Edition 441, 5 December 2011

Western College wins National Training Award

Congratulations to ACPET member Ron Maxwell and the team at Western College for winning the Community Pathways to VET Award at the National Training Awards held recently in Brisbane. The runner-up in the Australian Apprentice of the Year was Benjamin Standen, who trained with another ACPET member, MEGT Tasmania.

National

International policy update

Last Monday the International Education Committee met via teleconference to discuss ACPET’s latest lobbying efforts on the Knight Review and the committee members’ experiences since the review was released in September. Members agreed that given all the positives in the review and the explicit commitment by government to streamlining arrangements for non-university providers from mid-2012, that post-study work rights for our sector is the most important issue left to be negotiated.

Funding announcement: opportunities for e-learning pathways programs

Members seeking opportunities around broadband-based training and e-learning based learning pathways programs are encouraged to apply for the second round of funding under the National VET E-learning Strategy Higher Qualification Pathways Project.

AQF review of graduate and vocational graduate certificates and diplomas

The AQF Council is undertaking a review of the graduate and vocational graduate certificate and diploma qualification types.

National Skills Standards Council review of nominal hours

To prompt discussion on the characteristics and long-term viability of nominal hours in their current form, the National Skills Standards Council (NSSC) has developed a discussion paper which considers the background and evolution of nominal hours development and their usage and place in the evolving VET landscape. The NSSC is seeking feedback from key stakeholders on nominal hours in their current form and usage, and suggestions for alternatives for consistently measuring VET effort.

Phoenix rising – challenges and opportunities

In reflecting on the almost three years that I’ve been with ACPET as South Australia’s Executive Officer, during a period that has been arguably the most challenging ever faced by the sector, I’m struck by the resilience, commitment and adaptability of our members and colleagues, in the face of constant change and adversity.

Service Skills Australia's National Conference is coming to Brisbane

Registrations are now open for Service Skills Australia’s 2012 National Conference, Quality in the Making.

Australian Capital Territory

ASQA contracts NEAS as specialist provider of audit services

NEAS is delighted that ASQA has contracted them as a specialist provider of audit services for CRICOS, ELICOS and Foundation programs.

New South Wales

Survey reminder: please provide your input on tertiary pathways

Parliamentary Secretary for Tertiary Education and Skills Gabrielle Upton has sought ACPET’s assistance in understanding pathways for students enrolled with private providers in NSW.

Last chance registrations for Shellharbour and Parramatta PD and networking

ACPET NSW is hosting compliance workshops and networking opportunities in Shellharbour and Parramatta for RTO members and non-members this Wednesday and Thursday.

Mark your calendar - 2012 International Student Festival - 4 March

Time to mark your professional and student calendars and diaries for the NSW International Student Festival. Sunday 4 March 2012 is the date and Victoria Park is the place.

Consultation on proposed Record of School Achievement - your input sought

The Board of Studies NSW is seeking your views on the implementation of a proposed NSW Record of School Achievement. This credential will replace the School Certificate previously given to students at the end of Year 10.

Whitehouse students shine at VIP showcase

ACPET congratulates Whitehouse Institute of Design on a fabulous graduate exhibition and parade in Sydney on Monday 28 November.

Queensland

First day of summer brings the rain to the Queensland Christmas reception

Last Thursday evening, Queensland members and numerous friends of ACPET had the opportunity to network at the end of year Christmas party held at Gianni’s, Portside Wharf, Hamilton.

QVDC Capability Development Overview 2011-2012 now live

The Queensland VET Development Centre's Capability Development Overview for 2011–2012 is now live on the VET Professional Development website.

South Australia

Special webinar for ACPET members only - 12 December

Offshore opportunities in India and the National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC).

SA member prepares for the low carbon economy

Reducing costs, greenhouse gas emissions and energy use has been the result of a strategic commitment by ACPET member Wendy Perry and Associates to monitor and reduce consumption over the past four years.

ACPET member featured in national skills publication - why don't you share your story?

SA ACPET member Flexible Construction Training Association (FCTA) has been featured in a lead article in the nationally-circulated publication, Making Connections – The Skills Recognition newsletter.

SA Events

29-30 April, 2012 - Tertiary Studies and Careers Expo Adelaide (TSCEA)

11-13 July, 2012 - 21st National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference ('No Frills')

And more...

Tasmania

ACPET Tasmanian Christmas party - 9 December

ACPET is pleased to advise that Dr Chrissy Berryman, General Manager of SkillsTas, and Gina Gunn, Chair of the SkillsTas Education Committee, will be joining us for the ACPET Tasmanian Christmas party.

Calling all adult literacy support officers – are you on SkillsTAS register?

In support of the state government’s Adult Literacy Action Plan and related programs, in 2011, Skills Tasmania set up an ongoing register of qualified support officers with experience in adult literacy, language and numeracy.

Victoria

ACPET Victorian Christmas party - 12 December

ACPET is pleased to advise that Kym Peake, Deputy Secretary SkillsVic, will be joining us for this year's Christmas party.

Whitehouse Institute of Design – Melbourne graduate exhibition

ACPET congratulates Whitehouse Institute of Design on a fabulous graduate exhibition and parade in Melbourne on Wednesday 30 November.

ACPET’S 2012 teacher fellows meet other fellows

Last Thursday, the recipients of the ACPET/TDC 2012 Trainer Fellowship Grants met the other 33 fellows at their induction workshop.

National Monday Update

In Focus

Member Notice Board