Australian Training Fast Facts - 9 August 2005 - no220

The Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, the Hon Gary Hardgrave MP announced the 2005 Minister’s Awards for Excellence for Employers of New Apprentices last Monday evening at a Ceremony on the Gold Coast. The twenty two winners, representing a diverse range of industries received a cash prize of $5000 from the Australian Government and a specially designed trophy commemorating their achievements. This year, the Awards attracted more than 450 applications. For the list of prize winners, visit www.newapprenticeships.gov.au

The Government and Community Safety Industry Skills Council was formally declared in late May 2005 and will open a national office in Adelaide later this year. The Government and Community Safety Industry Skills Council will be responsible for the Correctional Services, Local Government, Public Sector and Water Industry Training Packages. The new Skills Council with take over the functions of the National Correctional Services Advisory Committee, Australian Local Government Training and Public Service Education and Training Australia. For more information, contact Nick Crosling, interim Executive Officer of the Government and Community Safety Industry Skills Council on 0437 747 542 or nick.crosling@ozemail.com.au

The Australian Industry Group will host its Annual National Forum Rethinking Business, in Canberra next week. The Forum will be held at Parliament House in Canberra and will be attended by 400 chief executive officers, senior executives and government representatives. Delegates will hear from a broad range of industry leaders from Australia, the United States, Britain and Asia and will consider the global outlook for business. Australian political leaders will also give their perspective on important policy issues that will reshape the environment for the future. For more information visit www.aigroup.asn.au    

Then you need to get involved in Adult Learners Week from 1 to 8 September 2005! Adult Learners Week is an opportunity for organisations that offer any form of adult learning activity to either present a special promotional activity or to label their existing learning activities during the first week of September as “Adult Learners Week” events. Last year, there were over 700 Adult Learning Week events held across Australia attended by thousands of participants keen to explore the many workshops, courses and presentations on offer. To find out how your organisation can get involved, visit www.ala.asn.au    

A national study conducted by NCVER has found that large organisations make solid returns from accessing accredited training programs. The study, which was led by Associate Professor Erica Smith from Charles Sturt University, found that access to these programs can significantly improve an organisation’s systems and skills profile. A copy of the report, Enterprises’ commitment to nationally recognised training for existing workers, is available free from NCVER at www.ncver.edu.au/publications/1550.html    

The Service Industries Skills Council will host its Inaugural conference on 21 and 22 September at the Intercontinental Hotel, Sydney. The conference aims to bring together the representatives from the Wholesale, Retail, Personal Services, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport and Recreation industries. Speakers include the Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, the Hon Gary Hardgrave MP, Mr Bernard Salt, Partner, KPMG and Mr Brian Canavan, Chief Executive Officer, Sydney Roosters Football Club. For more information about the conference or to register, visit www.serviceskills.com.au