Skills@Work is compiled and distributed by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training. All articles are submitted by the originating organisation and are published with their approval. They may not necessarily reflect the views of the department.

If you would like to provide feedback on this newsletter, please send us an email.

June 2016

• What’s happening
• Industry news
• Faces of Excellence
• Upcoming events
• Resources 
• Useful links

WHAT'S HAPPENING

The Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) has re-launched its website. The site provides useful information and updates on work of the AISC and the new arrangements for training product development. On the new website, you will find information about:

• the AISC, its membership, meeting dates and the outcomes of its meetings
• the Industry Reference Committees, their role in the new system, how they operate and the review of structure and membership that is currently underway
• training packages that have been approved for implementation.

Contributions to the development of the website can be made via the survey (on the homepage) or the feedback form.

NATIONAL REFRIGERATION COMPETITION

After three intense days of competition, the winners of the 2016 WorldSkills Australia National Refrigeration Competition were all smiles as they received gold, silver and bronze medals:

• Gold Medallist - Nathan McHugh, Brisbane Region, TAFE Queensland SkillsTech
• Silver Medallist - Hayden McColl, South West QLD Region, TAFE Queensland SkillsTech
• Bronze Medallist - Matthew Cleave, Sydney West Region, TAFE NSW South Western Sydney Institute.

The Competition was held from 17–19 May at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre in conjunction with the Air Conditioning Refrigeration and Building Services (ARBS) Exhibition.

With fellow industry professionals looking on, it was game on for the nation’s top 10 refrigeration apprentices, with just 18 hours to demonstrate that they have the best skills and knowledge of refrigeration and air conditioning in the country. Read about their incredible journey.

WORLDSKILLS AUSTRALIA TO BRING CAREERS EXPO TO NATIONAL COMPETITION

In addition to the spectacle of competition, WorldSkills Australia will be hosting an exclusive careers expo at the 2016 WorldSkills Australia National Competition in Melbourne.

The Skills Village is a ‘one-stop career shop’, a valuable opportunity for training providers and industry-leading organisations to directly connect with young people and discuss the career pathways available to them.

In addition to exhibitor stalls, organisations will also have the opportunity to host fun, interactive skills demonstrations as part of WorldSkills Australia’s popular Try’aSkill program. Try’aSkill demonstrations encourage visitors to test their hand at a range of basic tasks using different types of techniques and tools required in a wide variety of trade and skill-based professions.

Join exhibitors such as Bendigo TAFE, Box Hill Institute, Kangan Institute, Gordon Institute, RMIT University and VACC. Booths are limited. Express your interest now or visit the WorldSkills Australia website for more info.

A GROWING NETWORK OF INSPIRING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

For those who have competed in a National Competition, we would like to invite you to be a part of an exciting new network, WorldSkills Australia Alumni.

The Alumni network provides past competitors with an opportunity to act as inspirational role models for future generations of apprentices and young people. Being part of our Alumni means that you can support WorldSkills Australia by:

• Promoting the benefits of apprenticeships and technical skills to young people by speaking at careers events and being a voice for your industry
• Training future Skills Squad and Skillaroo members for international competitions and pathways
• Acting as spokespeople on behalf of WorldSkills Australia, sharing your unique competition experience and career journey
• Attending networking events with other former WorldSkills Australia competitors
• Access to exclusive partner benefits
• Participating in exciting media opportunities
• Acting as WorldSkills Australia advocates in the regions and presenting awards at the National and Regional Competitions
• Staying in touch with previous team mates.

Register expression of interest to become part of the Alumni network.

SkillsOne is taking careers advice out of the office and onto the stage through exhilarating shows packed with music, film and theatre! The Skills and Thrills showcase brings five engaging shows to the local clubs of Penrith, Wentworthville, Blacktown, Campbelltown and Cammeray throughout the months of June and July.

Rapid technological advances are changing the world of work, and young Australians need to keep informed. Finding the right career can be a daunting prospect. The showcases outline the latest in industry needs, career trends, and how to connect passions to a career outcome.

