

IBSA has released a draft scoping report for the Foundation Skills Training Package. The report includes recommendations for the development phase of this new training package and can be found at the following link: http://www.ibsa.org.au/news-and-projects/current-projects/333.aspx

Recent Training Package updates

Training Package Version Release Date

AHC10 Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management ver 2.1, 20/10/2011

PMA08 Chemical, Hydrocarbons And Oil Refining ver 3.0, 11/11/2011

CPC08 Construction, Plumbing and Services ver 7.0, 24/11/2011

FDF10 Food Processing ver 2.0, 4/11/2011

LMF02 Furnishing ver 7.1, 19/10/2011

MSA07 Manufacturing ver 7.0, 14/11/2011

CUS09 Music ver 1.2, 2/11/2011

LMT07 Textiles, Clothing and Footwear ver 4.0, 4/11/2011

TAE10 Training and Education ver 2.0, 12/10/2011

CUV11 Visual Arts, Crafts and Design ver 1.0, 12/10/2011

Events, Resources & Funding News

Free PD workshops – Australian Core Skills Framework

If you would like to find out more about the Australian Core Skills Framework and its proposed changes, WEA Illawarra has received funding from DEEWR to deliver free professional development workshops across the country. For more information and the current workshop schedule visit WEA’s website at: http://www.weaillawarra.com.au/acsf/

Knowledge Bank – LLN practice and leadership

IBSA has just released a Knowledge Bank document to support the delivery of TAE70110 and TAE80110. The document contains information, research activities and readings to support you in building or validating your existing knowledge about aspects of delivery of LLN in the VET sector. To download the resource, free of charge, go to: http://www.ibsa.org.au/news-and-projects/news/tabid/112/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/477/TAE70110-Knowledge-Bank.aspx

Interim report card for the EBPPP

An economic review of the Enterprise Based Productivity Places Program, commissioned by the ISCs, has just been released. The report card so far for this demand-driven, co-funding model, paints a positive picture that aligns workforce development to the strategic direction of an enterprise. In its summary of the report the ISCs have voiced a warning to RTOs – Engage with enterprises to understand their specific needs, or risk becoming redundant within the National Training System. To read the full report or the ISC summary, go to: http://www.isc.org.au/

New IBSA resources – free to download

The following new resources may be of interest…

A new RPL Kit for ICT20310 Certificate II in Telecommunications Cablings: http://www.ibsa.org.au/news-and-projects/news/tabid/112/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/478/ICT20310-RPL-Toolkit.aspx

Learning and assessment resources for the unit ICTTEN2218A Operate new media software packages: http://www.ibsa.org.au/news-and-projects/news/tabid/112/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/480/ICTTEN2218A-Operate-new-media-software-packages.aspx

Accelerated Australian Apprenticeships Initiative

As part of the Australian Government’s Building Australia’s Future Workforce package this initiative aims to fund projects that will influence the quality of the Australian Apprenticeships system. Funding applications are likely to come from Industry Skills Councils and Peak Industry Bodies who will be leading large-scale projects in partnership with enterprises, training organisations, unions and other stakeholders. Find out more at: http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/AAA/Home.asp

Australian Training Awards

Congratulations to all the winners and runners up of the 2011 Australian Training Awards which were held in Brisbane on 25 November. Read more about the awards at the DEEWR website at: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Skills/Awards/ATA/Pages/default.aspx

Other News of Interest

TAFE trials iPad

Brisbane North Institute of TAFE has trialled iPad technology for skilling disengaged youth. The devices were initially used to replace traditional classroom tools like calculators and dictionaries and evolved to delivering ebooks, news aggregators and learning apps. To read the full article in the Department of Education and Training Skills Update, go to: http://www.vision6.com.au/em/message/email/view.php?a=11660&id=808375

What do employers think of the VET system?

