Newsletter: 14 April 2009

    TDA seeks Budget assistance - address to AFR Skilling Australia Conference

    TDA has called for the 2009 Federal Budget to extend the Structural Adjustment Fund to TAFE Institutes.

    In an address to the AFR Skilling Australia Conference, Martin Riordan, CEO TDA, outlined key business goals of TAFE Institutes, and called for further COAG reform to extend TAFE flexibility.

    He made the presentation on a panel addressing skills issues for business which included the Victorian Minister for Education and Training, the Hon. Jacinta Allan MP, and Professor Jack Keating, Centre for Post-compulsory Education and Lifelong Learning, University of Melbourne.

    Minister Allan urged state and territory colleagues to look to Victoria's new Training Guarantee initiative which encourages school leavers to undertake a course - in university or TAFE - during their working lives.

    Professor Keating presented a compelling case for reviewing the Australian school curriculum and skills-VET in Schools programmes, identifying this as a major education gap.

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    Funding on offer for Asian language and culture

    The Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, is seeking submissions for funding under the $62 million National Asian Languages and Studies in Schools Program (NALSSP).

    Education providers can access funding under the $9 million Strategic Collaboration and Partnership Fund, part of the NALSSP, to undertake projects that encourage the teaching and learning of the languages and cultures of China, Indonesia, Japan and Korea.

    To view a letter from the DPM about the funding opportunities available click here.

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    'Study in Australia 2010' national briefings

    DEEWR's international arm, Australian Education International, is holding its 'Study in Australia 2010 National Briefings' during May and June.

    The Study in Australia initiative was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister in March and is aimed at sustaining a high quality education and learning experience for international students.

    The one-day sessions provide briefings on policy issues, consultations on key areas of work including the Study in Australia 2010 initiatives, and information sharing on market access, current data and trends, research, the regulatory environment, scholarships, the international student experience and more.

    Half-day workshops on the Education Services for Overseas Students' National Code Best Practice will take place on the day before or after the main briefings.

    Answers to some commonly asked questions can be found in the attached document. To view the dates of the briefings click here.

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    Cost of training apprentices revealed

    Employer supervision has been identified as the largest component in the cost of training apprentices according to a new research report from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).

    The report also says the benefit of government subsidies in training apprentices is minimal. To view the report click here.

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    International scholarships program gets makeover

    TAFE institutes and universities that are part of the Australian Development Scholarships (ADS) program have been given the opportunity to discuss ways of improving the program.

    ADS scholarships provide opportunities for people from developing countries to undertake full time undergraduate or postgraduate study in Australia. Up to 1000 scholarships are awarded each year across 31 countries.

    The forum focused on a range of topics including monitoring and evaluation, alumni programs and AusAID's disability-inclusive development strategy.

    It was evident from the forum that there is a need for greater awareness of VET programs and how institutions can assist in meeting vital skills needs in the Asia Pacific.

    Interest in VET programs is growing and TDA drew attention to a range of innovative models involving the VET sector including current projects such as Kiribati Australia Nursing Initiative, Australian Pacific Technical College and previous projects such as the Chongqing VET pilot.

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    2010 Endeavour Executive Awards open

    TDA members are invited to consider applications to the Endeavour Executive Awards, which provide professional development opportunities for high achievers in business, industry, education and government.

    The Awards focus on building skills and knowledge through a host work environment rather than through formal enrolment in study.

    For more information click here.

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    Calling all International education enthusiasts

    Two-day seminars on Executive Leadership and Management in International Education are being held by the LH Martin Institute as part of its 2009 Executive Education Program.

    The seminars will focus on assisting the next generation of international education leaders to develop the skills necessary to further grow the sector.

    Click here for more information.

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    Training Package overhaul

    Innovation and Business Skills Australia (IBSA), one of seven Industry Skills Councils, is seeking feedback on a review of Certificate IV in the TAA04 Training and Assessment Training Package.

    A consultation paper is available; details on how to participate are listed on the website.

    A list of proposed workshops to be held around the country in May this year can also be found via the IBSA website.

    A National Project Reference Group will be established for the review. TDA will be represented by Louise Palmer, Executive Director, Vocational Education & Training, Swinburne University of Technology.

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    Nominate for community and health awards

    The Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council (CS&H ISC) has announced the launch of the inaugural CS&H ISC 2009 National Accolades for Excellence.

    The Accolades are a way of celebrating achievements and providing recognition of community services and health organisations and their workforce. They also provide an avenue to showcase best practice workforce and skills development within nine categories, including for Registered Training Organisations.

    Applications open 1 May 2009. To find out more information www.iscaccolades.com.au or Contact Deva Braakensiek deva.braakensiek@cshisc.com.au or on 02 9270 6636.

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    Diary Dates

    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
    LH MARTIN INSTITUTE
    Professional Development for Leaders in Tertiary Education
    DATE: 13-15 May, Melbourne - Heads of Department
      15-19 June, Canberra - Women in Leadership
      26-30 July, Melbourne - Research Leadership Program
    DETAILS: For more information click here
    AUSTRALIA INDIA BUSINESS COUNCIL
    Australia India Business Conference
    DATE: 20 May 2009
    LOCATION: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
    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
    COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HEALTH INDUSTRY SKILLS COUNCIL
    Mind the Gen Gap - Working together to meet workforce challenges
    DATE: 2 June 2009
    LOCATION: Dockside Convention Centre, Darling Harbour 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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