VET portfolio handover underway
The Department of Education and Training (DET) says that it will be “business as usual” as responsibility for vocational education and training (VET) transitions out of the Department of Industry, and into its new home.
In a note to stakeholders, the Deputy Secretary of DET, Dr Subho Banerjee indicated that the changeover was proceeding expeditiously.
“As the Department undergoes these changes, I want to reassure you that the Skills Policy Division (led by Craig Robertson), the VET Reform Taskforce (led by Ms Peta Furnell) and the Skills Programmes Division (led by Brendan Morling) are working closely with our new colleagues Department of Education and Training to make this a smooth, yet expedient move.
“To this end, we ask that you to continue working with us in a business as usual manner.
“The divisions are in the process of moving over content from the Department of Industry website to Department of Education and Training website, but this will not take effect immediately.
“We ask you for your patience as these, and other Machinery of Government changes take place and as we establish ourselves in the new Department,” Dr Banerjee said.
More TAFEs receive financial help in Victoria
The new Labor government in Victoria says forecast TAFE losses in the state will amount to $72 million for 2014.
The Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert announced that William Angliss Institute, Federation Training, and Sunraysia Institute of TAFE were the latest to share in the first $20 million of emergency funding to save campuses at risk of collapse.
He said seven TAFEs are eligible for fast tracked funding from the $320 million TAFE Rescue Fund.
“New figures have revealed the extent of damage of the Liberal’s cuts to TAFE, with forecast losses of $71.8 million across the sector for 2014,” the Minister said.
See ‘TAFE losses forecast at $71.8m’ in The Australian.
Mick Young Scholarships awarded at Canberra Institute of Technology
Five students from Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) have been awarded Mick Young Scholarships to enable them to continue their studies.
For recipients Alissah Breton, John Brookes, Rachel Preston, Keith Brandy and Adam Price, the journey to success has not always been easy.
Mick Young scholarships are managed by TAFE Directors Australia and administered through individual participating institutions.
A total of $1.7 million has been awarded through the scholarships to around 3,000 students since 1997.
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CIT Chief Operating Officer Shane Kay with Adam Price, Rachel Preston and Keith Brandy.
See more.
Responses invited on training package reform
As the federal government considers new approaches to the development and maintenance of Training Packages, the VET Reform Taskforce has recently issued two discussion papers:
- Industry engagement in Training Package Development. Discussion Paper Towards a contestable model (the ‘how’)
- Review of Training Packages and accredited courses (the ‘what’) Review of Training Packages and Accredited Courses.
Responses to the first paper were due by 24 December. See the TDA submission.
Members now have the opportunity to respond to the second discussion paper, Review of Training Packages and accredited courses.
TDA will develop a response by 18 February. TDA welcomes your contribution to its response by emailing Pam Caven at
ASQA releases users’ guide to new standards
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has released its ‘Users’ Guide’ for registered training organisations in order to ensure compliance with the new Standards that took effect on 1 January.
ASQA Chief Commissioner Chris Robinson says that while the guide is not intended as a checklist, it does include information about each Standard, how each training organisation can demonstrate compliance, and examples of what compliance may look like.
ASQA is also publishing responses to FAQ’s raised at the workshops on the new Standards.
See the Users’ Guide.
Transport and Logistics excellence awards open
Outstanding individuals or programs are eligible for nomination for the Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council (TLISC) Awards for Excellence.
There are nine awards:
- 2015 TLISC Innovation and Excellence in Workforce Development Award in each of the six sectors: Road Transport, Logistics and Warehousing, Rail, Aviation, Maritime and Ports
- 2015 TLISC Excellence in Industry Promotion Award
- 2015 TLISC Trainee of the Year Award
- 2015 TLISC Chairman’s Award
The Chairman’s Award will recognise an individual, enterprise or RTO that has implemented programs and strategies to include people from underrepresented backgrounds, with examples such as Indigenous, gender equity, disability, ethnic and linguistic diversity, and flexible work practices
See the Entry Guide and selection criteria here. Applications must be made on the Nomination Form here. Nominations close 2nd February.
Contact Greg Masters: or (02) 6163 7217
Invitation for submissions on the edu.au domain
The edu.au Domain Administration Committee (eDAC) is undertaking a public review of the:
- governance and supporting administration arrangements for the edu.au domain; and
- the domain name eligibility and allocation policies for the edu.au domain.
Submissions on the Discussion Paper for the public review of the edu.au domain are due by the close of business on 27 January 2015.
Vacancy for Policy Director at TDA
An opportunity will shortly become available at TDA in the role of Director, Policy.
This full time position may be located in either Sydney or Canberra (negotiable).
As an initial step, please contact Member Services on email: or phone 02 9217 3180 to obtain a Candidate Information Package.
Applications close 6th February 2015.
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.
VET Development Centre
Learning Lab
DATE: 5 March 2015
LOCATION: Melbourne Convention Centre
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.
National VET Conference
Velg Training
DATE: 17-18 September 2015
LOCATION: Adelaide Convention Centre
DETAILS: More information.