 |
|||||||
|
|
|||||||
 |
 |
 |
|||||
 |
Newsletter: 27 August 2007
MINISTERIAL GREEN LIGHT TO TRADE DIPLOMA!Initiatives by TAFE Directors Australia to recommend introduction of a new “Trade Diploma” and Fast-Track Apprenticeships have been given the Green Light! Congratulations to those across the TAFE Institute system, who initiated and supported this innovative reform to skills qualifications. The Hon. Andrew Robb AO MP, Minister for Vocational and Further Education, has written to TDA proposing Australian Government-funded pilot project/s to proceed on the Trade Diploma. And weekend advertisements were placed for RTOs to register for another TDA White Paper recommendation - Fast Track Apprenticeships. (see below) TRADE DIPLOMA …The TDA White Paper to COAG (March, 2007) recommended widening trade skill training pathways, by SUPPLEMENTING existing apprenticeships with a new Trade Diploma qualification. Minister Robb has now written to Chairperson Deb Daly, signalling funding approval to proceed with pilot Trade Diploma programmes. Discussions will take place with the Department of Education, Science and Training, and TDA will cascade information to Members when it comes to hand. FAST TRACK APPRENTICESHIPS …DEST has invited RTOs to register interest in Fast Track Apprenticeships. Weekend advertisements in The Australian and AFR outlined the initiative: RTOs should outline:
The overall objective is to increase the number of qualified tradespeople gaining employment in industry faster. Further information, including application forms, will be available from http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/RTO/Fast_track.asp or phone 02 6240 7575, or email fast-track@dest.gov.au. There will be an additional funding round in 2008. Completed EOIs must be emailed to fast-track@dest.gov.au by 5pm, Monday 24 September 2007.WINNERS ANNOUNCED - VICTORIAN TRAINING AWARDSCongratulations to Kangan Batman Institute of TAFE (VIC) for taking out the Large Training Provider Award. The winners of the Victorian Training Awards were announced by the Minister for Skills, Education Services and Employment, Jacinta Allan, MP, last Monday evening in Melbourne. This year’s awards included a further two categories: Outstanding School-based Student of the Year – New Apprentice Award, and VET Client Service/Support Award. A full list of the 2007 winners can be viewed here.CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE LAUNCHED FOR CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRYThe Queensland Government has launched Construction Skills Queensland, a skills initiative under the $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan. Construction Skills Queensland will link with industry and government to promote and develop trade skills in an effort to address the current skills shortage. To see the associated website click here.OUTSTANDING EMPLOYERS OF APPRENTICES RECOGNISEDThe winners of the Minister’s Awards for Excellence for Employers of Australian Apprentices were announced in Melbourne last week by the Minister for Vocational and Further Education, the Hon Andrew Robb AO MP. The awards recognise employers who demonstrate ‘commitment, innovation and outstanding achievement in the training of Australian Apprentices’. To view the 19 winning employers for 2007 click here.REPORT FROM NATIONAL RURAL EDUCATION ROUNDTABLERural Education Forum Australia (REFA) held a roundtable conference from 23-24 July 2007 to progress the agreement reached at the April Forum, to establish a national single voice for rural education. The new body, which is yet to be named, has adopted the National Rural Health Alliance as a template for its organisational design. The new body will expand to over 35 organisations in its initial membership. Stay tuned!DIARY DATESTDA CONVENTION 2007
TDA CEO DIRECTORS’ RETREAT – PRE-CONVENTION MEETING
THE COMMUNITY SERVICES & HEALTH INDUSTRY SKILLS COUNCIL CONFERENCE 2007
AGRI-FOOD NATIONAL CONFERENCE
BE CONSTRUCTIVE TRAINING EXCELLENCE AWARDS NIGHT
|
|
|
|
|
