As part of its ongoing reforms, ASQA has published its new regulatory practices model effective from 6 April 2021. The new model includes a revised Regulatory Risk Framework, approach to assessment RTO performance, approach to compliance and approach to the review of decisions. The new model includes changes to how non-compliance will be responded to ranging from education and encouragement to court action. Check out the new model at the following link.

Read more.

Australia’s National Resources Workforce Strategy provides a forward-looking plan to support the Australian resources sector. The strategy builds on the government’s significant investments in education reform, skills packages and job support. The strategy focuses on 3 key themes including opportunity, participation and quality. The strategy aims to ensure the Australian resources sector and its workforce remains strong, innovative and world-leading.

Read more.

Recent studies show that that social, economic and political shocks are becoming more common, therefore TVET systems need to become more future-focused, responsive and resilient to adequately support learners and economies. Ten forward-looking trends were identified and support TVET teaching staff in delivering the skills required for future work and learning, this includes addressing the changing nature of work, highlighting the characteristics of future TVET systems and the key aspects of quality training and support required by teaching staff.

Read more.

Results of an interagency survey on technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and skills development in the time of COVID-19, show that TVET programs have been hard hit due to its unique focus on work-based earning and acquisition of practical skills. Recommendations suggest three main areas where TVET stakeholders can work together during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and they outline actions that may need to be undertaken including preparedness for future-crisis, improved access to education and training and the relevance of TVET during the recovery stage.

Read more.

The OECD report examines the development and growth of VET programmes for young people and adults. The report produces new insights into strategries and policies that can help to develop and maintain a well-prepared workforce. It focuses on VET teacher shortages, strategies for attracting and retaining teachers, training and development opportunities and the use of innovative technologies.

Read more.

National Skills Commission analysis of quarterly ABS Labour Force Survey data for February  show that employment increased in 11 industries and declined in eight over the year to February 2021,  representing the change in employment from before the declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic. The largest falls in employment were recorded in Accommodation and Food Services, Administrative and Support Services and Education and Training.

Read more. 

According to the ABS seasonally adjusted data, there are approximately 13,016,600 employed people in Australia. Over the past five years, employment across all industries has increased by 9.1 per cent. The median age for workers in Australia is 39 years and median weekly earnings are around $1,150 per week. Education and Training employs approximately 1,089,600 persons, accounting for 8.4 per cent of the total workforce. Employment in education has increased by 17.5 per cent over the past five years and indicated the median age for education workers is 42 years and with a median weekly earnings of around $1,266 per week.

Read more. 

The following training packages have been updated on training.gov.au:

• MEM: Manufacturing and Engineering
  Revised 31st March 2021.
• AVI: Aviation
  Revised 31st March 2021.
• AMP: Australian Meat Processing
  Revised 9th April 2021.
• ICT: Information and Communications Technology
  Revised 19th April 2021.
• TLI: Transport and Logistics
  Revised 12th April 2021.
• MST: Textiles, Clothing and Footwear
  Revised 13th April 2021.

ASQA has recently approved an extended transition period ICT60615 Advanced Diploma of Telecommunications Network Engineering. The extended training, assessment and certification issuance period for this qualification ends on 18 January 2023.

Read more.

ASQA approves extended transition period CPC40808 Certificate IV in Swimming Pool and Spa Building

ASQA has recently approved an extended transition period CPC40808 Certificate IV in Swimming Pool. The extended training, assessment and certification issuance period for this qualification ends on 27 November 2022.

Read more.

The first Spotlight On webinar will discuss a focus on compliance when recruiting and developing quality trainers and assessors.

Register here.

‘No Frills’ provides an opportunity for networking and ideas sharing in a friendly and informal atmosphere with a cross-section of industry representatives, practitioners, researchers and policymakers. The conference also contributes to building capacity and capability in VET research by providing opportunities for engagement and learnings for early stage career researchers and more experienced researchers.

For further information, click here.