WorkReady

The South Australian government are launching a new strategy to build workers skills and capabilities in growth industry sectors.

The WorkReady strategy will replace Skills for All and will be launched on 1 July 2015.

Find out more

Skilling Queenslanders for Work

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced $60 million of funding will be allocated to deliver a revamped Skilling Queenslanders for Work program in 2015-2016.

Labor’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative has been allocated $240 million over four years and aims to support up to 32,000 job seekers.

Victoria govt. launches $50 million TAFE Back to Work Fund

The TAFE Back to Work Fund was announced on 24 March 2015 by Premier Daniel Andrews joined by Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert, at Holmesglen TAFE’s Moorabbin campus.

The $50 million fund aims to help TAFEs that are struggling financially by building partnerships with companies in identified growth sectors. The fund offers one-off grants for TAFEs to develop and expand courses that align with the needs of local employers, including those eligible for the Back to Work Scheme.

View media release

State training awards applications open

Training award applications have opened in all states. Get your applications in before the closing dates:

•  ACT - Friday 15 May
•  NSW - Closed
•  NT - Friday 17 April
•  QLD - Closed
•  SA - Friday 15 May
•  TAS - Friday 22 May
•  VIC - Friday 1 May
•  WA - Friday 8 May

VET reform infringement notice

On 2 April 2015 a new infringement notice scheme for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) was launched by Assistant Minister for Education and Training, Senator Simon Birmingham. RTOs breaching the standards can now be issued with an immediate fine.

The new scheme, along with tough new standards and new laws, aims to crack down on dodgy marketing practices by RTOs and third parties/brokers, and gives ASQA a full suite of powers to act on rogue operators, something that previously did not exist .

View media release

CHC/ HLT consultation

Drafts of the CHC Community Services and HLT Health Training Packages are now open for consultation until 15 May 2015.

The following sectors are included in this review: 

• Career Development
• Celebrancy
• Child Protection
• Counselling
• Dental Prosthetics
• Domestic and family violence
• Family dispute resolution
• Family Services
• Financial counselling
• Group work
• Mediation
• Problem gambling
• Relationship counselling

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Industry Skills Fund -Skills Adviser Tender

On 8 April 2015 Assistant Minister for Education and Training, Senator Simon Birmingham announced a new tender process that will address workforce skills needs and help build national productivity.

The Industry Skills Fund (ISF) Skills Adviser Tender will select organisations to provide expert industry professionals who will form a national network of skills advisers.

The ISF Skills Adviser Tender will remain open until 10:00 am on 23 April 2015. To register for the tender and find out more, visit AusTender at www.tenders.gov.au.

Austrade international education consultations

Education and training providers in the international education sector are invited by Austrade to take part in consultations to develop Australian International Education (AIE) 2025 - a long-term market development strategy for the next decade.

Two ambitions for the sector will be focused on over the next ten years:

1. Can Australia move towards doubling the number of international students and visitors learning and training in Australia?
2. Can Australia increase the numbers of people overseas who are learning and training via Australian-developed courses or content?

Austrade is seeking input and collaboration through consultations in major capital and regional centres across Australia in April 2015, register here.

NCVER Survey on roles of RTOs delivering training for school leavers

A team of researchers from The Brotherhood of St Laurence, the University of Melbourne and Victoria University are conducting a study funded by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).

The study aims to develop a stronger understanding of the role of Private Registered Training Organisations (PRTOs) in delivering programs for 15 to 19 year olds who have left school early, as the number of 15 to 19 year olds in the private VET sector has grown considerably in recent years.

The goals of the research is to identify the ways in which private RTOs have responded to the needs of early school leavers and build a deeper understanding of changes that may yet be needed to support the role played by private RTOs.

Take part in the survey

NSW Cabinet reshuffle

The NSW Coalition government has moved training from education to the industry portfolio. Industry Minister Anthony Roberts will now also be responsible for skills and training.
 

Jobactive scheme introduced

On 1 July 2015, the Australian Government is introducing new employment services called jobactive to better meet the needs of job seekers and employers and improve job outcomes.