Get the recognition you deserve at the 2008 Australian Training Awards
The Australian Training Awards are the culmination of each state and territory training awards. This year, the Australian Training Awards will be held at the Darwin Convention Centre on 20 November.
If you are a top Australian Apprentice (including trainees and Australian School-based Apprentices), vocational student, small business, school, small or large training provider or an employer who is making people take notice of your training, why not apply to your state and territory training awards?
For further information please visit http://www.australiantrainingawards.gov.au/ 
or phone
13 38 73.
Applications NOW OPEN for the 2008 Minister’s Awards for Excellence
Are you an employer doing great things with your apprenticeships training?
Is your Australian Apprenticeships program helping build your business?
Do you want to get recognised as an employer of choice?
Then why not enter the 2008 Minister’s Awards for Excellence for Employers of Australian Apprentices. The awards recognise outstanding achievements and best practice in the training of apprentices and trainees in 22 regions across Australia. Each regional winner receives $5000 prize money, a certificate and trophy, and return travel and accommodation to attend the gala Minister’s Awards presentation and dinner in the Great Hall of Parliament House on 4 September 2008.
Applications for the Minister’s Awards for Excellence for Employers of Australian Apprentices close on Friday, 18 April 2008.
To apply for the 2008 Minister’s Awards for Excellence for Employers of Australian Apprentices contact your local Australian Apprenticeships Centre or to apply online, visit www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/awards/ministers_awards.asp
Phase One 2008 and Expressions of Interest for Phase Two 2008 NOW OPEN for the Trade Training Centres in Schools Program
Improving a schools ability to keep up with advancements in industry standards, equipment and facilities which allows students to experience high quality, relevant, vocational education and training in their secondary schooling can only enhance their training experience.
The Commonwealth Government has announced the Trade Training Centres in Schools Program as a platform for higher standards in schools and in recognition of the need to address national skills shortages in traditional trades and emerging industries.
It is recognised that students engaged in studies they believe are valuable to their future work or study aspirations are more likely to remain at school and complete Year 12 or an equivalent qualification.
This Program will enable secondary schools to apply for funding which will enable them to provide greater opportunities to secondary students to access industry standard equipment and facilities while participating in an industry recognised trade training qualification at school.
Information on the Program including details about the application process are available from www.tradetrainingcentres.deewr.gov.au or phone 1300 363 079.
ENSURING QUALITY of CAREER DEVELOPMENT PRACTICE and SERVICES
The Revised Professional Standards for Australian Career Development Practitioners
It is now well accepted that people of all ages and from diverse backgrounds need to have access to high quality career development and transition support in a dynamic workplace. Career development competencies are being recognized as providing a positive foundation to support social inclusion and human capital priorities.
Resulting from systematic national consultation, collaboration and legal review the Revised Professional Standards for Australian Career Development Practitioners (2007) will provide all Australians with assurance that career development services provided by Career Industry Council of Australia members, are supported by published ethical and professional standards.
The main change in the updated Standards 2007 relates to entry level qualifications where the original 4 categories of practitioners have been consolidated into two –Professional and Associate.
A pdf version of the Revised Standards (2007) and supporting CICA Policy and Procedure Statements on professional qualifications and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) can be downloaded from the CICA website at www.cica.org.au
Call for papers for the 'No Frills' 2008 Conference
NCVER invites participants to share their research and knowledge at the 17th National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference 'No Frills' 2008.
The conference focuses on strategies, observations and proven practices that can influence policy and practice for an even better national VET system. We also invite experienced researchers to share their insights and submit proposals to run workshops which promote the development of future VET researchers.
Don't miss this opportunity--the call for papers and workshop sessions closes 21 April 2008!
If you wish to attend one of the best value events on the VET research calendar, register now! “No Frills” 2008 will be held between 9 and 11 July 2008 in Launceston, Tasmania.
You can register your interest to present and/or your wish to attend 'No Frills' 2008 at www.ncver.edu.au/newsevents/trconf/trconf17.html
MSA Training Package and Workplace Assessment Workshop
Did you know that less than 50% of the manufacturing workforce holds a post-school qualification? Find out what MSA is doing to address widespread industry skills shortages through workplace assessments and its assessor network. Access the latest information on current and future changes to MSA training packages. Meet with other trainers / assessors to swap ideas and discuss current approaches to workplace assessment.
MSA Training Package and Workplace Assessment workshop will be held in each state starting at Townsville and Brisbane in April and Perth in May and other states dates to be confirmed. Go to our website www.mskills.com.au for more details about our Training Package and Workplace Assessment workshop and how you can register.
FAST FACTS SUBSCRIPTION TELL A COLLEAGUE OR A FRIEND
Australian Training Fast Facts has a new format, and subscription and delivery system.
If you know anyone who would like to be kept informed of what’s happening in the VET Sector, send them a copy of this newsletter for their information. If you would like to subscribe, please see easy to follow instructions below.
1. Go to www.dest.gov.au/dss/ —please read the instructions then press the 'Continue' button
2. Enter your email address in the email form field then press the 'Continue' button
3. A confirmation email will be sent to the email address you entered
4. Click the link in the email to activate your account. A list of departmental newsletters will be displayed
5. Select FAST FACTS (and any other newsletter(s) of interest to you)
6. Click the 'Save changes' button at the bottom of the page
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For more information visit www.dest.gov.au/dss/