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2010 acpet national conference presentations

National Monday Update Issue: 
Edition 382, 6 September 2010

The ACPET National Conference was held 26 to 27 August 2010 at the Crown Conference Centre, Crown Promenade Hotel, Melbourne, VIC



Below is a brief synopsis and links to the presentations that have been made available to us by the presenters, where available. Please note that some presentations have not been made available because the speaker did not have a powerpoint presentation or for intellectual property reasons.

 

Welcome to the 2010 ACPET National Conference by Kay Ganley, ACPET National Chair

In her opening statement to the conference, Kay reflected on the strength of the ACPET membership in a period of profound change resulting from the combined impact of economic downturn, successive and at times damaging Government policy changes and the evolving market dynamics of a maturing industry. As she identified “the past twelve months has been a period in which the capabilities, the tenacity and the very character of the private education and training sector have shone through with remarkable resilience”.

Uncle Ringo of the Wurundjeri Tribe welcomed delegates to his Country.
 
 

Opening Address by Peter van Onselen

Peter van Onselen, Associate Professor, Edith Cowan University, Western Australia and a contributing editor to The Australian newspaper and Sky News, gave the opening conference address. Peter outlined the various scenarios likely in a hung parliament, as well as his views on how the election result will be decided and what it will mean for the country and the private education and training sector. Peter’s address drew many questions from delegates and along with Kay Ganley’s opening statement, helped to frame the debates and discussions which took place at the conference over the remaining two days.

 
 

Quality through Diversity - Claire Field, ACPET Deputy CEO

Claire Field, ACPET Deputy CEO, responded to Peter’s address by outlining the importance of the private education and training sector, including recent research on its size, scope and diversity. Drawing on her recent experience in the establishment of NARA, Claire also reflected on the important ways in which ACPET and its members are lifting the quality bar and the significant impact of ACPET’s sometimes unseen (and behind the scenes) policy advocacy efforts.
 
 
 
How Leaders can build Quality through Diversity - Michael Henderson, Values at Work, New Zealand

Michael Henderson, Corporate Anthropologist, outlined for delegates how leaders can strengthen their businesses by focusing on the conference theme of ‘Quality through Diversity’. Michael’s humorous and insightful presentation helped described different organisational cultures and their characteristics. Michael cautioned that “others are not a failed attempt at being us” and offered a number of insights into how managers can accept, identify and benefit from the diversity of those in their organisation

Michael touched on the 7 different world views and how they can relate to your business environment and what values relate to each.

Quotes

  • “Quality is a matter of opinion – opinions are based on perception”
  • The importance of humour when leading a culture – "it’s this humour that will make your culture sustainable through difficulties"
  • “Others are not a failed attempt at being us”

Delegates said......

....“inspirational”, “engaging” , “extremely relevant”

....all those interviewed regret not attending Michaels Master Class on Wednesday

....overall disappointment was expressed that Michael did not have more time to speak


The Hon Simon Crean MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Minister for Education and Minister for Social Inclusion

The Hon Simon Crean MP, Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, and Minister for Social Inclusion addressed the conference and outlined the importance of education to Australia’s productivity and a number of government initiatives to boost investment in education and strengthen the economy. With respect to international education in Australia, Minister Crean highlighted the impact of the Global Financial Crisis on declining enrolments. He also outlined a strong future for the sector, particularly in relation to offshore trade opportunities involving skills formation and development.

Quotes

  • ‘We will only have the funds to re-invest if we re-invest now’
  • ‘We want to get back a system underpinned by integrity’
  • ‘Reach out in more creative ways to sell the markets overseas’

 

The Path to Global Education – the big shift - Bernard Salt, KPMG Partner

Bernard Salt, Partner, KPMG, highlighted the demographic changes affecting the globe, leading to the development of a ‘3rd hemisphere’ in our region based around the growing significance of India and China. These changes give Australia a unique opportunity to become a key player in the provision of regional stability.

As the demographics of the Australian population continue to change; current immigration policy settings and our aging population are delivering challenges for government and for communities. As some communities are affected by declining populations, others are booming and struggling with the infrastructure challenges a population boom delivers. . The effects of a shrinking tax base and skills shortage as our population ages, will drive our need for an ongoing strong immigration program.