All parents, students and careers advisers interested in finding out about the latest career options are encouraged to register for free tickets for the following shows through Eventbrite:

• 14 June - Campbelltown Catholic Club, The Cube, 7.00–8.30 pm
• 15 June - Norths Club, Auditorium, 7.00–8.30 pm
• 21 June - Blacktown Workers Club, Ballroom, 7.00–8.30 pm
• 23 June - Wenty Leagues Club, Starlight Room, 7.00–8.30 pm
• 4 July - Penrith Panthers Club, EVAN Theatre, 7.00–8.30 pm.

For any enquiries please contact info@skillsone.com.au or visit the National Skills Week website.

VETnetwork Australia’s new website is up and running! The website is now easier to navigate, provides valuable content and resources, and provides a professional hub for Members and the wider VET community.

Representing VET professionals in Australia for over 20 Years, VETnetwork Australia is a national network of teachers, trainers, career advisors, program coordinators, administrative and support personnel committed to vocational learning and youth transition. Visit the new website.

Nearly 40% of Australian employers offer jobs which require a vocational qualification. This means that ongoing access to training achievements could be important for that next job.

With the introduction of the USI in 2015, individuals will be able to access a copy of their training history from the national VET data collection in years to come.

Student USI accounts will be updated at least once per year to include any study they have completed in the previous year.

It is important to note that training providers will still be the primary source for student training records, particularly for recently completed training but the online record accessed through their USI will be a valuable backup as the years go by and as training providers change and older records become harder to find.

Data submitted by training providers to the national VET data collection will be used to generate USI transcripts therefore it is important that they ensure their data submission is correct.

For more information, please visit the USI website.

This year, for the first time, Australia's major survey of students for rating the nation's vocational education and training (VET) system has expanded to include students who pay their own way with private training providers. Over the coming weeks around 220 000 students will be asked about their recent training experience.

Managed by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), the annual national Student Outcomes Survey involves students who completed their training with a VET provider in 2015 and provides information on employment outcomes, training satisfaction, and the benefits and relevance of training. Results from this survey will be available on NCVER's Portal in late 2016.

Visit the NCVER website for further information about the survey.

ASQA has recently published three new fact sheets:

• Providing quality training and assessment to students with disability
• Monitoring and reporting on overseas students’ attendance (for CRICOS providers)
• Monitoring and reporting on overseas students’ course progress (for CRICOS providers).

Updates have also been made to Using other parties to collect evidence.

New information for accredited course owners 
Accredited course owners can now access the slides from ASQA’s recent Course Accreditation Briefing Sessions. These are also available on ASQA’s Slideshare channel.

Skills Impact has been working with Industry Reference Committees (IRCs) on the release of training packages in the new standards, as well as the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) review of IRCs.

Following endorsement by the AISC, some training packages are now available for implementation on training.gov.au while other packages are undergoing a review process to ensure industry is satisfied that the converted units fulfil the requirements of the job role. Read more.   

The AISC has also recently outlined key guiding principles to assist in the review of IRCs. Three of the IRCs that Skills Impact have responsibility for supporting are currently participating in the pilot review. Learn more about the IRC Review. 

Australian Apprenticeships Ambassadors know first-hand the value of investing in an Australian Apprenticeship. For many, it has been the passport to a better job, a higher pay packet and a more rewarding working life. Importantly, it has given them the skills they need for a secure future. Meet three new Ambassadors.

21 year old Adele Di Bella began her Certificate III in Retail Baking (Combined) not realising that it would lead to her meeting and being mentored by world-renowned pastry chef Adriano Zumbo. She decided she wanted to undertake an Australian Apprenticeship because she didn’t see herself completing Years 11 and 12. Having always had a passion for making cakes, Adele listened to her instincts, finished school early and enrolled in TAFE.

Her enthusiasm and drive to succeed came to fruition when she was selected as a 2015 WorldSkills Australia Skillaroo. Adele represented Australia in Sao Paulo, Brazil and brought home a Medallion of Excellence for her work. During the competition preparation her mentor was none other than Adrian Zumbo. Read more.

