Newsletter: 13 July 2009
- Surge in TAFE Institute enrolments
- TDA Board meeting – information on Tasmanian system
- Changes to 457 visas
- Calling all emerging leaders – Pacific initiative
- Training opportunity - Samoa
- Diary Dates
To find out more about the TDA09 Conference click here
Surge in TAFE Institute enrolments
Official National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) data shows Australia’s 58 TAFE Institutes are experiencing the impact of an increased focus on training and skills flowing from the economic downturn, with student enrolments at record levels, and big increases in Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma and higher subjects across the TAFE Institute network.
Overall, Australian vocational education enrolments increased almost 5% in 2008 compared with 2007, according to NCVER the in its new report: Australian vocational education and training statistics: students and courses 2008.
NCVER recorded 1.325 million students at TAFE Institutes, representing a 78.2% market share of the total 1.7 million students enrolled in the public VET system in 2008. For accredited course enrolments, TAFE Institute market share tops 82.4% - a significant increase of 3.4% from 2007, and a reflection of the economic downturn.
Private training also increased, however community education provider market share fell.
Other findings include:
- Indigenous students increased by 4%
- Students from non-English speaking backgrounds increased by 7.5%
- Almost 89% of students were studying part-time.
Business management and commerce topped the course demand (20.4%), followed by engineering and related technical subjects (16.6%). Areas including food and hospitality also recorded a moderate increase.
To view the report click here
TDA Board meeting – information about new Tasmanian system
Following the recent TDA Board meeting at Swan TAFE in WA, Belinda McLennan, Chief Executive Officer, Tasmanian Polytechnic, has forwarded a briefing on the new ‘Tasmania Tomorrow’ education initiative.
To view the information click here. For a copy of the ‘Tasmania Tomorrow’ discussion paper click here.
Changes to 457 visas
The Australian Government has begun implementing changes to the 457 visa, in response to tighter restrictions imposed because of the current weak labour market.
One of the changes sees the introduction of skills assessment for trade occupations.
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is progressively introducing formal skills assessments for 457 visa applicants from nominated countries in nominated trades.
From 1 July temporary workers applying for a 457 visa from an initial group of 10 countries will need to undertake a skills assessment for certain trades. These include welding (first class), motor mechanics, cookery, fitting, and metal fabrication.
More details can be found on Trades Recognition Australia's website
Calling all emerging leaders
The second Emerging Pacific Leaders' Dialogue (EPLD) is scheduled to take place in Tonga, Samoa and other selected Asia-Pacific locations from 11 to 23 March 2010.
EPLD 2010 will bring together 120 mid-career participants from more than 20 Pacific regions. Applicants will be drawn from business, government, trade unions and the community service sector and include educational institutions and NGO's.
Further information on this important leadership initiative is available on the EPLD web site at www.epld2.com. Applications close on Friday 17 July 2009.
Training opportunity - Samoa
Electricity Power Corporation (EPC) Samoa has requested tenders for the training of linesmen in an effort to upgrade overhead and underground cables in Samoa.
EPC is the entity responsible for the generation, transmission, distribution and selling of electricity in Samoa. The tender closes 17 July. For further information click here or contact Dan Williams, Austrade Suva.
Diary Dates
TERTIARY STUDIES EXPO
TSXPO
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DATE: |
18-19 July 2009 |
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LOCATION: |
RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane |
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DETAILS: |
For more information, click here |
LH MARTIN INSTITUTE
Professional Development for Leaders in Tertiary Education
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DATE: |
26-30 July, Melbourne - Research Leadership Program |
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DETAILS: |
For more information click here. |
TAFE NSW MANAGER'S ANNUAL CONNFERENCE
Green Light for Green Skills
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DATE: |
14 August 2009 |
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LOCATION: |
The Sebel, Albion St, Surry Hills, Sydney |
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DETAILS: |
Click here for more information |
2009 AUSTAFE Conference
Network knowledge future: the only edge you need
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DATE: |
2-4 September 2009 |
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LOCATION: |
Peppers Pier Resort, Hervey Bay Queensland |
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DETAILS: |
Click here for more information |
TDA09 - The 2009 conference and strategic review for TDA members and associates
Hosted by TDA
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DATE: |
3-4 September 2009 |
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LOCATION: |
Holiday Inn, Gold Coast |
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DETAILS: |
Click here for more information. |
COMMUNITY SERVICES & HEALTH ISC
Making a Difference...2009 – Excellence, Inspiration, Action
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DATE: |
21 October, 2009 |
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LOCATION: |
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre |
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DETAILS: |
Click here for more information. |
COMMUNITY SERVICES & HEALTH ISC
National Accolades for Excellence Gala Presentation Dinner
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DATE: |
21 October, 2009 |
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LOCATION: |
Crown Towers |
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DETAILS: |
Click here for more information. |
COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HEALTH INDUSTRY SKILLS COUNCIL
Mind the Gen Gap – Working together to meet workforce challenges
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DATE: |
5 November, 2009 |
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LOCATION: |
Dockside Convention Centre, Darling Harbour Sydney |
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DETAILS: |
For more information, click here |
NATIONAL CENTRE FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION RESEARCH (NCVER)
Young people: finding their way in a new era
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DATE: |
10 November 2009 |
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LOCATION: |
Melbourne Park Function Centre, Melbourne |
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DETAILS: |
For more information, click here |
AUSTRALIAN TRAINING MARKETING CONFERENCE 2009
Connect, engage, captivate - hosted by Australian Training Marketing
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DATE: |
11- 13 November 2009 |
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LOCATION: |
Ultimo TAFE, Sydney |
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DETAILS: |
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND
3rd National Conference for Enabling Education
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DATE: |
25-27 November 2009 |
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LOCATION: |
Toowoomba Queensland |
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DETAILS: |
Click here for more information |
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