Salt gave the pro’s and con’s for a big Australia, what it would look like and how we would manage it. He presented an engaging and humorous look into our future, an optimistic view based on empirical evidence rather than hype and emotion.

Delegates said......

  • “Definitely gave me food for thought and helped to challenge some of my own beliefs and concerns. Australia has a great future but needs even greater leadership at this crucial time.”

 

 
 
 
Australian Higher Education: Opportunities for the private sector (A1 - Panel discussion)
 
Panellists
  • Dr Carol Nicoll, CEO, Australian Learning and Teaching Council
  • Karen Treloar, Audit Director, Australian Universities Quality Agency
  • Prof Robert Stable, Vice-Chancellor, Bond University

Delegates were provided three perspectives on the opportunities for the private sector in Higher Education.

Dr Carol Nicoll advised that although the ALTC had a history as a university focused body there were opportunities for engagement by the private higher education sector in ALTC activities.

  • encouraged delegates to visit the ALTC website. Private providers are welcome to engage in public forums and those who are partners are able to participate in ALTC projects
  • acknowledged that learning environments between the public and private sectors in higher education are different due to economies of scale - introducing innovation and staff development is harder in smaller organisations and this means the way you look may need to be different
  • Everyone in Higher Education is pre-occupied in achieving the highest standards, teaching standards need to be looked at
  • ALTC are in conversations with TESQA in relation to learning outcomes in higher education

Karen Treloar spoke from the perspective as an auditor for the HE sector. She advised delegates that the private sector highlighted a student-centred approach to a positive learning experience and that the private HE sector had strong community /  industry engagement.

  • there were big opportunities in dual-sectors
  • regulation needs to be rethought so that there is a collective voice

Professor Robert Stable explored the elements of a world-class tertiary education system where private and public universities each have their place.

  • In world-class system there needs to be a major emphasis on teaching and learning
  • Research universities are not necessarily the best at teaching and learning
  • private sector gives the opportunity for a different type of learning
  • there is a student-centric approach to facilities and an internationalism of staff, students and programs

Delegates said......

 
 
Meeting Australia's skills needs: The role of the private education sector - Implications (A2 - Panel Discussion)
 
Panellists
 
  • Robin Shreeve, CEO, Skills Australia,
  • John Roskam, Executive Director, Institute of Public Affairs
  • Assoc Prof Leesa Wheelahan, Associate Professor, LH Martin Institute for Higher Education Leadership and Management, University of Melbourne
 
o    Click here for Assoc Prof Leesa Wheelahan's presentation
 

 

Preparing for Higher Ed (Concurrent Session B1)

Panellists:

  • Greg Quigley, Director, Jazzworx Music Institute
  • Dr Maria Fiocco, College Director and Principal, Curtin International College (CIC)
  • Stephen Nagle, Director, Holmes Institute

Delegates were given the experiences of three private sector institutions delivering higher education

Greg Quigley gave a detailed journey of his experience from VET to higher education ( HE)

  • the pitfalls to be aware of and the patience and persistence required
  • the process is a long one and for the applicant it is a learning journey
  • the importance of having a good consultant to assist in the process
  • a change in organisational requirements and delivery requirements
  • despite the challenges it the transition to HE, it was worth it

Dr Maria Fiocco spoke about best practice in HE setting up the essentials by having a strategic plan

  • the importance of documentation, feedback/benchmarking and involving staff in all processes
  • essential to registration is a cultural shift to continuous improvement

Stephen Nagel spoke about streamlining registration

  • emphasised the importance of having the right staff as quality is an important audit factor.
  • there must be a ‘General commitment to quality’

o    Click here for Greg Quigley's presentation

 

Engaging with Diversity through access/equity programs (Concurrent Session B2)

Panellists:

  • Elaine Robb, CEO, Encompass Community Services Inc
  • Donna McDonald, Executive in Residence ACPET
  • Nerida Nettelbeck, Managing Director, Matrix on Board

Elaine Robb spoke about providing the right type of support and encouragement to people with different learning styles ensures success. Learning styles may be influenced by educational experiences, cultural issues, language barriers or even lack of confidence. The right approach makes all the difference.