18 year-old Daniel O’Brien has had an interest in the healthcare system since spending time in hospital with a fracture in Year 7. He changed that fascination into hands-on work by commencing an Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASbA) in Year 10 and completing his Certificate III in Health Services Assistance in July 2015.

Daniel enjoys the diversity of his role as a trainee at the Caboolture Hospital and has had such a positive experience with his traineeship that he recommends Australian Apprenticeships not only as a great experience but as a viable career pathway.

His dedication to his work and learning earned Daniel the 2015 Queensland School-based Apprentice of the Year, a place as finalist at the Australian Training Awards and his appointment as an Australian Apprenticeships Ambassador. Read more.

For 16 years, Sharan Berry has been at the leading edge of hairdressing training as a vocational education and training teacher/trainer in TAFE Queensland East Coast’s Creative Industries department. Starting her career as an Australian Apprentice, she has since been a manager, a trainer and a part-owner of a highly successful hair and beauty salon.

Sharan collaborates with industry to deliver customised courses and offers flexible assessments in the workplace or on campus in line with industry expectations and standards. Passionate about the future of the hairdressing industry, Sharan has been an active contributor to the improvement of the national training package for hairdressing. She was named Runner-up VET Teacher/ Trainer of the Year at the 2015 Australian Training Awards. Read more.

JULY

4–6 July 2016, CQUniversity Rockhampton campus, Queensland

Registration is open for the 25th National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference No Frills. The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) is co-hosting this year’s conference with CQUniversity.

The program is now available, featuring over 40 presentation and poster sessions, highlighting three research themes:

• Equity: supporting diversity through promoting inclusive training opportunities for all Australians
• Engagement: student, providers, employers and government working together to improve access, participation and outcomes from training
• Evolution: developing a skilled and flexible workforce to adapt to rapid technological change in the workplace, and to improve national competitiveness.

Register online now to secure your place.

27–29 July 2016, Gold Coast Convention Centre, Queensland

For more information and registration please visit the VETnetwork website.

AUGUST

24–26 August 2016, Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart

The early-bird rate is available until 25 June for the ACPET National Conference and Asia Pacific International Education Forum. This year's theme is Connecting Knowledge skills and Futures through Innovation. Register now.

29 August - 4 September 2016

Visit the National Skills Week website for more details.

SEPTEMBER

12–14 September 2016, Stamford Grand Adelaide, Glenelg, Adelaide

Keynote speakers include Ms Muriel Stanley Venne, Ms Rachelle Venne, Dr Nina Sivertsen and the Hon. Linda Burney MP.

Visit the conference website to register or to read more about this and other Indigenous conferences.

12–14 September 2016, Stamford Grand Adelaide, Glenelg, Adelaide

Visit the conference website to register or for more details about the conference.

15–16 September 2016, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre

For more information about the Conference, visit the Velg website or contact the Events Team on 07 3866 0888 or at conference@velgtraining.com.

OCTOBER

5–6 October 2016, Sofitel Melbourne on Collins

Skills Resurgence, the 2016 TDA Convention, will feature high-profile speakers, discussions, engaging workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities.

With award winning journalist Virginia Trioli as MC, a highlight of the convention will be the new Innovation Lounge (i-Lounge), a platform to showcase start‑up, early stage and established companies at the cutting-edge of innovative and disruptive technologies.

View the flyer and read more about the conference.

6–8 October 2016, Melbourne

Get your ticket to the 2016 WorldSkills Australia National Competition.

NOVEMBER

17 November 2016, Darwin, Northern Territory

1 July 2016 - Registrations to attend the 2016 Australian Training Awards presentation dinner event will open. Register your interest by emailing australiantrainingawards@education.gov.au.

DECEMBER

REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN

1–3 December 2016, Pullman Cairns International Hotel, Queensland

To register for the International Indigenous Health Conference and the International Indigenous Allied Health Conference, please visit the conference website or send an email.

Velg Training provides a range of Vocational Education and Training (VET) professional development and consulting services. Information about Mentoring Mondays, Live Streams, Webinars and Workshops is available on their website.

