Newsletter 14 March 2011

     

    TDA Green Skills initiative with China gathers pace

    The first stage of a planned international Australia China conference on Skills for Sustainability, to be held in Beijing, October 2012, is nearing completion.

    The conference will be organised by both TDA, and its long-term partners in China education, the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE).

    The initial stage of the planning has included a comprehensive analysis of TAFE capabilities and initiatives across industry and key agencies in Green skills, including site visits in Victoria and New South Wales by a senior official from the CEAIE, Mr LI Xudong.

    A report on the progress of the project will be sent to members in early April.

     

    R to L: Peter Holden, TDA; LI Xudong, CEAIE; Martin Riordan, TDA; and Brian Zhang, TDA.
     

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    Knight Review discussion paper released

    Head of the strategic review of the student visa program, the Hon Michael Knight AO, has released a discussion paper which can be accessed here.

    The paper provides a brief overview of some of the key issues which have emerged from his first round of consultations, and Mr. Knight is seeking comments from stakeholders.

    Responses and submissions to the review are due by 15 April.

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    TDA evidence to Senate hearing on National VET Regulator

    TDA recently appeared before a Senate Committee that is reviewing the National VET Regulator (NVR). The Senate Hansard detailing evidence from TDA to the Senate Committee has now been released.

    TDA was represented by CEO of TDA, Martin Riordan, and former TAFE director, and tertiary consultant, Virginia Simmons.

    The hearing was held last week in Melbourne, with TDA expressing concern about the poor alignment between the NVR Bill and the TEQSA legislation being prepared on higher education, as well as the lack of transparency to date, with details on standards, pricing and key issues yet to be revealed.  

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    Professional development opportunities available in United Arab Emirates

    The Australian Universities Quality Agency is currently searching for reviewers for two diploma programs modelled on TAFE programs, which will be delivered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    The two diploma programs focus on the environment, health and safety industry; and the tourism management industry.

    This is an opportunity for those in the TAFE sector to extend their professional development. Reviewers will have both their time and travel expenses paid.

    Please register your interest please contact Pam Caven, TDA by 18 March.

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    Australia-China education conference

    The Australia China Business Council (ACBC) and Roxby Media are hosting a half day conference, titled ‘Australia China: Beyond Tomorrow’, at Hilton on the Park in Melbourne on 28 March 2011.

    The conference will provide an overview of the education sector with particular emphasis on its importance and economic relevance to the Australia China trade and investment relationship.

    Her Excellency Ms Guo Xiaojuan the Consul-General (Education) of the People’s Republic of China in Melbourne will present the keynote address. 
     
    To view a program click here. To register click here. 

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    Student information about unrest in Libya, and disaster in Japan

    The Federal Government is providing regularly updated information for international students who may be seeking advice on events in Libya and other Middle East countries, and the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

    Students can go to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) website for information on developments in these countries, and travel advice. For student visa-related issues, students should contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) on 13 18 81.

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    Opportunity to meet with international student agents

    The Australia New Zealand Agent Workshop will be held 13-15 April, bringing together almost 200 international education agents.

    The event is the largest of its kind in Asia-Pacific and includes an opportunity for those selling international education to participate in pre-scheduled meetings with international agents (buyers).

    For more information click here.

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    Australia Arab Business Forum

    The Australian Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACI) is holding the Inaugural Australia Arab Business Forum & Expo in Melbourne, on 5-6 May.

    The Middle East North Africa (MENA) region is becoming increasingly important for Australian business, supporting more than $10 billion of exports. More than 300 Australian companies have offices in the region, and some 20,000 MENA students come to study in Australia.

    Delegations from Saudi Arabia, Algeria, the UAE, Syria and Morocco will be attending the event.

    The Forum will outline the latest progress in the MENA region, and future growth opportunities for Australian businesses. For more information click here.

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    International calendar of events heats-up

    Austrade has provided a list of upcoming international events in its latest update.

    To view the events click here.

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    Defence training grants up for grabs

    Applications are now open for up to $14 million in training grants being offered by the Australian Defence Industry.

    The funding can be used for purposes including trade apprenticeships support, TAFE courses, university courses, and short technical courses.

    The funding is designed to support 5,000 workers to develop technical, trade and professional skills whist working in the defence industry.

    For more information click here.

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    Diary Dates

    QUEENSLAND TRAINING AWARDS
    Closing date for nominations
    DATE: 25 March, 2011
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

    VICTORIAN TRAINING AWARDS
    Closing date for nominations
    DATE: 1 April, 2011
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

    NZ VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING RESEARCH FORUM
    TAFE Governance and Regulations Forum
    DATE: 27-28 April, 2011
    LOCATION: Rutherford House, Wellington
    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

    VELG
    2011 Queensland VET Symposium
    DATE: 12-13 May, 2011
    LOCATION: Hilton, Brisbane
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

    NATIONAL CENTRE FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION RESEARCH
    No Frills
    DATE: 13-15 July, 2011
    LOCATION: North Coast TAFE, Coffs Harbour
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

    NSW TRAINING AWARDS
    Nominations closing date
    DATE: 25 March, 2011
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

    CRITERION CONFERENCES
    Interconnected Tertiary Education - Stronger pathways across Higher Education & VET for increased participation
    DATE: 30-31 March, 2011|
    LOCATION: Mercure, Melbourne
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

    INFORMA EDUCATION
    The 9th Annual Higher Education Summit
    DATE: 27-29 April, 2011
    LOCATION:Sofitel, Brisbane  
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

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

    VELG TRAINING
    2011 National VET Conference
    DATE: 4-5 August, 2011
    LOCATION: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

    SKILLSDMC
    2011 National Conference
    DATE: 10 August, 2011
    LOCATION:Four Season’s Hotel, Sydney
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

    AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
    2011 Conference
    DATE: 11-14 October, 2011
    LOCATION: Adelaide Convention Centre
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

    AUSTRALIAN FLEXIBLE TRAINING FRAMEWORK
    ePortfolios Australia Conference 2011
    DATE: 17-18 October, 2011
    LOCATION: Perth
    DETAILS: Click here for more information.

    GROUP TRAINING AUSTRALIA
    Looking ahead - Group Training National Conference
    DATE: 19-21 October, 2011
    LOCATION: Grand Hyatt, Melbourne
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

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