What's New 2008

March 2008

• Review of Australian Higher Education
  On 13 March 2008, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Education, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, announced a major review of Australia’s higher education system.

• Trade Training Centres in Schools Program
  The Trade Training Centres in Schools Program is an important element of the Australian Government’s Education Revolution. It will provide $2.5 billion over 10 years to enable all secondary schools to apply for funding of between $500,000 and $1.5 million for Trade Training Centres.

• 2008 National Awards for Excellence in School Music Education
  Nominations are now open for the 2008 awards. Up to 13 awards, with a value of $5,000 each, will be awarded for excellence and leadership in school music education to teachers and school leaders. The awards will recognise the recipients' exceptional contribution to enhancing the status and quality of music education in their schools. Further information is available at http://www.musicawards.asme.edu.au/. Nominations close 8 April 2008.

• 2008 Minister's Awards for Excellence
  Applications for the Minister's Awards for Excellence for Employers of Australian Apprentices are now open.

• Productivity Places Program – invitation for Registered Training Organisations
  Over the next four years, the Australian Government will be providing training opportunities for Australians. Registered Training Organisations are being invited to be part of this exciting initiative to build a stronger and more productive Australia.
  
  The training starts in April, with 20,000 training places being funded for job seekers. Training for job seekers during this stage will be at the Certificate II and III levels of attainment.
  
  RTOs should familiarise themselves with the list of eligible qualifications, Request to Participate, Draft Contract and Draft Guidelines as these become available. DEEWR will accept submissions via its online system from 7 March 2008 through to 30 June 2011.
  
  

• Consultation on the Impact of Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU)
  The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Youth, invited students, universities and other interested members of the community to help inform the Australian Government about the impact of the current Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) policy. Responses to a discussion paper on the issue may be submitted before 11 March 2008.