TAFE higher education reform push gathers pace
TDA has continued its advocacy to encourage key federal crossbench Senators to support the government’s higher education reforms.
Education Minister Christopher Pyne has introduced legislation which will be debated when parliament returns in February.
TDA Acting CEO Malcolm White has met with Senators over recent weeks. He also discussed the position of TAFE higher education students in an ABC radio interview on Life Matters this week.
Also on the program, Professor Peter Noonan from The Mitchell Institute at Victoria University agreed that TAFE higher education students deserved the same Commonwealth funding as those at university.
“I think that the Commonwealth should look at taking over all of the funding for higher level TAFE programs – diplomas and advanced diplomas – whether they are in the VET or higher education system so all of those courses are on an equal footing,” he said.
Listen to the ABC Life Matters program on TAFE and deregulation.
Twenty-six transport and logistics students win scholarships
The TDA National Scholarships Foundation and the Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council (TLISC) have helped out a further 26 students at TAFE SWSi (South Western Sydney Institute).
The Chief Executive of TLISC, Robert Adams, presented the students with Mick Young Scholarships at TAFE SWSi’s Wetherill Park College.
TLISC has worked with the TDA National Scholarships Foundation over the past 18 months to award more than 50 scholarships nationally.
TAFE SWSi Associate Institute Director Debra Jolley congratulated the recipients who will now progress into a career in transport and logistics, knowing they have the financial support necessary to complete.
One delighted recipient, Leanne Ford (pictured), is studying Warehouse Operations and ultimately wants to become a warehouse manager.
According to TLISC, 151,000 jobs will be created in the Transport and Logistics sector between 2013 and 2017, on top of the existing workforce of some 797,000 workers across 165,000 businesses.
SWSi students receive Mick Young Scholarships in transport and logistics
See more.
Time to get ready for Unique Student Identifiers
Unique Student Identifiers (USIs) will be required from 1 January, so it is important for TAFE Institutes to get ready for student enrolments and reporting.
Students enrolling or re-enrolling into nationally recognised training, delivered by Australian-registered training organisations, will need to have a USI before they can be issued with their Certificate of Attainment.
So far, more than 170,000 USIs have been created. The USI Registry System is ready for students to create their USIs and for training organisations to create USIs on behalf of their students (with their students’ permission).
Anyone needing help should go to the Department of Industry’s USI Help Centre. It is a useful resource for getting ready for the USI and includes a User Guide for training organisations.
The Department has also advised that you may call 13 38 73 or email: .
TDA seeks input into 457 visa reform
TDA has written to the Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Senator Michaelia Cash, seeking to provide input following the recent review of the 457 Visa Programme.
In particular, TDA is concerned about the impact on training and education flowing from one of the report’s key recommendations.
The report recommends that the current training benchmarks be replaced by an annual training fund contribution, based on each 457 visa holder sponsored, with the contributions scaled according to the size of the business.
See Robust New Foundations, the review of the 457 visa programme.
TDA National Conference, 10-11 September 2015 – Save the Date
The 2015 TDA National Conference will be held in Hobart on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 September at The Hotel Grand Chancellor.
Pre-conference workshops will be held on Wednesday 9 September.
The Welcome Reception will also be on Wednesday at Hobart’s world-acclaimed MONA (Museum of Old and New Art).
The Conference Dinner will be on Thursday 10 September.
Exhibition and sponsorship opportunities are now available.
Visit www.tda.edu.au for more information.
Australian Training Awards direct entry now open
The direct entry categories of the 2015 Australian Training Awards are now open.
Applicants may have the opportunity to reach the national stage in Hobart next November and gain Australia-wide recognition. The direct entry categories include:
For individuals:
- National Achievement Award
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Excellence in Language, Literacy and Numeracy Practice Award
For businesses:
- Disability Training Initiative Award
- Australian Apprenticeships – Employer Award
For registered training organisations:
- School Pathways to VET Award
- International Training Provider of the Year Award
Applications close on Friday 29 May 2015.
For more information, visit www.australiantraininagwards.gov.au, phone 13 28 46 or email .
A Merry Xmas wish from everyone at TDA
This will be the final TDA newsletter for 2014. The first edition for 2015 will be on Monday January 12.
TDA extends its best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all its readers.
Diary Dates
Victoria University
Financial Sustainability in VET
DATE: 25-26 February 2015
LOCATION: Victoria University City Convention Centre, Melbourne
DETAILS: Click here for more information.
Australian Workplace Practitioners’ Network
Foundation Skills at Work
DATE: 18-20 March 2015
LOCATION: Melbourne, Victoria
DETAILS: Click here for more information.
AVETRA
18th Annual Conference
DATE: 8-10 April 2015
LOCATION: The Rendezvous Grand, Melbourne
DETAILS: More information.
EduTECH
National Congress & Expo
DATE: 2 & 3 June 2015
LOCATION: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
DETAILS: Click here for more information.
Western Sydney Careers Expo
DATE: 18-21 June 2015
LOCATION: Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
DETAILS: Click here for more information.
NCVER
‘No Frills’ conference
DATE: 6-8 July 2015
LOCATION: University of Western Sydney
DETAILS: More information.
VET Development Centre
Teaching and Learning Conference
DATE: 3-4 September 2015
LOCATION: RACV Torquay Resort, Victoria
DETAILS: More information.