Newsletter: 16 February 2009

    TDA supports DPM's COAG initiative to protect jobs and skills development

    TAFE Directors Australia has welcomed an announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, signalling a COAG meeting to be held in March which will consider skills and training - key issues not included in the Federal Government's $42 billion stimulus package.

    A joint submission between TDA and Group Training Australia to Ms Gillard proposes a 10-point plan including:

    The submission asks for a significant contribution to the VET sector as part of a planned labour market package that will address skills and training. To view the joint submission, including TDA's 10-point plan click here.

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    Join with international VET leaders and NSW Minister at TDA event

    TDA invites members and TAFE and VET sector executives to a luncheon with the Board of the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) in Sydney, 2 March, to discuss: 'Skills in the Global Financial Crisis, lessons at home and abroad'. NSW Minister for Education and Training and Minister for Women, the Hon. Verity Firth will also be in attendance.

    The WFCP Board is made up of representatives from North America, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific who will share their views on the role of skills in the current economic crisis.

    The Parliamentary Luncheon, scheduled for 12:30-2.00pm at NSW Parliament House, will be a fitting prelude to the BIG Skills Conference that opens later that evening.

    Register now and join TDA and stakeholders from across the VET sector at this event. Places limited so please book early.

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    Number of full-time jobs up according to ABS employment figures

    There was a surprised reaction at the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics Labour Force figures which showed that an additional 34, 000 full time jobs were created in January.

    A number of economists expressed scepticism at the unexpected increase in full time jobs, accompanied by a drop in part-time jobs of similar magnitude. The numbers, they say, go against the general trend of employment during an economic downturn.

    To view an interview from the ABC PM program click here.

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    Geelong ATC to be folded into TAFE

    The Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard, has announced that the Geelong Australian Technical College will become a Technical Education Centre of the Geelong Institute of TAFE.

    The Geelong Technical Education Centre will continue to operate on the Gordon Institute of TAFE's East Geelong campus and will be a part of the general redevelopment of the Gordon Institute of TAFE in 2020.

    Click here for the announcement.

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    Nominations open for Director TAFE New England, TAFE NSW

    The position of Director, New England Institute has been re-advertised. Details are live today on the Department's Senior Positions website.

    The position description is attached, and nominations close on 27 February 2009.

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    International Education Association of Australia - membership and professional development opportunities

    The newly formed International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) has launched its professional development program for 2009 and is offering membership to international directors and management.

    Membership of the IEAA opens access to a range of professional development, networking and business opportunities. Many TDA member institutes are acting as hosts for IEAA events.

    Programs will focus on the key areas of transnational education, business skills and process, enhancing the student experience and marketing and recruitment.

    TDA is represented on the Board of the IEAA by Rebecca Biazos, Director International Engagement. Members are invited to contact Rebecca to nominate any professional development programs for development and consideration during 2009.

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    Western Australian government calls on TAFE WA to assist with economic action plan

    Western Australian Training Minister, the Hon. Peter Collier MP, has called on TAFE WA to develop a plan to address the training challenges of the economic downturn.

    The Minister wants the plan to examine the skills that will be required as the economy recovers.

    To view the media release click here.

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    'VET training products for the 21st Century' - have your say!

    A National Quality Council and COAG Steering Committee focused on 'VET Training Products for the 21st Century' is keen to hear views about issues dealing with definitions of competence, VET qualifications, training packages and credit systems.

    A team of consultants led by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) has been contracted to conduct a short, but intensive, series of consultations and public workshops across the country.

    The consultants comprise Hugh Guthrie, NCVER, Professor Rod McDonald, Ithaca Group, Paul Byrne OAM, as well as a range of other experienced and recognised VET experts. They are due to provide a final report based on an analysis of the consultation outcomes to the Committee by April 2009.

    To have your say, click here. You can register online for a public workshop or if you are unable to attend one being run in your state you can provide your views electronically

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    Roundtable - impact of a new higher education environment on VET sector

    The Business and Higher Education Roundtable, the Victorian TAFE Association and RMIT University are hosting a roundtable on 12 March in Melbourne to discuss the 'Implications of a new tertiary education environment on the VET sector'.

    VET providers, industry and government representatives are invited to attend.

    A panel consisting of Peter Noonan, member of the Review of Australian Higher Education Panel, David Battersby, Vice Chancellor, University of Ballarat, Megan Lilley, Ai Group, and Phillip Rouse, BlueScope Steel, will discuss their views on the new policy environment. Opportunity for discussion will follow the panel presentation.

    Click here for a copy of the program or contact Nita Schultz (03 9639 8100, nschultz@vta.vic.edu.au) for further information.

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    Austrade briefings: 'Beyond the Financial Crisis'

    Austrade's most senior staff will offer their perspectives on the current situation in Asia, the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Africa at a series of briefings to be held in all major capital cities in late February and March.

    To view more information, including dates and venues for each city click here.

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    ATQF Quality Indicators Resource Package

    The Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) has announced dates for information sessions relating to the ATQF Quality Indicators.

    Under the ATQF, registered training organisations (RTOs) are required to collect data on three indicators including learner engagement, employer satisfaction and competency completion.

    The ACER sessions will help registered training organisations to develop an understanding of the AQTF 2007 Quality Indicators, and associated instruments and collection systems.

    Click here for more information.

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    SA Government looking for top skills official

    The South Australian Government is looking for applicants for the position of Director, Industry Skills Development, in the Department of Further Education, Employment and Science and Technology.

    For more information click here.

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    New VET services to position for the future

    Wendy Perry and Associates in conjunction with JSAC Consulting and Project Management have developed a number of VET services including professional development workshops to assist practitioners, registered training organisations and industry bodies to position for the future.

    To view further information click here.

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    Diary Dates

    TDA AND BOARD OF WORLD FEDERATION OF COLLEGES AND POLYTECHNICS
    Lunch discussion
    DATE: 2 March
    LOCATION: NSW Parliament House, Sydney
    DETAILS: Lunch with TDA and the Board of the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics. Click here for more information or to book.
    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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