Edition 432, 3 October 2011

National

Skills Australia is commencing the annual update of the Skilled Occupations List (SOL) which is used for independent general skilled migration purposes. As part of this update we are seeking stakeholder input and evidence to inform the composition of the SOL for 2012 and invite you to make a submission as part of this process.

The 'dead hand' on business

The dictionary defines ‘dead hand’ as ‘an oppressive or discouraging influence’ – having struggled my way through the government’s three legislative bills to establish the new Tuition Protection Service (TPS) – it is hard to avoid the impression that yet again the sector is faced with the dead hand of government.

Australian Capital Territory

Roundtable 4 October: Invitation to discuss the Knight Review and the Tuition Protection Service

There has been a considerable amount of reaction to both the recently-released Knight Review and Tuition Protection Service legislation amongst members.

Position vacant - International business development manager

Do you have national and international networks in the education sector? Do you have a proven track record in international business development? ACPET is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic person to join its dynamic international team in a business development role.

New South Wales

5 October: ACPET roundtable on Knight Review and proposed changes to Tuition Assurance

NSW members are invited to participate in a roundtable to discuss ACPETs response to the Knight Review and the proposed changes to the Tuition Assurance.

Smart and Skilled: Making NSW number one!

The NSW Government has announced the start of a skills reform consultation process to develop a more highly skilled workforce and make NSW the number one economy in the country. Skills play an important role in boosting productivity and raising workforce participation, which are vital to economic growth.

NSW Parliamentary Inquiry - International Student Accommodation

A Parliamentary Inquiry into International Student Accommodation is being conducted by the Social Policy Committee of the Legislative Assembly.

Austrade - opportunities opening up

Austrade has a number of opportunities available that may be of interest to NSW members.

Developing Smart Assessment Documentation - 13 October

This is the third in a series of workshops designed for VET practitioners around the Standards for NVR RTOs, assessment and compliance.

E-Learning - time to get on board - 11 October

Have you been thinking about getting started in e-learning, but find it a bit of a minefield? Too many questions, not enough answers?

ACPET and MEGT showcase for National Skills Week

ACPET and MEGT will be combining forces to showcase the contribution made to education and training by the private sector as part of National Skills Week.

Queensland

Roundtable 6 October: Strategic review of the Student Visa Program 2011 and Tuition Protection Service legislation

The government has called for public submission on these two important reforms which will affect providers of international education.

Export week forums and seminars - international education and training into the future, and international aid and development

Interested members are advised of the following forums during Export week :six Trade & Investment Commissioners from China, India, Japan, Korea, the Americas and Europe will speak about the highlights on growth sectors for education and training in international markets.

Language Literacy & Numeracy (LLN) Practitioner Scholarships Program

The third application round under the above program opened on Monday 26 September 2011. Applications are invited from eligible individuals who are interested in undertaking an approved course of study in adult LLN, commencing 2012. The Australian Government is providing scholarships of up to $5,250 per individual.

Executive Officer Queensland - vacant position

The position of ACPET’s Executive Officer in Queensland has become vacant due to the incumbent (Michael Hall ) being appointed to the position of ACPET Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

Welcome Jenny Field new Queensand Director on the ACPET National Board

A reception was held last Thursday evening at the Victoria Park Function Complex for Ms Jenny Field, new State Director representing Queensland on the National Board .

National Skills Week - Queensland 1-8 October 2011

The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe MP Minister for Employment, Skills and Mining and Greg Kempton Chair Skills Queensland are pleased to announce the launch of National Skills Week Queensland.

South Australia

Have your say: ACPET member roundtable on the Knight Review and changes to the Tuition Assurance Scheme - 5 October

Strategic review of the Student Visa Program 2011 and Tuition Assurance Scheme legislation

ACPET PD THIS WEEK - Compliance Series: Access and Equity Practice and Compliance - 7 October

In addition to providing an update on the status of regulatory changes and skill reforms, this workshop will outline AQTF, ESOS and Higher Education requirements for providers to ensure equitable access to education and training opportunities, and student support services to facilitate equitable outcomes and comparable retention rates for all students.

ACPET PD - Training and Assessment Series: Engaging young people in Education and Training - 20 October

It can be challenging to engage young people in Vocational Education and Training, and with the SA Skills for All reforms coming on line in 2012, there are likely to be more youth engaging in training, necessitating innovative strategies for achieving high retention and completion levels.

ACPET PD - Compliance Series: Using technology to support compliance and reduce costs

Save money and reduce your regulatory burden by using more efficient methods of scanning common forms and documents, and tracking documents for version control.

SA Events

11-14 October - Australian International Education Conference (AIEC) 2011 in Adelaide

16-19 October - Australian Organisation for Quality - Qualcon 2011

3 November - SAWAN event: ‘The AQF explained’

And more...

SA News

VET in Schools applications now open

New Determination on AQTF Trainer and Assessor Competency

Work Health and Safety reforms are coming on 1 January

And more...

Tasmania

ACPET farewells Mike Brough, A/General Manager, SkillsTAS, and wishes him the very best

Last Friday, Mike Brough retired from SkillsTAS. During his career at SkillsTAS, Mike capably supported the Tasmanian Government’s skills development agenda. The ACPET Board and staff would like to thank Mike for his contribution to the training sector throughout the years and wishes him the very best in his retirement.

Victoria

Roundtable 5 October: Strategic review of the Knight Review and Tuition Protection Service legislation

The government has called for public submission on these two important reforms which will affect providers of international education.

October PD Program Now online

Moderation and Validation, An Introduction to the VET environment, Advanced Facilitation skills in a VET setting, Succeeding in the International Market place

Study Grants for Careers Practitioners – Applications close on 12 October 2011

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is offering 96 Study Grants to Victorian careers practitioners for the commencement of a Graduate Certificate in Career Development in Semester 1, 2012 and its completion at the end of Semester 2, 2012.

Minister Hall farewells London-bound Marjorie Milner College student for the World Skills Competition

Minister for Higher Education and Skills, Peter Hall, farewelled the Victorian Skillaroos contingent from Melbourne Airport this week as they head to London for the 41st WorldSkills Competition. The contingent included a student from ACPET Member, Marjorie Milner College.

AIIA Presents: 2011 Gala Dinner and Sir Zelman Cowen Oration “Foreign Policy in a Changing World”

No task is more challenging or important for the Australian Government today than developing and conducting foreign policy in a highly volatile and rapidly changing world.

Western Australia

Have your say: ACPET member roundtable on the Knight Review and changes to the Tuition Assurance Scheme - 5 October

Have Your Say: ACPET member roundtable - 5th Oct - on the Knight Review & changes to the Tuition Assurance Scheme

The national government has called for public submission on these two important reforms which will affect providers of international education.

Don't forget - ACPET PD Session on VET Changes & Compliance - Tuesday 4th October!

More than 100 people have registered with ACPET WA to attend a PD workshop on changes to the VET system at a morning and afternoon session on Tuesday 4^th October.

ACPET WA expresses view on proposed VET funding model review

ACPET WA has submitted a paper to the Nous Group highlighting its position on the future direction of the entitlement funding model review in WA.

Skills West Expo 2012 - calling on WA members to participate!

Members, mark your diaries for the 2012 Skills West Expo from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th of August at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre.

National Monday Update

In Focus

Member Notice Board