Hi Everyone
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.
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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):
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:
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.