Donna McDonald explained that case studies can be powerful story-telling tools for change but sometimes the boundary between promoting ‘success stories’ as realistic exemplars on the one hand and inspirational but exceptional achievers on the other hand can be shaky. She spoke of ACPET Queensland’s approach to promote inclusive teaching and organisational practices:

  • included convening Occasional Seminars
  • publishing a guide for RTOs called ‘The Creativity of Success’
  • drafting regular articles for National Monday Update (ACPET’s weekly on-line newsletter); and
  • participating in communities of practice and other networks
  • Developing this program, however, has highlighted some competing expectations and uncomfortable contradictions. For example,
    • the combined efforts of the disability support industry are not yet translating into commensurately improved employment outcomes.

Nerida Nettelbeck spoke about how Matrix On Board has been implementing a program of training, mentoring and support to remote indigenous money management workers. Their case study detailed what had been learned about delivering vocational training to people living in remote areas where English is a second language.

 


How members are responding to the 'Australia’s workforce futures (Concurrent Session B3)

Panellists:

  • Mike Wallace, General Manager, First Impressions Resources
  • Lisa Materano, Director, Blended Learning International
  • Bill Hamill, CEO, Rural Industries Skill Training Inc

The panel discussed chaired ways in which RTOs could meet the objectives set out by the Australia Workforce Futures Workforce Development Strategy. The 6 objectives outlined in report were looked at in terms of a 15 year time frame. Each of the speakers discussed how they are preparing to meet this development strategy.

Mike Wallace spoke in detail about the retail sector

  • the retail sector is the largest industry, employing 1.2 million people and making up 11% of the workforce
  • is also made up of 73% of people under 44 years of age, 20% 15 - 19 years of age and of those 57% are female
  • of those who are working in the industry 33% do not have a Certificate III or higher qualification
  • a prominent lack of Language, Literacy and Numeracy skills are evident in the retail industry.

 

Click here for Mike Wallace's presentation

Click here for Lisa Materano's presentation

Click here for Bill Hamill's presentation

 

Creating the paradigm shift in international education through effective networks (Concurrent Session B4)

Panellists:

  • Dr John Duncan, College Director/Principal, Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology
  • Robert Parsonson, General Manager, MEGT Institute
  • Rod Hearps, Vice President, Online Services, ICEF

Dr John Duncan led the session with the identification of 3 key themes for private providers;

  • The impact of globalisation and corporatization of international education through mergers and acquisitions
  • The emergence of relationship between public and private institutions and arms.
  • The growth in transnational education and off shore campuses.

Globalisation of education has seen the emergence and growth of large private consortiums such as Navitas, Study Group, Think Education Group and Kaplan expanding both in Australia and internationally. As well, we are seeing foreign private providers entering the Australian space and the increase of public universities having private commercial arms. The latter being more a synergistic partnership rather than a competitive relationship.

The development of relationships and partnerships are becoming increasingly important. Other opportunities lie in blended face to face delivery with on-line delivery.

The challenges lie in our global competitor markets such as the US and Canada eating into our market share and marketing more aggressively and the increased growth in the Singapore market becoming an education hub in our region with Australian providers establishing campuses there.

Those who will meet the challenges of the paradigm shift are likely to be the large consortiums and those who enter into partnership arrangements.

The key success factors were identified to be based around reputation, responsiveness and sound partnerships. The risk factors are unpredictability in the short term, quality assurance, increased competition from China and governments different agenda and outlook.

Robert Parsonson identified the challenges for the domestic RTO’s who have gone from export hero’s to pariah’s in a very short time. While we as educators were seeing great education for international students, the government was only seeing a back door to migration. He believes the problem lies in perception, that the industry was ahead of the public about what education export was doing, the declaration that it was our third largest export became a two edged sword and there was no accountability from government.

The challenges now are that there is no clear migration pathway, the higher exchange rate, increased competition from US, Canada and China in our backyard market, growth of consortiums challenging the smaller domestic provider, online marketing and social media as well as the heavy weight of government intervention and the increasing burden of compliance. We will need to work cooperatively to assist ourselves and each other and to defray the enormous cost.

The opportunities include migration pathways through employer and state sponsorship and networks of small providers to pool their marketing resources.