The TAE Training package has now been endorsed by the Australian Industry and Skills Committee. Read about the workshops for RTOs being held in the capital cities during June and July.

ACPET, a national provider of professional development training, is recognised for promoting excellence in education by providing high-quality PD programs. View the upcoming webinars and workshops on the ACPET website. Should you require assistance to register or to purchase a recording, please call (03) 9412 5900 or contact the PD team at pd@acpet.edu.au.

View the TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment learner guide sample pages on the Shea Business Consulting website or the Software Publications website.

For more information, please email Shea Business Consulting.

• Surgeons amp up e-learning
• Quality assessment with LMS Gradebook
• How sustainable are your e-learning courses
• Internships and why they are so valuable
• Capturing learning with Tin Can (xAPI).

• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning skills channel – learn about the many technical jobs at the cutting edge of technology, environmental and energy efficiency issues.
• Watch SKILLS BITES social media videos or contact SkillsOne about having your own SKILLS BITE video created.
• TradePapers app - keep all your trade documents in one secure location and access anytime, anywhere, from any mobile device 
• Discover your Career 
• Book an Australian Apprenticeship Ambassador
• Real Stories Real Achievements video series
• CareerMe app
• eworks  
• Ideas that Work – LLN videos   
• economic security for women (eS4W)   
• Be MoneySmart 
• Workforce Planning Guide for the Tourism and Hospitality Industry
• Geelong jobseekers app
• Aspire Learning Foundation Skills resources or phone (03) 9820 1300
• Training and assessment resource library - Catapult eLearning at info@catapult-elearning.com or phone (08) 8275 9380 and smallprint at admin@smallprint.com.au or phone (08) 8275 9333
• MSA Making the Connections professional development resource 
• Free resources for the VET and disability sectors developed by Oggi Consulting and funded by the Australian Government 
• VOCEDplus – the latest research on VET, skills and workforce development issues including Pod network, which allows instant access to resources and the latest research developments within the sector.

Australian Apprenticeships - provides quick and easy access to information regarding Australian Apprenticeships, including Australian Apprenticeships programs, employer incentives and support for apprentices during their apprenticeships.

Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Information Service and Australian Apprenticeships Pathways - provide apprenticeships and traineeships information and resources.

Australian Industry and Skills Committee - established by the COAG Industry and Skills Council in May 2015, it provides industry-led advice on the implementation of national vocational education and training and approves training packages for implementation.

Australian Training Awards - the peak, national awards for the vocational education and training sector, recognising individuals, businesses and registered training organisations for their contribution to skilling Australia.

business.gov.au - offers businesses simple, practical and convenient access to all the government information, programmes and services they need to make running their business and skilling their employees easier.

MySkills.gov.au - provides information about vocational education and training to future and current students, jobseekers and employers to help them make informed choices about training.

National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) - a not for profit company responsible for collecting, managing, analysing, evaluating and communicating research statistics about vocational education and training.

National Skills Week - provides a platform to highlight the opportunities and career pathways available through vocational education and training.

StudyAssist.gov.au - one stop shop for information on government assistance while studying. Students can use the website to determine their options for financing their tertiary study. The course search function allows students to look for courses offered by approved VET FEE-HELP providers.

training.gov.au - the official national register of information on training packages, qualifications, courses, units of competency and registered training organisations, developed for experienced training sector users.

Unique Student Identifier (USI) - provides information about the USI, a reference number that creates a secure online lifetime record of an individual’s nationally recognised training and qualifications.

VETNet - a central storage facility for relevant current and historical materials relating to the national VET sector, in particular companion volumes implementation guides.

WorldSkills Australia - working to promote and build a skills culture by inspiring young people, celebrating skills excellence and providing opportunities to showcase trade and skill talent through competitions held on a regional, national and international level.

CONTRIBUTIONS

If you would like to provide feedback, supply an article for inclusion in the next edition or join our list of subscribers, please email skillsatwork@education.gov.au. The next edition will be published in July 2016. Submissions are due by Friday 17 June 2016.