Newsletter: 3 August 2009

• PM announces 50,000 new green jobs & green training for apprentices
• Calling participants for the International Student Roundtable
• “TDA09” – registrations closing soon, don’t miss out
• ALP Conference – DPM speaks on Education Revolution
• Skills for Sustainability award – nominations closing soon
• Victorian Training Awards tickets on sale
• Diary Dates

PM announces 50,000 new green jobs, and green training for apprentices

The Prime Minister, the Hon. Kevin Rudd MP, has announced a $94 million initiative to provide green jobs and skills to young people during the economic downturn.

The announcement, at the ALP National Conference, included 50,000 green jobs and training places including:

• 10,000 member National Green Jobs Corps providing 26 weeks of training and work experience to young unemployed people
• 3,000 apprentices trained with new green skills
• 4,000 places for installation installers
• 6,000 new local green jobs

Under the initiative, The Australian Government will support changes to allow those apprentices and trainees that begin their studies from 1 January 2010 to be provided green skills within their course. Further details on the Training Package implications, are to be advised.

For more information click here. To view the Prime Minister’s speech to the ALP National Conference click here.

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Calling participants for the International Student Roundtable

TAFE Directors are asked to invite international students currently studying in Australia to nominate for the International Student Roundtable being convened by the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP.

The Roundtable will provide an opportunity for students to discuss their study experiences in Australia and put forward ideas on how to address any issues affecting them.

The government will cover the travel costs of participating students. The Roundtable will take place in Canberra on 14-15 September 2009. Applications can be submitted online until 8 August 2009.

For further information and to apply, go to www.studyinaustralia.gov.au.

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“TDA09” – Senate Hearing for Regional and Rural CEOs, & VET FEE HELP DEEWR Registration Briefing -- Pre-Conference Notifications

TAFE regional and rural, and remote CEOs and senior executives, should note that the Senate Committee on Rural and Regional Development is likely to be calling for a special panel of CEOs and senior executives, to meet the Committee on Wednesday 2nd September, ahead of the TDA09 Conference.

The Senate Committee is finalising its hearing diary and an announcement will be made shortly.

• The current international student reforms, announced by the Deputy Prime Minister, will be discussed in a special TAFE International Executive Forum to be held at TDA09. We urge all Institutes to notify their senior TAFE executives in the international student market, about the Forum, for their registration and attendance.
• In addition, TDA has secured Linda White, Branch Manager, DEEWR VET FEE HELP, to provide a special Pre-Conference briefing to TAFE executives on recent regulatory registration changes for VET FEE HELP.

In other TDA09 Conference announcements:

• The Conference will feature high-profile international speakers including Dr. Ronald Williams, Vice President of the College Board, Washington, and a member of the Board of the American Association of Community Colleges. To view a summary of his presentation titled: ‘Winning the Skills Race in a Globally Competitive World’ click here.
• A special HR Breakfast will be hosted by Slade Partners to discuss executive recruitment trends and challenges across the dynamic TAFE Institute marketplace

For more information about the Conference, view a list of speakers and register click here.

*Special offer: the early birdrate has been extended for registrations of three or more delegates – at a saving of $100 per delegate. Download the early bird registration form here. Both the TDA09 Summit and the International Dinner can be registered separately online.

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ALP Conference – DPM speaks on Education Revolution

The Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard, outlined the government’s progress in delivering an Education Revolution in her speech to delegates at the ALP national Conference in Sydney. The Deputy PM’s 2009 ALP Conference Address pledged to continue beyond the 700,000 Productivity Places Programme, and investment in infrastructure, with permanent reforms and advances for skills in Australia.

The address provided little new detail for reform, beyond insisting that “permanent change” was part of the Education Revolution, and necessary to achieve the Government’s social inclusion and educational attainment targets.

To view the speech click here.

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Skills for Sustainability award – nominations closing soon

TDA reminds Institutes to nominate for the Skills for Sustainability award before 31 August.

The award recognises educational providers that deliver outstanding nationally-recognised training programs, products and work processes. It was developed in response to the 2020 Summit in 2008 and is part of the government’s Skills for Carbon Challenge.

For more information about the award click here.

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Victorian Training Awards tickets on sale

TDA has been asked to remind Victorian TAFE Institutes of the approaching 2009 Victorian Training Awards Presentation Ceremony. This year’s Ceremony will be held at the Palladium at Crown, on Thursday 20 August 2009.

The awards are designed to support achievements and innovations in vocational education and training. Finalists of the 2009 Victorian Training Awards can be viewed here.

A pre-dinner function will be at 6.30pm followed by the Presentation Ceremony at 7.30pm. To book tickets and for further information click here or phone 1300 369 882.

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