Funding and training opportunities, industry events, sector updates, and more!
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Workforce and Skills Development News
February 2024
Hi ,
Welcome to the first edition of CheckUP’s Workforce Skills and Development Newsletter for 2024.
In this edition, we bring you news and sector updates, information about valuable funding opportunities, support tailored for small businesses, and details for upcoming events.
Mark your calendars for 21 March, as CheckUP hosts our first Queensland Primary Health Care Network (QPHCN) event for 2024. This event will focus on the theme "Building Stronger Communities through Health Workforce Planning and Partnerships." As always, CheckUP member organisations and providers can attend free of charge. We encourage you to join us for what is set to be a great event. You can register via Humanitix.
We are pleased to share information about a number of funding opportunities available to support workforce initiatives. Below, you can learn more about the Workforce Connect Large-Scale Projects fund and the Micro-credentialing program funding, both aimed at supporting workforce development.
Additionally, there is further information about resources and training opportunities, including the Mentoring for Growth program and resources for Creating Culturally Safe Workplaces under the First Nations Training Strategy.
Finally, I would like to extend a warm welcome to CheckUP’s newest team member, Jamie Brown. Jamie joins CheckUP as our new Industry Workforce Advisor for health, bringing with him extensive experience in vocational education and training, and workforce planning and development.
At CheckUP, our dedicated workforce team brings a wealth of experience and expertise in health workforce planning and business development. Through our industry advisor roles, our team is committed to working with health businesses, offering guidance and support. If you would like to find out more, please get in touch via info@checkup.org.au.
Kind regards,
Vicky Meyer,
General Manager – Workforce
CheckUP
Meet our newest team member – Jamie Brown
CheckUP welcomes Jamie Brown to the position of Industry Workforce Advisor (Health).
Jamie comes to CheckUP with 17 years’ experience in Vocational Education and Training, and Workforce Planning and Development. He has worked in a variety of roles in the not-for-profit and public provider sectors. Jamie has a thorough understanding of the government programs and supports available to industry, and extensive experience in working with clients and stakeholders to develop tailored solutions to their workforce and training needs.
If you would like to connect with Jamie, please email jbrown@checkup.org.au
Events
Queensland Primary Health Care Network - 21 March
The theme for CheckUP’s first Queensland Primary Health Care Network (QPHCN) event for 2024 is Building Stronger Communities through Health Workforce Planning and Partnerships.
Presenters will presenters will showcase innovative approaches to workforce planning and development, the delivery of patient-centred care and community-driven solutions, all contributing to a shared vision of healthier communities. In-person and online registration is available. CheckUP providers and member organisations are eligible for free attendance.
#GoHealth Careers Expo
Get ready for the #GoHealth Career expo, an interactive, immersive health career experience with simulated scenarios that brings healthcare to life!
- Date: 13 June 2024
- Venue: International Royal Convention Centre (IRCC), RNA Showgrounds
- Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
This event is a unique collaboration between Queensland Health, Health Gateway to Industry Schools Program and health organisations across Queensland, designed to connect students with industry leaders and open doors to exciting healthcare prospects. The expo features live demonstrations, mock health facilities, and information booths offering insights into school- based traineeships and work experience opportunities.
HumanAbility update
Industry Advisory Committees announced
HumanAbility, the new Jobs and Skills Council, has announced its Industry Advisory Committees (IACs), who will provide advice in relation to training packages and workforce development projects.
The IACs will gather information from their industry sector, including challenges, opportunities, trends, and industry requirements for training packages, or in relation to projects to be undertaken by HumanAbility.
IACs also identify the skills required by industry now and the future.
Queensland and national skills development
Queensland Vocational Educational and Training Strategy
The Queensland Vocational Education and Training Strategy (QVET) consultation was conducted in 2023 so that the Queensland Government can ensure that the vocational education and training (VET) sector is focused on providing priority skills in traditional and emerging industries, and to support Queenslanders into good jobs.
The consultation saw over 7,800 surveys completed and 60 written submissions received.
VET Workforce Blueprint consultation – submissions and surveys close 26 March 2024
The Australian Government, in collaboration with states and territories, is developing a VET Workforce Blueprint to support, grow and sustain the VET workforce. The Blueprint will identify strategies and actions for workforce issues such as attraction, retention, development, and career progression. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is undertaking consultation to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the development of the VET Workforce Blueprint and to:
- test current understanding of the challenges faced by the VET workforce
- identify whether potential actions will result in effective change
- garner additional potential actions
As part of this consultation process, the Department is inviting further engagement through a public submissions process and a survey of those who have left the workforce in the last five years. Contributions will help to inform the development of the Blueprint.
National Skills Agreement
The National Skills Agreement (the Agreement) is a 5-year joint agreement between the Commonwealth, states and territories to strengthen the vocational education and training (VET) sector and commenced on 1 January 2024. The Agreement will:
- deliver a national VET system that provides high quality, responsive and accessible education and training to boost productivity
- support Australians to obtain the skills and capabilities they need to obtain well-paid, secure jobs
- ensure Australia has the skilled workforce it needs now and into the future, with TAFE at the heart of the VET sector.