As an industry Robert Parsonson believes we should make more noise, complain to the ACCC, challenge government and the regulators and question policy. We need to work with government and develop partnership off shore.
Robert Hearps focus was on software supported networks, with agents and educators working collaboratively to share the network platform, Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) with payment per transaction and agent engagement with the USA market.

He looked at software network providers such as StudyLink, Connect and Livenrol which connect students to education providers through an online web of agents. BPO’s pay commissions on enrolment such as Livenrol, StudyLink, ICEF and BPO Intelligence. Of increasing interest is the move of agents into the US market which to date has been resisted until the formation of the American International Recruitment Council (AIRC) in 2009. Lastly Robert Hearps addressed the issue of agent training and certification which has been growing in significance since 2005.

Questions were raised around issues of quality assurance, entry requirements, moderation of delivery and academic diligence. The role of social networking was discussed with agreement that education providers that go down the path of providing chats sites and forums must be prepared to provide the full time online marketing personnel to monitor and quickly counter any bad publicity as it occurs.

Issues of offshore delivery and the establishment of reputable agent contacts and partnership arrangements was discussed with reference to the Baird Review and the signed agency agreements being based around signed codes of conduct as done in New Zealand or the AIRC in the USA.
 

 

 

Business Development and Sustainability: Opportunities for Innovation Sam Mostyn, Director, Institute for Sustainable Solutions, University of Sydney

Ms Sam Mostyn, Director, Institute for Sustainable Solutions, University of Sydney spoke to conference delegates about the growing interrelationship between business development and sustainability, as well as the opportunities this brings for innovation and job creation. In an increasingly complex and globally connected world, Sam argued that the principles of sustainability provide a new framework for business development and that unlike the more rigid processes within large public education and training providers, it was the innovative, flexibility and responsive processes of private providers which would see them at the forefront of assisting businesses in adapting to more sustainable practices and to capitalising on the new opportunities this shift will bring.

 

How green is my business? (Concurrent Session C1)

Panellists:

  • Sam Mostyn, Director, Institute for Sustainable Solutions, University of Sydney
  • Linda White, Branch Manager of Industry Workforce Development Branch, Tertiary Skills and Productivity Group, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
  • John Stokes, CEO Australian Institute of Management SA (AIM) - John was an apology due to illness

This session addressed the economic, environmental and social issues that RTOs are faced with when producing a sustainable future and implementing sustainable practices into already existing courses.

Linda White spoke about producing new sustainability courses, as well adapting sustainable practices to those courses, which already exist. It was predicted that by making a sustainable workforce, 770,000 new jobs would be produced by 2030. Linda also spoke about “light green changes” which have a minor impact and means adapting sustainability practices to already existing jobs and qualifications. An example given was, Teaching a truck driver how to drive using less petrol. On the other hand Linda also spoke about “dark green changes” which are those that produce new skill sets and qualifications. A large amount of training will be required to fulfill both of these changes.

Linda also spoke about the National Green Skills Agreement, which has the purpose to build the capacity of the Australian VET sector to deliver sustainable skills, knowledge and competencies. The objectives of this agreement are as follows:

  • develop standards including skills for sustainability
  • up skill VET actions to provide effective training
  • review and revise relevant training packages and incorporate skills for sustainability.
  • develop a transition strategy to assist vulnerable workers.

Sam Mostyn spoke about what happens once structure is right and sustainable training has been delivered. She discussed how a strategy must then be put in place to position an organisation correctly. Sam bought this all down to culture, meaning to translate what Green Skills mean. She also spoke of wanting standards to change to comprise compulsory teachings of sustainable practices into courses.

In John Stokes absence, the case study of AIM was briefly touched upon. This gave participants the ability to see those measures that have already been put into place and the impact a small amount of change can make on a business carbon footprint. AIM's current vision is to provide better trainers for a better future. They have achieved this by imbedding sustainable practices into all courses which they deliver and encouraged corporate responsibility. 

This session was relevant for anyone who was trying to reduce there carbon footprint in terms of both running a business and at home.

Key Points

  • Skill Training is central to build capability of providers to work in a sustainable way.
  • Private providers play a key role in providing sustainable practices
  • The focus is on useful, relevant and applicable knowledge about sustainability that employers can utilize.
  • Organisations have to take responsibility to understand and deliver sustainable practices.
  • It was also bought up by one participant stated the younger generation is already putting forward sustainable practices and they have a drive for change

The consensus reached by all delegates in this session was that effective leadership my employers, by showing both responsibility and understanding of green skills is detrimental it its success.

