TDA Newsletter 15 June 2015

ASQA defends actions against private training colleges

The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has rejected claims that it failed to take action against registered training organisations (RTOs) owned by Vocation Limited.

As reported last week, a recent Senate Estimates hearing focused on the actions that were taken by the regulator to address quality issues at Vocation subsidiaries.

In a statement, ASQA says that of the 12 higher education and training providers acquired by Vocation, 10 were totally or jointly under ASQA’s regulation.

Of that number, three voluntarily withdrew their registration, one withdrew its registration following an ASQA audit, two have been audited and found compliant, and four are the subject of ongoing investigations.

“Vocation-owned RTOs have been on ASQA’s radar since last year and all of its operating RTOs regulated by ASQA have been subject to extensive audit and regulatory scrutiny,” ASQA says.

See ASQA’s statement.

TAFE Queensland establishes $500,000 scholarship program

TAFE Queensland has launched Australia’s largest vocational education scholarship program with half a million dollars in industry–based scholarships to help students meet their career goals.

In collaboration with the TDA National Scholarships Foundation, TAFE Queensland will award 100 scholarships worth $5,000 each over the next three years.

TAFE Queensland CEO Jodi Schmidt said the landmark program will provide an opportunity for people from across Queensland to develop their skills and gain qualifications demanded by industry.

“We know the power vocational education has to change people’s lives and help them achieve extraordinary things.

“We are delighted to be working with the Foundation and look forward to providing many Queensland students with the recognition they deserve to succeed in their careers,” said Ms Schmidt.

Scholarships will be offered to current and prospective students to study TAFE Queensland qualifications from Certificate III to Advanced Diploma level.

Find out more.

New technology hub for South Western Sydney Institute

Luke Tornai, Matthew Huckstadt, Minister for Skills John Barilaro, and Sam Berry.

A new multi-million dollar state-of-the-art transport, engineering and technology centre is taking shape at the TAFE South Western Sydney Institute at Wetherill Park.

The Transport and Engineering Technology Centre will be the largest training facility of its kind in Sydney.

The NSW Minister for Skills John Barilaro said the facility will comprise a 21st century learning environment, changing from a traditional teacher-centric model to a modern learner-centric model.

The centre will open in 2016 and offer course options including light vehicle technology, heavy vehicle mechanical technology, plant mechanics, automotive electrical technology, speciality automotive courses and engineering technology courses.

Queensland training grants close this week

Queensland community organisations have until the end of this week to apply for funds under the $240 million ‘Skilling Queenslanders for Work’ (SQW) program.

The initiative is aimed at developing jobs and skills for groups including young people, mature-age jobseekers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability and those from culturally diverse backgrounds.

It includes six individual programs, four of which – Community Work Skills, Ready for Work, Get Set for Work and Youth Skills – will be delivered by community organisations. They cover a range of customised support, including nationally-recognised training, traineeships, paid work placements, career advice, job preparation skills and individual case management.

There are also two traineeship programs­ – First Start and Work Start incentives. Under First Start, up to $2.5 million will be available in 2015-16 to create 200 traineeships with councils across Queensland. Work Start will offer private sector employers a $2000 incentive if they employ a SQW participant as a trainee or apprentice.

Applications close Friday 19 June.

See more.

NCVER ‘No Frills’ reminder

A reminder about the 24^th National Vocational Education and Training Research (NCVER) Conference ‘No Frills’, 6 – 8 July at the University of Western Sydney, Parramatta campus.

TDA is sponsoring the Welcome Reception. NCVER is co-hosting the conference with the University of Western Sydney and TAFE NSW’s Western Sydney and South Western Sydney Institutes.

There will be keynote addresses from Professor Peter Shergold AC, Chancellor, University of Western Sydney and Chair, NCVER, and Nicholas Wyman, CEO of the Institute for Workplace Skills and Innovation.

With over 50 presentations, the program features three key areas vital to developing the VET system and meeting future skills demand:

• Youth: engaging, inspiring and supporting students to realise their potential
• Pathways: transitioning through education and training into the workforce
• Skills: working with industry and employers to improve education and training

Register here.

Introducing TDA’s new Corporate Affiliate member

TDA welcomes Global Learning Support (GLS) to its Corporate Affiliate program.

As all TDA members are aware, supporting our students to complete their studies is both our highest priority and one of the biggest challenges.

GLS works with leading education providers to support students in staying on track and completing their education.

They have created a unique environment for students, which facilitates, guides and encourages their progression and clears the pathway to completion.

GLS designed and developed its support system over a five-year period and is based on the understanding that students need and want quality support, ongoing motivation, discipline and accountability during their studies. Their services include dedicated study coaches who provide individualised support.

GLS is able to assist organisations increase revenue, achieve quicker course completions, and increase student satisfaction and retention, leading to lower dropout rates and reduced costs.

TDA members are encouraged to visit the GLS website for more information or to get in touchwww.globallearningsupport.com.au  They will also have a booth at the TDA national conference in Hobart in September.

Diary Dates

Western Sydney Careers Expo
DATE: 18-21 June 2015
LOCATION: Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
DETAILS: Click here for more information.

NCVER
24th National VET Research Conference
DATE: 6-8 July 2015
LOCATION: University of Western Sydney
DETAILS: More information.

Victorian TAFE Association
2015 State Conference – Leading Transformational Change
DATE: 16-17 July 2015
LOCATION: RACV Club, Melbourne
DETAILS: Click here for more information.

2015 ACODE Learning Technologies Leadership Institute
DATE: 17-21 August 2015
LOCATION: Mantra at Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
DETAILS: More information

TAFE Managers Association 2015
DATE: 21 August 2015
LOCATION: Luna Park, Sydney
DETAILS: More information coming soon.

VET Development Centre
Teaching and Learning Conference
DATE: 3-4 September 2015
LOCATION: RACV Torquay Resort, Victoria
DETAILS: More information.

TDA National Conference
DATE: 9-11 September 2015
LOCATION: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart
DETAILS: More information.

National VET Conference
Velg Training
DATE: 17-18 September 2015
LOCATION: Adelaide Convention Centre
DETAILS: More information.

Australian International Education Conference 2015
International education: global, responsible, sustainable
DATE: 6 – 9 October 2015
LOCATION: Adelaide Convention Centre
DETAILS: More information.