Newsletter 27 April 2011

     

     

     

    Earlybird registrations end 6 July. Click here for more information.

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    US Community College Degrees experience rapid growth

    TDA and the LH Martin Institute for Higher Education Leadership and Management have released a Communiqué outlining findings from the recently completed Tertiary Mission to US Community Colleges.

    The Mission, led by TDA and the LH Martin Institute, included delegates from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research, TAFE Institutes in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Western Australia, as well as group training company and registered training organisation, MEGT.

    A key finding from the Mission was the extent to which US Community Colleges are being granted legislative authority to offer four-year degrees – and the rapid growth of these degrees within and across US states. Seventeen states have legislated to allow Colleges to offer degrees, and some 180 Colleges across the 1,200 American Community Colleges are now allowed to offer one or more degrees.

    For other findings from the Mission, access the full Communiqué here.

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    US ‘League for Innovation in the Community College’ hosts Australian Tertiary Mission

    During the Tertiary Mission to US Community Colleges, visiting Australian delegates were invited by the League of Innovation in the Community College to a special reception in New Orleans.

    Gerardo E. de los Santos, President and CEO, with Board members Dr Rufus Glasper (President, Maricopa Community Colleges System, AZ) and Dr. Mary Spilde (President, Lane Community College, OR), were among senior staff and College presidents who met to discuss a widening network with Australian TAFE Institute directors.

    Colleges across the League of Innovation have been at the forefront of implementing 'change models' for both educational and financial structures in Community Colleges, with many Colleges creating new levels of articulation agreements with universities, or striking out with approvals for College degrees.   

    The League of Innovation reception took place on the closing day of the AACC 2011 Convention.

     

    (L to R) Martin Riordan (CEO, TDA), Gerardo E. de los Santos (President and CEO, League of Innovation in the Community College), Dr. Rufus Glasper (Chancellor, Maricopa Community Colleges), Bruce Mackenzie (CEO, Holmesglen Institute, VIC) 

    (L to R) David Windridge (CEO, MEGT Australia), Dr. Beth Hagan (Executive Director, Baccalaureate Association, FL), Terrence J. Burgess (President, San Diego City College, San Diego Community College District), Carolie Morrissey (Deputy Director of TAFE, Victoria University)

    (L to R) Dr. Mary Spilde (President, Lane Community College, OR) and Kaylene Harth (Institute Director, South Brisbane Institute of TAFE QLD)

    (L to R) Gerardo E. de los Santos (President and CEO, League of Innovation in the Community College) and Martin Brown (Director, Higher Education, TAFE NSW)

     

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    TDA Submission to the Knight student visa review

    TDA has submitted its response to the Review of Student Visas being led by the Hon Michael Knight AO.

    TDA’s submission features nine key recommendations including:

    TDA also noted that many of the issues it raised in a 2003 Policy Paper (page 15) remain relevant and unresolved. The full submission can be read here.

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    VET regulator website up and running

    A website has been launched to support the new VET regulator, the Australian Skills Quality Agency (ASQA): www.asqa.gov.au.  

    A draft schedule of fees has been proposed and is available on the website. ASQA is seeking feedback on the fees by 6 May. Please email any comments or suggestions to consultation@asqa.gov.au.  

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    Impact of economic downturn on young people

    Young people were troubled by fears of unemployment, and work opportunities were scarce, during the economic downturn, according to new research from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research.

    The research found that it was particularly difficult for young people to obtain an apprenticeship or traineeship, and many changed their courses to improve employment prospects.

    For more information click here.

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    Foundation Skills Strategy - consultations underway

    A National Foundation Skills Strategy for Adults is currently being developed by the Federal Government in collaboration with state and territory governments.

    The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) is consulting with external stakeholders on the strategy.

    Members are invited to respond to the issues outlined in a consultation paper. For more information or to respond, click here. Submissions are due by 6 May 2011.

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    Australia Arab Business Forum & Expo

    The Australian Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry (AACCI) is holding its inaugural Business Forum & Expo in Melbourne, 5 May.

    The event is an opportunity to meet and network with key leaders from the Middle East region, and identify potential business opportunities.

    Click here for more information.

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    Diary Dates

    INFORMA EDUCATION
    The 9th Annual Higher Education Summit
    DATE: 27-29 April, 2011
    LOCATION: Sofitel, Brisbane
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

    AVETRA
    Research in VET: Janus – Reflecting Back, Projecting Forward
    DATE: 28-29 April, 2011
    LOCATION: Rendezvous Hotel, Melbourne
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

    NZ VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING RESEARCH FORUM
    DATE: 27-28 April, 2011
    LOCATION: Rutherford House, Wellington
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

    VICTORIAN TAFE ASSOCIATION
    Gaining the Edge – Outcomes, Equity and Innovation
    DATE: 3-4 May, 2011
    LOCATION: Hilton on the Park, Melbourne
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

    VELG
    2011 Queensland VET Symposium
    DATE: 12-13 May, 2011
    LOCATION: Hilton, Brisbane
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

    AUSTRALIAN FLEXIBLE LEARNING FRAMEWORK
    Industry E-learning Showcase and Exhibition
    DATE: 25 May, 2011
    LOCATION: Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Melbourne
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

    NATIONAL CENTRE FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION RESEARCH (NCVER)
    20th National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference (No Frills)
    DATE: 13-15 July, 2011
    LOCATION: North Coast TAFE, Coffs Harbour
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

    HERDSA
    Higher Education on the Edge
    DATE: 4-7 July, 2011
    LOCATION: Radisson Resort, Gold Coast
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

    VELG TRAINING
    2011 National VET Conference
    DATE: 4-5 August, 2011
    LOCATION: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

    SKILLSDMC
    2011 National Conference
    DATE: 10 August, 2011
    LOCATION: Four Season’s Hotel, Sydney
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

    TDA CONFERENCE
    2011 National Conference
    DATE: 5-6 September, 2011
    LOCATION: Sheraton on the Park Hotel, Sydney
    DETAILS: More information soon

    AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
    2011 Conference
    DATE: 11-14 October, 2011
    LOCATION: Adelaide Convention Centre
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

    AUSTRALIAN FLEXIBLE TRAINING FRAMEWORK
    ePortfolios Australia Conference 2011
    DATE: 17-18 October, 2011
    LOCATION: Perth
    DETAILS: Click here for more information.

    GROUP TRAINING AUSTRALIA
    Looking ahead - Group Training National Conference
    DATE: 19-21 October, 2011
    LOCATION: Grand Hyatt, Melbourne
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

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