Towards a National Jobs and Skills Roadmap: 2023 Annual Jobs and Skills Report
This inaugural Jobs and Skills Report 2023 provides an initial assessment of the national skills system and Australia’s current, emerging, and future skills needs.
The analysis in the Report provides a strong evidentiary foundation for a national jobs and skills roadmap to be developed over the coming year and beyond. This will be done in collaboration with industry, Jobs and Skills Councils, the education and training sectors, states and territories, and Australian Government agencies.
Working Future: The Australian Government’s White Paper on Jobs and Opportunities
The White Paper outlines the Government’s vision for a dynamic and inclusive labour market. One where everyone has the opportunity for secure, fairly paid work and people, businesses and communities can be beneficiaries of change and thrive.
This White Paper provides a Roadmap to position the Australian labour market for the future. It outlines the practical actions being taken and the further reform directions required to achieve this potential.
Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is undertaking a comprehensive review of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) so that it will reflect the contemporary labour market and better meet stakeholders’ needs.
Public consultation rounds are being held across 2023 and 2024 with each round targeting selected occupations grouped by focus area.
Focus areas in Round 1 included aged care and disability services. Focus areas in Round 2 included allied health, and medical, nursing and other health care services.
Funding Opportunities
Workforce Connect Fund Large-Scale Projects – closes 26 March 2024
The Workforce Connect Fund is part of the $70 million of initiatives in the Good people Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032’s first Action Plan (2022-2025).
Funding is available to fund large-scale projects for Round 2 of the Fund, with eligible organisations able to apply for up to $1 million per project to deliver state-wide, over a maximum 24-month period.
Micro-credentialing Program Round 2 – closes 11 April 2024
The Micro-credentialing Program provides an opportunity to support changing workplaces by enabling the provision of focused training for new or transitioning employees in specific skills. This will support businesses and industries to adopt innovations and improve productivity.
Successful applicants will receive up to $250,000 to design, develop and deliver 1 or more micro-credentials aligned to specific industry skill gaps. The skill outcomes targeted for the program will not be nationally recognised (i.e. vocational education and training (VET)), as these outcomes can be supported under existing VET investment programs.
Support for small business
The HR Support Grants provide funding for eligible small businesses to develop and implement innovative HR solutions to needs identified through workforce planning. Businesses must first engage with an Industry Workforce Advisor who will assist in developing the workforce plan.
If you are interested, contact one of CheckUP’s Industry Workforce Advisors Andy Legg (alegg@checkup.org.au) or Jamie Brown (jbrown@checkup.org.au) or submit an EOI.
The Mentoring for Growth (M4G) initiative offers eligible businesses complimentary access to volunteer business experts who provide valuable insights, options, and suggestions tailored to address the specific challenges and opportunities you're encountering in your business.
Designed to support Queensland businesses in thriving within today's dynamic business landscape, the M4G program encompasses various components:
When you engage in the M4G program, the Queensland Government carefully matches mentors' expertise and experience with the specific business challenges or opportunities you've identified. Our mentors are selected from a pool of over 300 registered mentors across Queensland, each possessing extensive expertise in coaching and developing businesses.
Currently, Mentoring for Growth is primarily delivered online, ensuring accessibility to businesses throughout Queensland.
As part of the First Nations Training Strategy, the Queensland government has released a Cultural Capability Resource to assist employers in building cultural awareness and safety in their businesses and engaging with Frist Nations employees and communities. The resources cover a range of related topics including:
- Benefits of cultural diversity
- Cultural awareness
- Addressing racism
- Attracting and retaining First Nations people
Have your say! Queensland workforce insights survey
The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training’s Workforce Insights Survey is now open. The survey seeks to gather input from Queensland employers to better inform the development of workforce assistance and strategies. It is open until Friday 22 March 2024.
New Minister for Employment and Small Business, Training and Skills Development
The Hon Lance McCallum was appointed as Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development on 18 December 2023. Minister McCallum is the member for Bundamba, and was elected to the Queensland Parliament on 28th March 2020.
Stay connected
As we are continuing to grow our network connections and improve our targeted engagement strategies, we would appreciate if you could advise personnel within your organisation that should be included in these e-blasts to subscribe to our newsletter list.
More information about CheckUP's workforce programs is available on our website. You can reach out to the key contacts for these programs directly using the details below.
- Jamie Brown, Industry Workforce Advisor – Health, jbrown@checkup.org.au
- Andrew Legg, Industry Workforce Advisor - First Nations Health Care and Social Assistance, alegg@checkup.org.au
- Amanda Griffiths, Health Industry Skills Advisor, agriffiths@checkup.org.au
- Sabrina Kerr, Health Gateway Program Manager, sabrinakerr@checkup.org.au
CheckUP acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.
