Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, the Hon Gary Hardgrave MP, joined finalists and guests in celebrating Australia’s excellence in training at the 2005 Australian Training Awards held in Perth on 17 November.
The Awards dinner, hosted by the Australian Government, honoured the best New Apprentices, vocational students, training organisations and employers, and their outstanding contribution to Australia’s vocational, technical education and training sector.
The winners of the 2005 Australian Training Awards are a talented group of apprentices, vocational students, training providers, a college and small business.
New Apprentice (Apprentice) of the Year is South Australia’s Christine Stock, whose childhood fascination with science and technology led her into the male dominated profession of mechanical engineering. Christine, who is from Seacombe Gardens, is the Project Engineer for Electrolux major appliances after undertaking a four year mechanical engineering New Apprenticeship in 2002. She is currently studying for her Advanced Diploma after completing a Diploma of Mechanical Engineering last year.
New Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year is South Australia’s Kylie Fleetwood who changed from a clerical role to childcare as a mature age student by undertaking via correspondence a Certificate III in Children’s Services New Apprentice (Trainee). Once she completes her diploma, her career goal is to become a team leader, teacher’s assistant or kindergarten assistant.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year is South Australia’s Robert Fielding of the Mimili Community who is an Office Manager and has completed a Certificate II in Business this year. He is doing on the job training at Mimili Community Office and off the job training at Mimili Anangu School. Robert works within Mimili Community Office at its Pitjantjatjara Yankunyjatjara Ku Centre which provides services for Anangu people. His training has allowed him to develop a high level of office and event coordination skills.
Vocational Student of the Year is Victoria’s Ty Menzies who at 20 years old is the youngest student to complete a Diploma of Outdoor Recreation at Chisholm Institute of TAFE Frankston Campus in 2004. He was named Outstanding Student of the Year at Chisholm Institute in 2005, and is a qualified instructor and leader in a wide range of outdoor activities including scuba, deep diving, ski touring and sailing.
Prime Minister’s Small Business of the Year is Western Australia’s Geraldton Resource Centre which is a not-for-profit community organisation providing services to disadvantaged people in WA’s remote Mid West and Gascoyne regions.
The Australian Training Initiative Award went to the Queensland Ambulance Service who introduced its Flexible Learning Organisation Initiative, which has embraced a range of new technologies and techniques including CD ROM-based teaching tools, e-learning, electronic workbooks, online support and forums and video conferencing, which is tailored to the needs of this particular workforce.
The VET in Schools Excellence Award went to Tasmania’s Claremont College for delivering flexible programmes that reflect the diversity and skills needs of local industries. The school has established strong partnerships with industry, and increasing numbers of employers call staff directly looking for suitable job applicants
Small and Large Training Provider of the Year went to South Australia’s Organisation & Professional Development Services (O&PDS) and Western Australia’s Challenger TAFE.
O&PDS, winner of Small Training Provider of the Year established an innovative partnership with Family Day Care and TAFESA, Adelaide Campus, English Language Services to offer child care and extra language skills training to a pilot group of 10 migrant women. All participants completed their qualification, achieved measurable improvement in English language skills, and have since established their own businesses as care providers.
Challenger TAFE, winner of Large Training Provider of the Year developed Centres of Excellence to push ahead with initiatives to address both labour shortages and skill gaps across a variety of industries, including building and construction, migrant fast-track training for the ship building industry (particularly Austal Ships), the oil and gas sector, and commercial cookery New Apprenticeships.
Employer of the Year is Eurobadalla Shire Council who provided accredited training for mature age workers so they could retain and update their skills. Staff employed at the Council have more qualifications from the Local Government training package than any other council in NSW.
More information on each of the winners, runners-ups and other Awards presented at the 2005 Australian Training Awards.
The Ministerial Council for Vocational and Technical Education, comprising Australian, State and Territory Ministers responsible for training, held its first meeting in Perth on 18 November 2005. The focus of the meeting was to put in place the last remaining details of new national training arrangements.
Ministers agreed on the roles of the National Industry Skills Committee - which will ensure the provision of effective industry advice direct to Ministers, and the National Quality Council - which will oversight the quality of training provision through RTO scope and registration and training packages.
Ministers also agreed to progress the work of the Client and Student Voice Action Group to ensure that the national training system is responsive, especially in providing improved access to training for Indigenous Australians and people with a disability.
Other discussion covered topics such as international engagement, national research priorities and VET in schools.
The Hon Gary Hardgrave MP released a Communiqué on 18 November 2005 which sets out all Ministers’ commitment to continue to work collaboratively and cooperatively to maximise the benefits from the national training system.
Further information can be found at http://www.dest.gov.au/Ministers/Media/Hardgrave/2005/11/h20181105.asp
The new 2005 – 08 Commonwealth-State Agreement for Skilling Australia’s Workforce, has now been signed by all States and Territories.