You may be interested in some statistics relating to employers’ use and views of the VET system. A recent NCVER publication presents 2011 survey findings relating to the various ways in which Australian employers use the VET system and unaccredited training to meet their skill needs and their satisfaction with these methods of training. You can access the publication at: http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2409.html

Registrations now open for SSA National Conference in Brisbane

The conference will take place on 27-28 February and feature presentations will include the impact of technology on the delivery of training, measuring RTO performance, professional development for trainers and assessors, and drivers of high performing workplaces. Early bird registrations for the conference close on 21 December 2011. Find out more at: http://www.serviceskills.com.au/featured/national-conference-2012-quality-in-the-making

CH&S Environmental Scan 2012

The Community Services & Health Industry Skills Council has provided an online survey to allow industry participants to provide input to it 2012 EScan. Check out the following link to find out how to make a contribution. https://www.cshisc.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=662&limit=1&limitstart=2

These news items have been researched and prepared by: Anne Maree Newbery.

In addition to this news letter, we have also recently launched our new website with an exciting range of new products and services. Our new Blog on matters relating to registration and compliance has been very well received and we invite you to contribute to the discussion. I also invite you to share VET News services with your friends and workmates. They can subscribe by registering Here. If you do not want to receive this monthly news letter, you can lets us know at: Unsubscribe. Our objective in providing this service is to provide the sector with access to highly relevant news on a regular basis. We hope you enjoy it and spread the word.

Kind regards,

Joe Newbery

Version 2 of TAE10

Version 2 of TAE10 has now been endorsed by the National Skills Standards Council (NSSC). There are a range of changes, most notably the addition of two new Diploma-level qualifications. To find out more about all the changes, go to: http://www.ibsa.org.au/news-and-projects/news/tabid/112/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/455/TAE10-v20-Endorsed.aspx

E-learning funding opportunities for 2012

The National VET E-learning Strategy (replacing the Australian Flexible Learning Framework) now has $11.5m approved funding in its coffers for 2011-2012. Its aim is to promote broadband-based training, support industry-wide e-learning, develop e-literacy and improve training access. To find out more about the funding opportunities available to RTOs, click on the following link: http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/content/NVELS-funding-opportunities-jan-jun+2012

SSA nominations now open

Service Skills Australia announced that nominations are now open for its 2012 Excellence Awards. Applications close on 2 December 2011 so if you would like to nominate a trainer, RTO or employer in one of the service industries, then check out the following link: http://www.serviceskills.com.au/excellence-awards

International Education Advisory Council

The Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations announced the creation of the new International Education Advisory Council to be chaired by Michael Chaney AO. The brief for the Council will be to advise the Government on long-term strategies for the international education sector. Read the full media release at: http://www.deewr.gov.au/ministers/evans/media/releases/pages/article_111014_125005.aspx

E-mbracing technology

A recent e-learning innovations project by Charles Darwin University involved using podcasted storytelling as a means of communicating course information to people with low LLN skills. To find out more about the approach taken and the myriad of e-tools used, check out the project website at: http://e-learning-innovations-2011.wikispaces.com/

Victorian government cuts training funding arrangements

In a move that has astonished training providers, the Victorian government announced a dramatic cut in its funding rates across a broad range of high-growth skill areas. The move will significantly impact public and private providers alike with rate cuts of between 10 and 27%, reported by The Australian. To find out more, check out the article at: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/vic-tafes-shocked-at-cuts/story-e6frgcjx-1226171121943

In the wake of the Victorian funding cut announcement, a follow-on article appeared in The Australian a few days later reporting public comments from the Victorian Shadow Skills Minister and the ACPET CEO, Claire Fields. Click on the link below to view the article. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/skill-reform-stoush/story-e6frgcjx-1226172111688

Immigration Department looks closely at student visas

The Immigration Department has cancelled over 15,000 foreign student visas in the past year, a 37 per cent spike from the previous year, The Daily Telegraph reported. The reasons for the cancellations include failing subjects, missing classes, quitting courses and working illegally. Read the full article at: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/thousands-of-students-failed-the-australian-visa-test/story-e6freuzr-1226175630528

IBSA seeking feedback on human resources qualifications

IBSA is inviting stakeholders to provide feedback as part of its review of human resource qualifications and units of competency in the BSB07 Business Services Training Package. A Discussion Paper to support this process is available and the deadline is 14 November 2011. To find out more go to: http://www.ibsa.org.au/news-and-projects/news/tabid/112/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/472/BSB07-HR-Discussion-Paper.aspx

These news items have been researched and prepared by: Anne Maree Newbery.

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