Newsletter 13 December 2010

     

    Federal government launches discussion paper in response to Baird Review

    The Federal Government has launched a discussion paper as a next step in response to the Baird Review into the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000.

    The discussion paper, Reforming ESOS: Consultations to build a stronger, simpler, smarter framework for international education in Australia, is available to view here. It follows the first phase of the Government’s response to the review, where some of the recommendations were introduced to Parliament in October.

    Now the government is seeking feedback from stakeholders in relation to:

    TDA will be submitting a response and drawing on the expertise of the TAFE international network. All members are invited to submit their views to peter.holden@tda.edu.au by 13 January.

    [Return to top]

    Treasurer calls for Budget submissions

    Treasurer Wayne Swan has invited individuals, businesses and community groups to submit their ideas and priorities for the 2011-12 Budget.

    Prior to the 2010-2011 Federal Budget, approximately 200 submissions were sent to the Treasurer from a broad range of individuals and groups.

    Submissions are due 28 January 2011. For more information click here.

    [Return to top]

    Federal funding bears fruit – TAFE NSW Western Institute launches green skills centre

     

     

    The TAFE NSW Western Institute has occupied a newly completed Green Skills Trade Education Centre, one of the first completions to result from the Federal Government’s Education Investment Fund.

    Kate Baxter, the recently appointed Institute Director of the Western Institute and her team, successfully negotiated to deal direct with local contractors, and to procure local materials and international technology, and completed the Centre with extensive efficiencies.

    The Western Institute manages 24 Colleges through one of Australia’s largest and remote regions. It enrols 34,000 students, including some 6,000 indigenous students each year.

    The Green Skills centre will become a ‘beacon’ for trades and major programs for the Institute, and will be an educational hub for sustainability.

    [Return to top]

    Research scholarships up for grabs

    The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) is offering scholarships to fund research projects related to VET workplace issues.

    Ten ‘Community of Practice’ scholarships worth $4,000 each are available for novice researchers to conduct small-scale research projects over 12 months. Successful applicants will learn about the research process, receive mentor support and link with other new researchers.

    Applications close 16 February 2011. For more information and to download an application form click here. 

    [Return to top]

    Sydney Institute head teacher honoured

    The NSW Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Verity Firth, presented the winners of the prestigious Meritorious Service Award for outstanding contributions to NSW public education in Sydney last week.

    TDA congratulates Grace Ferguson, Head Teacher, General Education, Eora College, TAFE NSW –

    Sydney Institute, for a Meritorious Service Commended Certificate.

    For more information about the awards click here.

    [Return to top]

    New teachers need mentoring and professional development to excel

    New research from the National Centre for Vocational Education (NCVER) has found that  Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAA40104) provides a solid foundation for new trainers, however to take them to the next level, teachers need mentor support and ongoing professional development.

    The paper, Practitioner expectations and experiences with the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAA40104), is available here.

    [Return to top]

    Austrade briefing highlights downturn in China market

    A briefing provided by Austrade representatives in China has highlighted new data on the challenges facing TAFE Institutes in recruiting students from China.

    An agents’ survey, as well as IELTS data, emphasise the current perception of Australia as unwelcoming and expensive, although the quality of education continues to rate highly.

    An article in The Australian provided an overview of the current state of play – click here to view the article.

    [Return to top]

    International community colleges conference

    The Community Colleges for International Development (CCID) Inc. will hold its 35th Annual Conference in Orlando Florida, from 26 February to 1 March.

    The Conference is titled ‘Workforce Training in Higher Education: A Catalyst for Global Development’. For more information or to book click here.

    [Return to top]

    Training graduate earnings

    Vocational education and training (VET) graduates in full-time work, earn on average $47,900 a year, according to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).

    The Student Outcomes Survey 2010, found 76.3% of VET graduates were employed after completing their qualification.

    Completing a course in education, engineering and related technologies, or health earns graduates a higher wage. Not surprisingly, graduates who completed higher-level qualifications such as Certificate IV or Diploma, earn more than those who have completed lower-level qualifications.

    Click here for further information.

    [Return to top]

    Final newsletter for 2010 from peak international association

    The International Education Association of Australia has distributed its final newsletter for 2010 and includes an update on its recent talks with the Federal Government regarding international education and student visa issues.

    To view the newsletter click here.

    [Return to top]

    New information available on Government’s CRC research program

    Updated information on the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Program's 14th selection round, including the timetable, is now available on the CRC Program website.

    Click here for more information.
     

    [Return to top]

    New-look website for research organisation

    The Australasian Association for Institutional Research (AAIR) has launched a new website, and a feature that allows readers to view and participate in discussion groups.

    The ‘Knowledge Base’ discussion groups will centre on topics including as business intelligence, equity in higher education, and student surveys.

    For more information click here.

    [Return to top]

    Diary Dates

    AVETRA
    Research in VET: Janus - Reflecting Back, Projecting Forward
    DATE: 28-29 April 2011
    LOCATION: Rendezvous Hotel, Melbourne
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

    VICTORIAN TAFE ASSOCIATION
    Gaining the Edge - Outcomes, Equity and Innovation
    DATE: 3-4 May 2011
    LOCATION: Hilton on the Park, Melbourne
    DETAILS: Click here for more information 

    [Return to top]

    To subscribe or unsubscribe to the TDA Newsletter click here.