In signing the agreement, the Australian Government and all States and Territories have also committed their support for the new ‘Framework for a new National Training System’ which was developed after consultations with business, industry, providers and governments earlier this year.
Under the agreement, the Australian Government will provide almost $5 billion to the States and Territories to support their training systems over 2005-08. The agreement includes $215 million of additional funding, an annual average real increase of 4.1 per cent over the quadrennium compared to 2004.
This new funding is expected to create up to 128,000 additional training places over the life of the Agreement.
A New Apprenticeships week highlighting the pathways available in a New Apprenticeship, a card for New Apprentices similar to a student concession card and a start up loan to enable New Apprentices to buy necessary tools were some of the suggestions made at the 2005 New Apprentices Roundtable.
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| The Hon Minister Gary Hardgrave speaking at the New Apprenticeships Roundtable |
New Apprentice Brendan Bishop with the Hon Minister Gary Hardgrave and the Hon Minister Brendan Nelson |
The New Apprentices presented the findings and recommendations from their research and reports to Ministers Nelson and Hardgrave on 3 November at Parliament House.
The purpose of the meeting was for the New Apprentices to present their ideas to Government as the national voice of New Apprentices.
The New Apprentices Roundtable consists of 18 current and recently completed New Apprentices from all over Australia and from industries or occupations where skills needs have been identified, particularly in the traditional trades.
The results from the Roundtable also attracted interest from industry groups such as Health Industry Group Training Company, ACCI, Australian Industry Group, Business Council of Australia, Rural Skills Australia and the Master Builders Association who also attended the presentation. A number of employers from as far away as Mackay and Yarraman in Queensland also attended.
Roundtable participants undertook five projects comprising:
- financial and other incentives for people to start a New Apprenticeship and for employers to employ New Apprentices;
- effective information about New Apprenticeships for Careers Advisors;
- standardising the quality of off-the-job training from RTOs – with particular focus on motor mechanic and agriculture training;
- duration of New Apprenticeships; and
- promotion and marketing of New Apprenticeships - including improving the perception and benefits of New Apprenticeships.
A discussion paper detailing the recommendations and findings from all five projects is currently being prepared. It is expected the paper will be available sometime in late December.
For further information concerning the Roundtable please contact julie.dempster@dest.gov.au
The 13th Annual Conference on Post-compulsory Education and Training, Vocational Learning: Transitions, Interrelationships, Partnerships and Sustainable Futures seeks to bring together researchers, practitioners and policy makers from across post-compulsory education and training sectors.
Delegates will be drawn from a wide range of stakeholders - practitioners of all kinds, teachers, trainers, researchers, policy makers, consultants, managers, industry representatives and members of the broader community.
The conference encourages plural theoretical perspectives and methodologies in examining critical issues confronting the sectors. It seeks to enhance collaboration and discussion amongst delegates in a variety of formats, such as keynote addresses, delegate-led discussions, posters, round tables and other forums.
Venue: Crowne Plaza, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast
Cost: Presenter $595.00 and Delegate $685.00
Further information about the International Conference on Post-compulsory Education and Training, including registration form, contacts and abstracts are available at: http://www.griffith.edu.au/centre/clr/pcet2005/ 
Please note that while the registration deadline is 1 November 2005, organisers have advised that they are willing to accept late registrations and would appreciate if people could register as soon as possible.
Become an Australian Partner Organisation for the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development Program…
The Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) program places young Australians between 18-30 on short-term assignments (3-12 months) in developing countries throughout the Asia Pacific region. AYADs exchange skills and knowledge with local counterparts to strengthen the capacity of overseas host organisations. AYADs also develop linkages and networks between partner organisations in Australia and those in developing countries, and gain overseas professional experience. The Program is-funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and provides in-country support and a living allowance to successful applicants during their period overseas.
With the Program expansion, 400 Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development will be mobilised each year. The next Intake will focus primarily on trades based and VET assignments making these opportunities particularly suited to TAFE students.
A distinctive feature of the AYAD Program is its relationship with Australian organisations. Australian Partner Organisations (APOs) may have existing links with organisations in the Asia-Pacific region or want to establish links with these institutional organisations. APOs consist of Australian companies, educational institutions, government agencies and non-government and community organisations.
If your department works with organisations in the Asia-Pacific region or would like to work with these organisations we invite you to become an APO. Working with our Management Team you can develop an assignment linked to your department’s capabilities and skills providing the opportunity to develop and expand your networks in an eligible country. You can nominate a young Australian, either staff or student, to undertake the assignment or the Program can source a suitable candidate for you.
The program provides the necessary support for the assignment to proceed. As an APO you can develop and expand your links with organisations and governments in the Asia-pacific region, develop skills and capacities within your local partner organisation, gain an increased understanding of regional cultures and make a positive contribution to sustainable development and Australia’s involvement in the Asia-Pacific region.
