Newsletter: 20 October 2008

    Extra training places to help insulate economy - PM

    Training will play a key role in protecting Australia from the global financial crisis with the Prime Minister, the Hon. Kevin Rudd MP, announcing 56,000 extra training places as part of the $10.4 billion Economic Security Strategy.

    A total of $187M has been invested in the Productivity Places Program (PPP) for 2008-09, boosting the total number of training places to 701,000.

    Since the implementation of the PPP, the Government advocated that more than 50,000 jobseekers had enrolled, and over 11,000 having already completed their training in areas of skill shortage.

    TDA has sought undertakings from the Government that flexibility to the PPP funding and places will be incorporated into the expanded scheme.

    To see the media release click here. To see fact sheet click here.

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    National Childcare Roundtable plan to extend TAFE fees cut

    DET NSW Children's Services Executive Foonghar Chong represented TDA at last week's National Roundtable on Childcare.

    Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Aging, the Hon Maxine McKew MP, hosted the Roundtable on 16 October. Ms. McKew announced that the removal of capping of reimbursements for TAFE fees - targeting diploma and advanced diploma childcare courses - would be a key part of the Childcare package announced.

    Click here to view information on the strategy. For a detailed report on the roundtable, compiled by Foonghar Chong click here.

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    TDA submission to Skills Australia Discussion Paper

    TAFE Directors Australia has submitted its response to the Skills Australia Discussion Paper Future Governance Arrangements for the National Training System.

    The TDA paper outlines why the 'TAFE Institute model' which had become a feature of the National Training Framework - and a key part of Australia's $11B education export industry - should be recognised within what Skills Australia had outlined as its summary of the current VET system.

    Skills Australia also signalled its interest to review what it described as a "congested" national regulatory VET system.

    To view TDA's response click here.

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    TDA releases International Research Agenda

    How well do international students perform in the VET sector? What are the key success factors in attracting international students? How is VET viewed abroad and what are the key markets?

    These are some of the topics addressed with the release of TDA's International Research Agenda.

    The continued growth in international enrolments and new models of engagement require fresh research into international growth, sustainability and challenges for the Australian VET sector.

    The TDA agenda outlines areas where research resources should be focused. Its aim is to generate evidence-based findings, engage stakeholders in key policy areas, and identify priority areas for collaboration.

    TDA welcomes input from members, researchers, government agencies and other partners on implementation of the research agenda. For more information contact Rebecca Biazos.

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    Report shows how young people are faring

    A new report shows that young people who have not achieved Year 12 or equivalent qualifications or do not have post school qualifications experience a worse transition from school to work and in the labour market generally.

    The report How Young People Are Faring was prepared by the Foundation for Young Australians. To view a joint press release from Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard and Minister for Youth and Sport, the Hon Kate Ellis click here.

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    Survey finds wider use for HECS style loans

    A survey undertaken by AC Nielsen for the Academy of Social Sciences has found strong community support for the idea of extending income contingent loans to areas as diverse as education, research and sport.

    The survey lends support to the idea of extending HECS style loans to areas beyond student fees to items such as student living expenses.

    Click here for more information.

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    Mick Young Scholarship Trust Race Day - Fundraiser

    TAFE executives are invited to support the 2008 Mick Young Scholarship Trust Race Day, to be held at Royal Randwick Racecourse Sydney, Saturday 22 November.

    TDA recently partnered with the Trust for the 2008 Mick Young Oration, presented by the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP in Canberra.

    The Trust helps disadvantaged students every year to continue their studies and is focused on the TAFE sector.

    Click here for an invitation to the event.

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    Diary Dates

    DEPARTMENT OF FURTHER EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    5th Biennial Australian Learning Communities Network Conference
    DATE: 25-28 October 2008
    LOCATION: Hyatt Regency, Adelaide
    DETAILS: For more information, email Sharon Smith.

    MANUFACTURING SKILLS AUSTRALIA
    Manufacturing - Skilling for the Future
    DATE: 29 October 2008
    LOCATION: Dockside (Balcony 1), Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour, Sydney
    DETAILS: For more information, click here.

    ADULT LEARNING AUSTRALIA
    48TH Annual National Conference
    DATE: 30 October - 1 November 2008
    LOCATION: The Esplanade Hotel
    DETAILS: For more information, click here.

    IDEA 2008
    A series of events focusing on technology and education
    DATE: 12 - 13 November - see website for individual events
    LOCATION: Melbourne Convention Centre
    DETAILS: For more information, click here.

    LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES 2008
    DATE: 5-7 November 2008
    LOCATION: Sunshine Coast Mooloolaba TAFE, QLD
    DETAILS: The conference will investigate new and emerging earning technologies and their use, and address these issues under the theme of Learning Connections. Learning Technologies 2008 is about learning, creating and making connections in knowledge construction.
    For more information or to register, click here.

    ILDP GLOBAL LEARNING FORUM
    Educating for Excellence
    DATE: 17-18 November 2008
    LOCATION: Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour
    DETAILS: For more information go to www.ildp2008.com.

    REFRAMING THE FUTURE
    Engaging VET Practitioners
    DATE: 17-18 November 2008
    LOCATION: Crown Promenade, Melbourne
    DETAILS: For more information, click here.

    COMMUNITY SERVICES & HEALTH INDUSTRY COUNCIL
    Supporting the Health Profession - The next wave of workers
    DATE: 26 November 2008
    LOCATION: The Sebel, Albert Park, Melbourne
    DETAILS: For more information, click here.

    THE ASSOCIATION FOR ACTIVE EDUCATIONAL RESEARCHERS (AARE)
    AARE 2008 International Education Conference
    DATE: 30 November - 4 December 2008
    LOCATION: Brisbane
    DETAILS: For more information, click here.

    PRINCIPLE MEDIA LTD
    Learning Technologies Conference
    DATE: 28-29 January 2009
    LOCATION: London, UK
    DETAILS: For more information click here.

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