Quotes

  • By turning off lights, the carbon footprint was reduced by 15% in 6 months
  • In 2009 a survey of 500 CEO’s found mangers are struggling with green skills

Delegates said.....

  • particularly helpful to see what other organisations were doing
  • surprised at the data revealing how much difference a basic actions like turning off your washing machine at the power point can have on your carbon footprint

 

Improving Articulation Models and Pathways (Concurrent Session C2)

Panellists:                     

  • Dr George Brown, Group Academic Director, Think: Education Group
  • Suzy McKenna, Principal Project Officer, Australian Qualifications Framework Council
  • Di Paez, Principal Project Manager, University of Southern Queensland, Integrated Articulation and Credit Transfer Project

Dr George Brown provided a précis of a new credit transfer and articulation agreement tracking project designed to measure and critique standard student versus pathway attainment outcomes.

Suzy McKenna outlined how the strengthened AQF learning outcomes based levels criteria and qualifications type descriptors

may be used to conceptualise articulation and pathways between, through, around and towards qualifications. She also spoke about the AQF policy on pathways and linkages

Di Paez talked about how the project has completed three pieces of research to understand how to break down barriers to articulation and credit transfer.

 

Developing your social media innovation strategy (Concurrent Session C3)

Morris Miselowski, Business man, entrepreneur, academic, prison chaplain, welfare counsellor, dynamic speaker and futurist guru…

Morris Miselowski’s extensive career reveals a life immersed in high-level business, welfare organisations, and in the community. Currently he’s engaged as a hands-on consultant by leading companies in Australia, and through his work as a venture capitalist, provides his expertise and mentoring to start-up and growing businesses. The principal and founder of Success through Focus since 1981, Morris’s speaking specialty and business-orientation is future-vision. He addressed questions like:

  • What does a global economy mean to your business?
  • How will the ever-narrowing market segmentation of the Internet impact on your marketing? What’s Web 2.0, and what does it reveal about your customers?

Morris foresees an unlimited future for those companies which take the time to prepare and strategise for the future NOW.

 

Trends in International Education (Concurrent Session C4)

Vince FitzGerald, Director, Allen Consulting Group

Vince FitzGerald presented an overview of research and analysis of trends in international education including an analysis of global international education, Australia's positioning, and mapping the impact of policy initiatives upon international education.

 

Education and skills in the Asia Pacific ... options for regional collaboration - Richard Woolcott, Founding Director of the Asia Society AustralAsia Centre

Richard Woolcott reported on the outcomes of the Asia Pacific International Education Forum that took place ahead of the conference on Wednesday 25 August. The forum brought together regional providers, experts and stakeholders in education and training from countries across the Asia Pacific region. Richard commended the private education and training sector for its leadership on this important initiative.

o    Click here for Richard Woolcott's presentation

 

Establishing, Developing and Sustaining your Business (Concurrent Session D1)

Panellists

  • Greg Hurst, CEO Australian Institute of Fitness
  • Walter Gilmore, CEO Careers Australia Group
  • Julie Moss, Managing Director, Photography Studies College (Melbourne)

This session outlined the importance of brand, creating strong industry and enterprise relationships and the obstacles that training providers must overcome to establish, develop and sustain a business.

Greg Hurst talked about ‘Building a Sustainable Training Brand’. He shared branding models he uses within his organisation and outlined the importance of brand in relation to profitability

  • ‘Everything is branding and branding is everything’.
  • emphasised that the people within the company promoting the brand are the key to establishing, developing and sustaining a business and therefore you must ensure they understand your position
  • your people and you will determine your position to the target market

Walter Gilmore spoke about the importance of developing collaborative relationships with industry and enterprise to meet future skilling needs to sustain business.