APOs also have the opportunity to host returned AYADs on Program funded Development Internships and can circulate job opportunities and other activities through the AYAD Alumni Network.
The AYAD Program is currently taking assignment proposals for Intake 16 which will be mobilised overseas in June 06. For further information on the AYAD Program visit www.ausaid.gov.au/youtham . For submission deadline dates and proposal forms please contact the AYAD Program at apo@austraining.com.au or freecall 1800 225 592.
This is a practical guide on shared technology and its applications for VET trainers. Shared technology is the coming together of various technologies that were stand alone, into new shared applications. The term primarily relates to the transfer of information through electronic means. The guide outlines how technology is changing work. It provides guidance on how to develop teaching and learning approaches that allow shared technology skills and knowledge to be incorporated into nationally recognised qualifications. The range of learning activities included in the resource will give learners an overview of both technology and applications. The experiential and problem-based nature of activities will develop the ability of learners to continue to learn and adapt as the technology changes.
The guide is directed at all vocational education and training (VET) practitioners working with enterprises and industries that are applying shared technology. It contains practical learner-centred teaching and learning strategies that can be used both in the classroom and in the workplace. The strategies will engage learners in actively acquiring and developing skills and knowledge in shared technology applicable to a range of industries. The resource also includes a range of professional development strategies and activities that will assist trainers to fully utilise this resource.
This is a practical guide for VET trainers who work with a diverse range of learners. It is a resource for teachers contextualising learning activities to suit varying workplaces and individual learners. It provides practical, ready to use ways to contextualise learning in a range of ’classrooms’, from an educational institution to a factory floor and online. Its focus is on the design and implementation of teaching strategies and activities that address the development of skills and/or knowledge described in units or clusters of units of competency, in contexts that are relevant to learners.
The guide provides assistance to all VET practitioners who are seeking to implement learner-centred, flexible and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. It also provides examples of good teaching practice in different settings and endorses teaching practices that are activity-based, reflective and collaborative. The guide also provides sample learning activities that have been successful in different learning settings, support teachers in development of their own materials and provide professional development activities and program ideas. Finally, the guide can also be used as a resource material for those delivering the TAA04 Training and Assessment Package.
The Department of Education, Science and Training recently convened The National Skills Forum to provide an opportunity to exchange information on impediments and success factors for attracting and retaining workers, particularly in trade occupations experiencing skills shortages.
The forum highlighted current issues including the ageing workforce, skilled migration and the duration of apprenticeships. Go to the getatrade website for more information about forum and to view the presentations.
On 22 November 2005, Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, the Hon Gary Hardgrave announced $15 million for the national vocational and technical education system to help address Australia’s labour needs through e-learning.
The Government committed this further funding to ensure that the Australian Flexible Learning Framework continues for another 12 months. The media release is available at: http://www.dest.gov.au/Ministers/Media/Hardgrave/2005/11/h001221105.asp
An event detailing the ‘new practices’ developed under this flexible learning framework for 2005 is being held in Melbourne on Thursday 1 December 2005. It shares a set of projects focussed on developing these ‘new practices’ as solutions to teaching and learning issues within the vocational and education and training sector.
In 2005, projects were funded under New Practices in Flexible Learning with the objective of stimulating providers to implement innovative practices with a focus on e-learning, e-business, online student support and self service.
Six ‘new practices’ were investigated during 2005, and this event will give participants the opportunity to hear a set of short summary overviews of each project outlining the ‘new practice’ and project outcomes. An outline of the six projects can be found at:
1. ARED: Applications for Rapid E-learning Development http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/projects/ared.html
2. Beyond Text: using your voice online
http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/projects/beyond_text.html
3. Connecting the Dots: breaking down the barriers to participation
http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/projects/connecting_the_dots.html
4. QTI m-Player: question and testing interoperability (QTI) player for mobile devices
http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/projects/qti_m-player.html
5. Social Interaction Packs: overcoming social barriers
http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/projects/social_interaction.html
6. Embedding innovative practices within vocational education and training (VET)
http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/projects/innovative_practices.html
The presentations at this event will be delivered in two parts. The morning session will provide an overview of all the New Practices in Flexible Learning projects. The afternoon sessions provides an opportunity to hear further details about specific projects enabling participants to select workshops from two workshop streams such as ‘Online voice technologies’ and ‘Innovation and development.’
There is also the opportunity to participate in online sessions.
Venue: Dudley Conference Centre, 45 Dudley Street Melbourne
Cost: Attendance is free
Further information about New Practices in Flexible Learning, including registration form, event session and online session details is available at: http://flexiblelearning.net.au/projects/npfl_dec1_invitation.pdf