Edition 443, 19 December 2011

As 2011 draws to a close it's timely to look back on what has been another period of change in our sector and the changes ACPET has made to support its members. Those of you who've attended the Christmas functions I've been fortunate to be present at will have heard me recount some of ACPET's achievements this year. In recounting them I've been filled with a sense of pride in the new ACPET team and what they've delivered for you this year.

National

International, the ACT, domestic policy and the Northern Territory

This week's 'In focus' first goes to the ACT for a report on International Engagement and the ACT from Ingeborg Loon. Then, Ben Vivekanandan fills us in on the year's domestic policy issues, followed by Michael Hall with highlights from the Northern Teritory.

ACPET's 20th anniversary celebrations - save these dates

Join ACPET to celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2012 with a range of activities scheduled for 2 and 3 February in Sydney.

Last National Monday Update for the year

National Monday Update will be taking a short break and will return on Monday 23 January.

Funding: opportunities for VET student and staff international study or work placements

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) is calling for applications for the 2011 round of the VET Outbound Mobility Program. The program offers VET providers the opportunity to provide their students and staff wide-ranging international learning experiences that encompass work experience, internships, volunteering, short language or other courses across a range of vocational fields and qualification levels.

Supporting collaborative learning with media-rich synchronous technologies

ACPET members and their teaching staff, especially those involved in online/distance, flexible and blended delivery, are invited to participate in an Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) funded project exploring how media-rich synchronous technologies can best be used to support collaborative learning activities.

… and the winner of the most festive shoes at an ACPET Xmas party goes to:

Congratulations Mel Thurstans, from MEGT Tasmania, who without a doubt impressed everyone at the ACPET Tasmania Xmas party with her amazing shoes.

New South Wales

Kenvale college students dish up lunch delights

ACPET Executive Officer Catherine Kearney enjoyed a tour of NSW member Kenvale College at Randwick last week, topped off by a delicious lunch prepared by the college’s 2nd year Diploma of Hospitality students and served by recent graduates of the Advanced Diploma of Hospitality and Events Management.

Northern Territory

Recent activities in the Northern Territory

Deputy CEO, Michael Hall, was in the top end last week for the NT Christmas celebrations, professional development sessions and a catchup with our NT members.

Queensland

Jazz Music Institute graduation

Last Monday evening Brisbane member college Jazz Music Institute made history.

New address for the Queensland office

The Queensland office wishes to advise we have moved to the following new business address:

Professional development opportunity for teachers and trainers

Interested members are advised of an Instructional Intelligence (II) workshop being conducted in Brisbane next year on 5 and 6 March.

South Australia

24,000 workers trained under $87 million government–industry partnership

Almost 24,000 workers and trainees will upgrade their skills under an $87 million Australian Government–industry training investment announced last week.

User Choice funding update from Service Skills SA

The Traineeship and Apprenticeship Services (TAS) have announced a further expansion of User Choice, with the majority of qualifications – ranging fron AGF levels 2 to 6 – now eligible for funding.

ePortfolios Australia Conference 2011 resources now available

Organisers have reported a number of valuable resources generated as a part of the ePortfolios Australia Conference 2011 (EAC2011) in Perth in October 2011.

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

Tasmanian Christmas party a success

Last week, Tasmanian ACPET members, SkillsTas representatives, and other colleges had the opportunity to network at ACPET's Christmas celebration. The event was held at ACPET Tasmania’s newest member, Industry Link.

Victoria

Victorian Christmas Party, great time had by all

More than 80 Victorian members, special guests, staff and Victorian Committee members, came together last week for ACPET’s Victorian Christmas celebrations.

Victorian VET reforms – focus on quality and outcomes

ACPET would like to thank SkillsVIC for their informative seminar on the VET reforms, attended by more than 60 ACPET members and non-members. Lee Watts, SkillsVIC Executive Director, Sector Operations, alongside Fred Ritman, A/Director, Apprenticeships, Traineeships and Youth, provided an insight into the rationale, strategies and implications of the reforms, and their implications for the private provider market.

Middle East Trade Mission: 15–22 February 2012

The Middle East Trade Mission is the Victorian Government’s largest ever to this important market, targeting key sectors water management, food and beverage, education and training, infrastructure and sport.

Trade Mission to India: 21–26 February 2012

The mission is part of the Trade Engagement Program which is a dedicated initiative developed by the Victorian State Government to strengthen the two-way trade relationship with India.

Western Australia

Master Builders Association to partner with a network of RTOs after securing $2.4 million grant

Master Builders CEO, Wilhelm Harnisch, said, 'The $2.4 million Commonwealth Government grant under the National Workforce Development Fund will benefit existing employees in the building and construction industry by providing them the opportunity to undertake much needed upskilling to meet the skill needs of tomorrow.

National Monday Update

In Focus

Member Notice Board