Newsletter: 02 November 2009
     

    National TAFE Day – DPM reflects of the importance of TAFE

    The Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, addressed the National TAFE Day celebrations at Parliament House last week.

    Ms Gillard highlighted the importance of TAFE through its history as a quality provider, and its role in providing the future skills vital to a sustainable economy.

    “...we too often overlook the important contribution to our nation’s success of vocational education and training, led by its flagship provider, TAFE. It’s just as important as universities – and for millions of Australians, even more so.

    “Meeting Australia’s sustainability targets and goals will require us to re-equip or re-skill millions of Australians between now and 2025. This is TAFE’s new frontier. It gives TAFE an absolutely vital role in helping create a sustainable economy for the era of climate change.”

    To view the speech click here.

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    Table registrations - 2009 Mick Young Oration

    Don’t miss the opportunity to purchase a ticket to the 2009 Mick Young Oration to be delivered by the Treasurer, the Hon Wayne Swan MP, at Parliament House, Wednesday evening, 18 November.

    The Oration by Mr Swan will mark the third year of the annual lecture, and provide a unique chance for the VET sector to hear from the Treasurer following the Global Financial Crisis, and ahead of Budget 2010.

    The Oration, followed by a Parliamentary dinner, is hosted annually by TDA and has become a key event on the VET calendar.

    To reserve a table or purchase a ticket click here.

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    Skillaroos welcomed home by DPM

    The Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, has welcomed home the 26 Team Australia ‘Skillaroos’ from the 40th WorldSkills International Competition in Calgary, Canada.

    Australia ranked fifth overall in the competition, winning 12 medals including two gold, five silver and five bronze.

    For more information click here.

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    NSW Government offers more VET courses for year 10 TAFE students

    NSW Education Minister, the Hon Verity Firth MP, has announced an expansion of vocational courses offered to students who undertake a year 10 equivalent course at TAFE from 2010.

    The additional Certificate II courses to be offered include agriculture and horticulture, conservation and land management, automotive mechanical, construction, and aquaculture.

    For more information click here.

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    Former High Commissioner reports on damaged reputation in India

    Australia’s former high commissioner to India, John McCarthy, has said the issues surrounding Indian students studying in Australia have had a damaging impact on Australia’s reputation which is still resonating within India.

    According to The Australian, he blames “lax government immigration and education policies for the damaging collapse of private colleges catering to Indian students”.

    To view the article click here.

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    TDA response to Australian Training Awards review

    TDA has submitted a response to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations’ discussion paper on the proposed changes to the Australian Training Awards categories.

    View the response here. TDA thanks those members that contributed to TDA’s response by providing feedback on the paper.

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    TDA member discount to TAFE Governance and Regulation Forum

    TDA members have been offered a 10 per cent discount on registrations to the TAFE Governance and Regulation Forum to be held in Melbourne, 24-25 February.

    The Forum will bring together federal and state governments, education providers, peak bodies and industry experts to debate the implications of market reform on operational structures and governance frameworks.

    To take advantage of this offer please download the attached PDF. For more information click here.

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    Energy efficiency training opportunity

    The NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) and the NSW Department of Education and Training (DET) are offering grants to businesses, industry bodies and training providers to deliver energy efficiency training projects.

    Expressions of Interest (EOI) are invited for:

    Ø Company demonstration projects - customising and delivering existing energy efficiency training to meet business needs and measuring the benefits.

    Ø Course development projects - developing and testing new courses and training in a partnership between industry groups and trainers.

    For more information click here. Expressions of Interest close 16 November 2009.

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    Queensland plan to create 100 new apprenticeships and traineeships

    Australian energy company Santos has announced a $50 million plan to generate 100 new apprenticeships and traineeships for the Gladstone Liquefied Natural Gas project.

    The plan will be delivered over the next five years and will include:

    Ø $16 million for up to 100 new diesel mechanics, electricians and electrical instrument apprentices and traineeships in plant operations

    Ø $30 million for Queensland secondary schools and university scholarships

    Ø $4 million for an Indigenous training package to support a target of 300 indigenous jobs

    For more information click here.

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    Draft Skills for Sustainability Excellence Framework

    Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are being invited to comment on a draft voluntary framework for recognising high quality training provision in the fast growing area of skills for sustainability.

    The framework is being developed by the National Quality Council at the request of Ministers. For more information click here.

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    Diary Dates

    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

     

    TAFE DIRECTORS AUSTRALIA
    Mick Young Oration – delivered by the Treasurer, the Hon Wayne Swan MP

    DATE:

    		 18 November 2009

    LOCATION:

    Parliament House, Canberra

    DETAILS:

    To book click here.

     

    UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND
    3rd National Conference for Enabling Education

    DATE:

    25-27 November 2009

    LOCATION:

    Toowoomba Queensland

    DETAILS:

    Click here for more information

    VOCATIONAL EDUCATION SUMMIT

    DATE:

    26-27 November 2009

    LOCATION:

    Rydges Melbourne

    DETAILS:

    Click here for more information

    TAFE GOVERNANCE AND REGUALTIONS FORUM

    DATE:

    25-26 February 2010

    LOCATION:

    Hilton on the Park, Melbourne

    DETAILS:

    Click here for more information

     

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