Since the closure of the Training Packages @ Work in June 2011, there has been a gap in the VET sector in the availability of a regular consolidated news service. To address this need, we will prepare and send you a monthly news letter with all of the consolidated news that specifically relates to the VET Sector. This will include links to relevant news articles from the major news services, notification of training package updates, product releases, hot gossip and lots more. If you have some news that you think everyone would like to know, send it to us at: news@newberyconsulting.com.au. We will distribute it to the masses. You can put your name to it or remain anonymous. If we come across something that is time sensitive, we will send this out as a Special Bulletin. If there is a category of news that you would like us to include, lets us know.
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.