  • referred to case studies of companies they work with and outlined for participants the way in which they work with them and how it benefitted their business
  • highlighted that they identified their needs and created individual training plans

Julie Moss spoke about ‘staying alive’ as an organisation despite all the obstacles faced by the sector. She outlined strengths of private education, for example having the ability to deliver flexible, responsive course and innovative approaches. Julie also discussed private education in relation to people needing choice in education - ie. the notion of smaller niche colleges and a ‘different way of learning’

Key Points

  • Brand
  • Engagement with Industry and Enterprise
  • All 3 presenters emphasised that they were in the business of careers rather than training - the end result for individuals training is a career

Quotes

  • ‘Everything is branding and branding is everything’
  • ‘Your people and you will determine your position to the target market’

o    Click here for Greg Hurst's presentation

o    Click here for Walter Gilmore's presentation

o    Click here for Julie Moss' presentation

 

Student Pathways to Employment (Concurrent Session D2)

Panellists:

  • Sally Sinclair, CEO, NESA
  • David Windridge, CEO, MEGT
  • Mette Creaser, Manager Surveys Branch, NCVER

Employment, education and training – a joined-up approach

Sally’s presentation explored how the relationship between the employment services and VET sectors can be strengthened to achieve improved employment participation and social inclusion. Australian employment services and the VET sector share many goals and priorities – based centrally on the desire to build skills which increase opportunities for individuals to access sustainable employment and find pathways out of poverty and social exclusion.

Creating Innovative Pathways: Training to Employment

David Windridge gave examples of:

  • how MEGT stablishes effective pathways from training to employment
  • pathways via apprenticeships, traineeships, RTO
  • links with employers and industry
  • insights based on MEGT’s experiences

 

Job prospects for VET students

Mette Creaser looked at the success vocational education and training (VET) graduates have in the job market.

  • Which students are most successful in finding jobs after training and which are not?
  • Which qualifications lead to the best employment outcomes?
  • What sort of salaries can VET graduates expect?

Mette's presentation is based on information NCVER collects, and provides an example of how the

information training organisations provide can be used in their own planning and marketing

 

Lightning Talks (Concurrent Session D3)

Panellists:

  • Andrew Wharton, General Manager, Hotcourses Pty Ltd
  • Louise Dunn, Stakeholder Relations Manager, IELTS

In demand and in decline

Andrew Wharton spoke of observations of the user behaviour of over 10 million prospective international students researching their study abroad options on Hotcourses websites. Andrew addressed issues in the Australian international student industry such as

  • negative social, welfare and integration publicity
  • changes to skilled migration legislation
  • tougher visa regulations
  • the strength of the Australian dollar compared to other popular study destinations
  • are affecting what and where prospective international students want to study.

He spoke about trends in the desirability of specific subjects and qualification levels and which markets are emerging to be targeted by Australian colleges?

Show me an IELTS 6.0: an insight into proficiency levels

Using examples Louise Dunne provided insights into the proficiency that an IELTS 6.0 band score represents, with a focus on Speaking and Writing skills. She provided first footage of a real test taker. Louise provided an introduction to the tools to assist delegates with setting or reviewing standards, and provided a snapshot of the IELTS test format.
 

 

The nexus between private international education practice and public policy (Concurrent Session D4)

Panellists:

  • The Hon Phil Honeywood, Marketing & Business Development Director, Cambridge International College
  • Colin Walters, Higher Ed Group, DEEWR
  • Quentin Stevenson-Perks, Austrade
  • Peter Speldewinde, Assistant Secretary Labour Market Branch, DIAC

International education is one of the most regulated of activities. Private international education practice is of its nature innovative and future market oriented needing to be ahead of the curve to realise its investment. Public policy takes diverse narratives and creates a harmony that aims to be understandable, reliable and sequential. What is the relationship between private international

education practice and public policy? Is there a place for constructive tension and robust cooperation? This session featured perspectives from a panel of private provider and public policy commentators who reflected on public policy interventions and their impact on private international education. The panel also looked at a range of views on a potential future positive nexus between private international education and public policy ... and how to achieve it.
 

 

The creation of a Single Tertiary Sector (Parallel Session E1)

Panellists:

  • Jennifer Taylor, Group Manager, Tertiary Skills and Productivity Group, DEEWR
  • Mary Hicks, Director, Employment, Education and Training, Australia Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Andrew Smith, CEO, ACPET

Participants heard 3 different perspective of the need for a Single Tertiary Sector and the development of easier pathways between Vocational and academic education systems.

