Newsletter: 13 July 2009


    TDA09 conference

    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:

    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

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    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.

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    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

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    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.

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    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.

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    Diary Dates

    TERTIARY STUDIES EXPO
    TSXPO

    DATE:

    18-19 July 2009

    LOCATION:

    RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane

    DETAILS:

    For more information, click here

    LH MARTIN INSTITUTE
    Professional Development for Leaders in Tertiary Education

    DATE:

    26-30 July, Melbourne - Research Leadership Program

    DETAILS:

    For more information click here.

    TAFE NSW MANAGER'S ANNUAL CONNFERENCE
    Green Light for Green Skills

    DATE:

    14 August 2009

    LOCATION:

    The Sebel, Albion St, Surry Hills, Sydney

    DETAILS:

    Click here for more information

    2009 AUSTAFE Conference
    Network knowledge future: the only edge you need

    DATE:

    2-4 September 2009

    LOCATION:

    Peppers Pier Resort, Hervey Bay Queensland

    DETAILS:

    Click here for more information

    TDA09 - The 2009 conference and strategic review for TDA members and associates
    Hosted by TDA

    DATE:

    3-4 September 2009

    LOCATION:

    Holiday Inn, Gold Coast

    DETAILS:

    Click here for more information.

    COMMUNITY SERVICES & HEALTH ISC
    Making a Difference...2009 – Excellence, Inspiration, Action

    DATE:

    21 October, 2009

    LOCATION:

    Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

    DETAILS:

    Click here for more information.

    COMMUNITY SERVICES & HEALTH ISC
    National Accolades for Excellence Gala Presentation Dinner

    DATE:

    21 October, 2009

    LOCATION:

    Crown Towers

    DETAILS:

    Click here for more information.

    COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HEALTH INDUSTRY SKILLS COUNCIL
    Mind the Gen Gap – Working together to meet workforce challenges

    DATE:

    5 November, 2009

    LOCATION:

    Dockside Convention Centre, Darling Harbour Sydney

    DETAILS:

    For more information, click here

    NATIONAL CENTRE FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION RESEARCH (NCVER)
    Young people: finding their way in a new era

    DATE:

    10 November 2009

    LOCATION:

    Melbourne Park Function Centre, Melbourne

    DETAILS:

    For more information, click here

    AUSTRALIAN TRAINING MARKETING CONFERENCE 2009
    Connect, engage, captivate - hosted by Australian Training Marketing

    DATE:

    11- 13 November 2009

    LOCATION:

    Ultimo TAFE, Sydney

    DETAILS:

    www.atmaltd.com.au

    UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND
    3rd National Conference for Enabling Education

    DATE:

    25-27 November 2009

    LOCATION:

    Toowoomba Queensland

    DETAILS:

    Click here for more information

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