In the second insights paper of ASQA’s strategic review of online learning, it explores feedback from students about their move online during COVID-19, with some suggested methods of training delivery to support the individual needs of each VET student.

ASQA’s consultations with students suggest that online learning is now central to many courses and there are some clear benefits such as flexibility and accessibility. Most students indicated that blended learning modes work well for them, allowing flexibility and autonomy in how, when and where they study.

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A fundamental overhaul of Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) system has been agreed to by the Morrison Government and states and territories. The new Industry Clusters model will replace the 67 Industry Reference Committees and six Skills Service Organisations and are expected to be fully operational by 1 January 2023. The reforms will ensure courses and qualifications in the sector are driven by and better meet the needs of industry, as well as students. Training package approval processes will also change, with an independent assurance function to replace the Australian Industry and Skills Committee by 1 January 2023.

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The updated transcript design now includes a QR code for accessing the online record from a hard copy. When using the QR code, the name and document number will populate automatically to ensure accessing the record is quick and easy for third parties. Sharing a VET transcript is a convenient and secure way for USI account holders to prove their qualifications and demonstrate pre-requisites for further training. USI account holders can choose to share either an extract or a full copy of their VET transcript, which allows them to select exactly which training to display to others.

For further information, click here.

PwC’s Skills for Australia is currently conducting a holistic review of the TAE Training Package. The TAE Training Package was last updated in 2016. In the five years since, the VET teaching, training and assessment landscape has significantly changed and as a result, the Education Industry Reference Committee (IRC) has proposed the holistic review of the TAE Training Package to ensure it aligns with the current skills needs of the VET sector and provides greater pathways into the profession.

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This report investigates skill underutilisation in Australian workers by examining patterns of over-skilling and over-qualification and the pathways of people into jobs where they are over-skilled. It also examines what businesses are doing, if anything, to maximise skill usage. The research finds that around 19% of workers report that they are not using all their skills at work. Around 35% of workers are over-qualified, potentially contributing to this level of skill underutilisation. It also finds that while employers value the concept of skills usage, there are higher priorities, such as skills development.

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This paper provides a summary of employers’ use and views of the vocational education and training (VET) system and focuses on employer engagement and satisfaction with both accredited and unaccredited training. The survey included questions about the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on training needs. A total of 44.0% of employers reported having new training requirements, with the most commonly cited reason being to ‘effectively and safely operate in the COVID environment’ (83.6%).

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In the latest release, job advertisements increased 7.8% (or 18,100 job advertisements) in October 2021 to stand at 250,900. This represents the second consecutive month of increasing recruitment activity nationally, as job advertisement levels reach a 13-year high and recover from the COVID-19 Delta outbreak downturn. The level of recruitment activity nationally remains significantly elevated compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, up by 49.2% (or 82,700 job advertisements).

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

• AMP: Australian Meat Processing
  Revised 28th October 2021.
• SIR: Retail Services
  Revised 10th November 2021
• CHC: Community Services
  Revised 10th November 2021.
• SIS: Sport, Fitness and Recreation
  Revised 10th November 2021.
• AVI: Aviation
  Revised 11th November 2021.
• TLI: Transport and Logistics
  Revised 22nd November 2021.

ASQA has recently approved an extended transition period for UEE62111 – Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology – Electrical. The extended training, assessment and certification issuance period for this qualification ends on 31 December 2023.

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ASQA has recently approved an extended transition period for TLILIC0012 – Licence to operate a vehicle loading crane (capacity 10 metre tonnes and above). The extended training, assessment and certification issuance period for this qualification ends on 28 February 2022.

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ASQA has recently approved an extended transition period for the following units of competency. The extended training, assessment and certification issuance period for this qualification ends on 28 March 2022:

• CPCCLHS3002A – Licence to operate a materials hoist
• CPCCLHS3001A – Licence to operate a personnel and materials hoist
• CPCCLTC4001A – Licence to operate a tower crane
• CPCCLTC4002A – Licence to operate a self-erecting tower crane
• CPCCLDG3001A – Licence to perform dogging
• CPCCLRG4001A – Licence to perform rigging advanced level
• CPCCLRG3001A – Licence to perform rigging basic level
• CPCCLRG3002A – Licence to perform rigging intermediate level
• CPCCLSF2001A – Licence to erect, alter and dismantle scaffolding basic level
• CPCCLSF3001A – Licence to erect, alter and dismantle scaffolding intermediate level
• CPCCLSF4001A – Licence to erect, alter and dismantle scaffolding advanced level

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