Mary Hicks outlined an industry perspective of a single tertiary sector. Mary put forward the proposition that it would be an in industry led system, and that partnerships between industry and educational institutions would become more common.

Jennifer Taylor spoke about the blurring boundaries between the VET and higher education sectors and the need for a more coherent approach to tertiary education to assist students and the Australian economy. She said that there is no clear definition for tertiary and it means different things to different people. Jennifer also said that a precise definition did not matter and diversity is a good thing as it gets people talking and eventually a workable common view will appear. She also emphasised that Skills Australia looks at the Australia tertiary sector as a whole in order to drive productivity.

Andrew Smith responded to Jennifer and Mary’s addresses and outlined an ACPET perspective. Andrew stated that a case for a single tertiary sector is clear and referred to it in relation to quality, diversity and choice. He pointed out the need for a diverse range of providers in response to the new changing Australian and world economy. In regards to choice he highlighted how every single individual should be able to choose an institution that best meets their needs and that the sector must work together to make information available. Andrew emphasised the importance of regulation and funding being consider as one as individuals should be able to access the same support no matter what choice they make. Andrew also stated that it was important for TESQA should work with the possible new VET national regulator. 

 

Social Inclusion Forum (Parallel Session E2)

Panellists:

  • The Hon Linda Burney MP, NSW Minister for the State Plan and Minister for Community Services
  • Maree Raftis, Manager, New Future Training
  • Paul Bird, State Director Victoria, Mission Australia

The Hon Linda Burney presented an insightful and personal view on how education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty in Aboriginal communities. Minister Burney talked about how education is inextricably linked to

  • Aboriginal life expectancy,
  • rate of incarceration and
  • other welfare indicators

Maree spoke about the education and training needs of migrant and refugee women, in particular the barriers they face and how our sector can be proactive in providing more responsive pathways to work and social participation. 

Paul Bird spoke about the strong link between economic disadvantage and education. Young people from poorer socioeconomic backgrounds are less likely to do well at school, which results in fewer employment options. In Australia’s embedded disadvantaged postcodes, where five per cent of postcodes account for a quarter of unemployment, it is nurture, rather than nature that affects a young person’s life chances. Today, young people face unprecedented levels of social, technological, economic and environmental change. Relationship issues are increasingly prominent in young people’s lives with raising rates of domestic violence and family breakdown. For health and community agencies like Mission Australia, undiagnosed mental illness also features heavily.

Paul spoke of the nature and extent of ‘at risk’ young people and a place-based, integrated approach that combines mainstream and alternative settings education, training and transitions to employment with individual and family support and case management.
 

Click here for Paul Bird's presentation

 

The Political Landscape - Glenn Milne

Glenn Milne, political commentator with The Australian newspaper provided detailed background and insights to the political events which have led to the likely "hung parliament" election result. He provided substantial insights into the views and circumstances of key political players, including the three regional independent MPs and the likely make-up and of the new parliament and the impact of the election results for Australia’s future. 

 

How to avoid being a successful misery - John Lees

In the closing session, noted corporate speaker John Lees gave delegates advice on business strategy and success which was well-mixed with humour to ensure maximum impact. Having written 11 books, which John reminded delegates was ‘ten more than God’, John’s business experience and insights provided concrete and practical ways in which business leaders can drive business improvement, even in a time of economic uncertainty. John spoke of two specific types of companies, those where a small amount of people achieve a large amount of results, and those where a large amount of people achieve a small amount of results. Firstly, those with a small amount of people and large results are successful because they are selling more than what they are charging for, meaning that they are selling some form of pleasurable experience rather than selling a service. Most importantly they do not ask permission to undertake their job. By treating customers like people and addressing their needs rather than wants, it is seen to directly reflect through results.

Key Points

  • Deliver a pleasurable experience

  • Treat a customer as a person

  • Address customers needs


Quotes

  • Always treat customers as people, never treat people like customers

  • Down-sell don’t up-sell

  • Self management not time management

Delegates said.....

  • a fun and informative way to end the conference

 

ACPET Chair, Kay Ganley returned to the podium to conclude the conference by reflecting on theme of ‘Diversity through Quality’ and the insights, observations and challenges that conference presenters had set out.