Newsletter: 30 March 2009

    Equality key to successful education reforms

    The head of the TDA Board tertiary policy committee and Director of Sydney Institute TAFE NSW, Pam Christie, has called for an end to the university-TAFE divide in an opening speech to the Higher Education Congress in Sydney last week.

    Her address highlighted the barriers to closer ties between the two educational sectors including "academic snobbery" by universities toward TAFE, which she says, are hindering a collaborative tertiary vision.

    Ms Christie said, "Universities and TAFE need to work as equal partners and engage in productive collaboration across cultures to achieve the development of successful and stronger pathways for all students".

    To view the Sydney Morning Herald article featuring the address click here. To view Pam Christie's keynote address, click here. The podcast video TV interview will be posted later this week, on the website http://avssolutions.atdi.fr/ahec2009/.

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    South Australian Premier announces TAFE course MoU with China

    The Premier of South Australia, the Hon. Mike Rann MP, has announced a Memorandum of Understanding between TAFE SA and the Chinese Ministry of Education, to enable TAFE SA courses to have wider exposure into Chinese polytechnics and institutions.

    The agreement includes provision for Chinese students to study TAFE SA courses, including nursing, automotive, business management and tourism - with a focus on delivery in mainland China, in collaboration with Chinese parties.

    For more information click here.

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    Final call for participation in graduate employment outcomes survey

    TDA members are invited to participate in the DEEWR funded project,' International graduate employment outcomes - on-shore and off-shore.'

    The project will extend the previous research findings from the 2006 and 2007 international student surveys and contribute to a fuller understanding of the employment outcomes of international graduates. It will examine on-shore and off-shore graduate employers' expectations, and factors influencing the decision they make in recruiting international graduates.

    Members can participate in the study by using the attached email template to forward to domestic and international graduates. Where an institution records a sizable response rate, institutions may also receive specific reports on their student outcomes.

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    Aged-care nurses receive training support

    Aged-care nurses could be eligible for up to $10,000 to participate in tertiary studies, TAFE programs, VET courses and conference attendance under the recently announced Postgraduate Community Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Scheme.

    The Scheme, announced by Minister for Aging, the Hon Justine Elliot MP, will provide up to $876,000 of grants and aims to retain and support aged-care nurses and carers. To view the press release click here.

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    Research snapshot - export income from education services

    China has retained its position as Australia's top contributor to export income in the Australian education sector.

    The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) International Trade in Services data shows international education activity contributed $14.2 billion in export income to the economy in 2007-2008, up 23 per cent from the previous financial year.

    China tops the list, followed by India, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand and Indonesia.

    The attached table shows a breakdown of the top 50 countries.

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    Education exports critical to productivity says DPM Julia Gillard

    DEEWR's international arm, Australian Education International, has held a roundtable with industry stakeholders on the issue of the global financial crisis and international education.

    The Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard MP addressed the roundtable acknowledging the international education sector as "critical to our national goals of greater productivity, participation and social inclusion, as well as in the way it serves Australia's wider international interests".

    The DPM noted, "It's important to remember that historically we've seen international demand for Australian education continue, even during economic slumps. So while the early signs in 2009 are encouraging, we need to be ready to act." This notion was explored throughout the day with panel discussions and presentations.

    DEEWR has invited comment and ideas to support the industry both in the short and medium-term. Submissions are invited to form a national TAFE response. Please make comments and ideas to Rebecca Biazos (0407 550 180) by 31 March 2009.

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    Service industry trends unveiled in new publication

    Current and future trends in the services industry as well as future directions in skills development are available in the recently completed Service Industries Environmental Scan 2009.

    The publication, by Industry Skills Council, Service Skills Australia, highlights the ongoing need for high-quality customer service, a skilled workforce and well-trained managers in the service industries.

    For more information click here.

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    Entries open for state training awards

    Applications have opened for state training awards including:

    Victoria

    Applications close 15 May. Click here for more information and key dates. Seminars for potential nominees are available.

    New South Wales

    Applications close 1 May, visit www.trainingawards.nsw.gov.au.

    South Australia

    Nominations close 29 May, visit www.satrainingawards.sa.edu.au. Workshops for potential nominees are available.

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    Researcher of the year

    Nominations for the 2009 Vocational Education and Training (VET) Researcher of the Year Award are now open.

    The award, sponsored by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), aims to promote the value of high quality research as the foundation for improving policy and practice in the VET sector.

    To view the media release click here.

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    Diary Dates

    COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HEALTH INDUSTRY SKILLS COUNCIL
    New CHC08 Training Package Implementation Forums
    DATE: March and April
    LOCATION: Melbourne, 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.
    SKILLING FOR THE FUTURE CONGRESSS
    The importance of skilling Australians during the a global economic downturn
    DATE: 1-3 April 2009
    LOCATION: Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre
    DETAILS: For more information click here.
    DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND WORKPLACE RELATIONS CAREER DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
    National Career Conference
    DATE: 15-17 April 2009
    LOCATION: Grand Hyatt, Melbourne
    DETAILS: For more information click here.
    AVETRA
    12th Annual Conference
    DATE: 16-17 April 2009
    LOCATION: Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach Hotel, Sydney
    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: For more information click here
    NSW DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING
    Skills Recognition Conference
    DATE: 25-26 May 2009
    LOCATION: Australian Technology Park, Sydney
    DETAILS: For more information click here
    TERTIARY STUDIES EXPO
    TSXPO
    DATE: 18-19 July 2009
    LOCATION: RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane
    DETAILS: For more information click here.
    TAFE AUSTRALIA SUMMIT 2009
    A National Summit - Hosted by TDA
    DATE: 3-4 September 2009
    LOCATION: Holiday Inn, Gold Coast
    DETAILS: More information will be available soon.

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