Newsletter: 28 January 2009

    Study on link between social background, education and success

    An apprenticeship can increase earning capacity by almost a quarter according to a study by the Australian Council for Education Research.

    The study found that social background plays only a small role in an individual's earnings capacity and socio-economic status. It suggests that a post-school education is the overwhelming factor in determining future earrings and social mobility.

    According the findings, a university degree increases earning capacity by 31%, an apprenticeship by 23% and a TAFE diploma by 14%.

    To view the report click here.

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    BIG Skills Conference

    The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will host the BIG Skills Conference on 2-5 March at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

    The conference is a special initiative on skills and training at the federal level, with topics designed to focus on reinvigorating further education and identifying how skills and training can help address the big challenges of productivity, participation and social inclusion.

    The conference will bring together major national and international players to debate issues and stimulate change in the Australian tertiary sector.

    DIARY NOTE - TDA will also host a Board meeting during the event of the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics - and TAFE directors and their senior staff are invited to a special luncheon to meet the WFCP board, headed by American Community College CEO George Boggs, on Monday 2nd March 2009, also in Sydney. TDA members will receive a special invitation shortly - please note if possible please?

    Register now here or email skillsconference2009@deewr.gov.au.

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    Invitation to join Austrade mission to the Philippines

    Members are invited to register their interest in joining Austrade as part of a mission to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank, at the ADB's headquarters in Manila.

    The event will provide an opportunity to be involved in both the ADB and World Bank's technical assistance projects in Asian markets.

    The mission will focus on core areas of opportunity including infrastructure, environment, regional cooperation and integration, finance sector development and education. It will coincide with visits to the ADB and World Bank from multi-country delegations from around the world.

    For more information click here.

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    Happy Chinese New Year - Xi fa cai...

    This year is the Year of the Ox. The Ox symbolizes prosperity through fortitude and hard work - fitting given the current economic turmoil. TDA would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very prosperous Year of the Ox.

    We have some exciting activities on the international calendar for China with the Inaugural China Australia Industry Training Symposium scheduled for July. More information will be available in future newsletters.

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    Professional development opportunities for VET leaders

    Registrations are now open for the LH Martin Institute's Executive Education Programs.

    The programs provide relevant and practical professional development solutions for academic and administrative leaders working in higher education, VET and private institutions, as well as members of these institutions' boards and governing councils.

    For more information on the programs please visit the LH Martin website, or contact Anna Steer on +61 3 8344 3157 or asteer@unimelb.edu.au.

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    Diary Dates

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


    COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HEALTH INDUSTRY SKILLS COUNCIL
    New CHC08 Training Package Implementation Forums
    DATE: February - March
    LOCATION: Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane
    DETAILS: A series of one-day forums will be facilitated around the country to support the implementation of the new Community Services Training Package. For information on each forum, click here.


    DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND WORKPLACE RELATIONS
    BIG Skills Conference
    DATE: 2-5 March 2009
    LOCATION: Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour
    DETAILS: For more information click here.


    UNIVERSITIES AUSTRALIA
    Inaugural Higher Education Conference 2009
    DATE: 4-6 March 2009
    LOCATION: Hotel Realm, Canberra
    DETAILS: For more information click here.


    CAREER DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
    National Career Conference
    DATE: 15-17 April 2009
    LOCATION: Grand Hyatt, Melbourne
    DETAILS: For more information click here.


    VICTORIAN TAFE ASSOCIATION
    State Conference 2009, 'Delivering Success in a Contestable Future'
    DATE: 7-8 May 2009
    LOCATION: Victoria University Convention Centre
    DETAILS: More information will be available early March 2009


    TERTIARY STUDIES EXPO
    TSXPO
    DATE: 18-19 July 2009
    LOCATION: RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane
    DETAILS: For more information click here.


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