Big Issues in VETRole of Clusters

Community Colleges NSW Conference 20 May 2009

Gina Perks, ACE Unit CoordinatorJan Howard ACE Project Officer jan.howard@det.nsw.edu.au

Big Issues in VET

Goal

To optimise the ACE Cluster Support Program so that colleges can effectively address objectives of the National Agreement for Skills and Workforce Development (COAG Agreement).

Big Issues in VET

The Cluster Review Survey was a method to engage colleges in discussion on the current purpose and future direction of the Cluster Support Program.

The statistics and comments will be used inform the 2010 Cluster Support Program funding application.

Big Issues in VET

Question 1:

Do you think that the current Cluster Support Program works?

64.5% said Yes

Big Issues in VET

Question 2:

A selection of current Cluster functions were listed and the colleges were asked to rate their importance using -

Very Important; Important; Not important but useful; Pointless

Big Issues in VET

Question 2 cont:

Implementing the Disability Strategic Plan

91% said it was Very important or important

Big Issues in VET

Question 2 cont:

Promoting industry/business links

78% said it was Very important or important

Big Issues in VET

Question 2 cont:

Record keeping/Data Management

71% said it was Very important or important

Big Issues in VET

Question 2 cont:

Improving Governance

72% said it was Very important or important

Big Issues in VET

Question 2 cont:

Supporting Partnering

87 % said it was Very important or important

Big Issues in VET

Question 2 cont:

Accessing New Business

75 % said it was Very important or important

Big Issues in VET

Question 2 cont:

Identifying Funding Opportunities

91% said it was Very important or important

Big Issues in VET

Question 3:

There will be no increase in the funding to Clusters for 2010. Do you see this as a problem?

56% said no

Big Issues in VET

Question 4:

Should funding for clusters be supplemented by funds from other ACE funded programs?

87.5% said no

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Question 5:

Do you see a future for the Cluster Support Program?

94% said Yes

Big Issues in VET

Big Issues in VET

The 2008 and 2009 Cluster Support

Program funding applications were

examined to understand the role of

clusters in helping colleges meet state and

federal government objectives for funded

vocational education and training.

Big Issues in VET

• The previously funded projects and activities were divided in three groups.

• Core means projects that are funded time after time – and should perhaps be part of a college business operations – not a separately funded activity

• Innovative – were ideas that were looking to the future; had an awareness of current objectives; looking across the sector

Big Issues in VET

Cluster Support Program funding Applications

Comparison 2008 and 2009

Core

VET Network

Innovation

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Core• Cluster meetings• Governance• Record Keeping• Basic Business Planning• Software Support• CCNSW Conference • Coordination• Administration

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VET Network

• Quality systems

• ELLN

• Moderation

• Validation

• VET Compliance

• AVETMISS/NCVER

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Innovative

• Online induction to support Disability Action Plans

• Collaborate on options for student data management systems and training

• Develop capacity statements for each college • Develop a platform for scope sharing, MOUs and

joint tendering• Collaborate with local industry to deliver industry

specific forums

Big Issues in VET

Big Issues in VET

The following slide was taken from the Key Policy Directions presentation given by Gina Perks at the CCNSW Conference.

Project and activities for the 2010 Cluster Support Program funding applications should attempt to address these key objectives.

Big Issues in VET

Challenges and Opportunities for ACEHow can we

• demonstrate that non-accredited VET and Certificate I and II levels are truly pathways to higher level qualifications?

• Increase our offerings in Certificate III and above

• Analyse what the completions data really means. Improving completions – Is this a data issue or a delivery issue?

• Share our successes in working with industry

• Raise the profile of community colleges by meeting the changing agendas in VET

Big Issues in VET

Clusters 2010Activity

What activities should be funded under ACE Cluster Support Program?

How can Clusters support colleges to meet the objectives of the COAG Agreement ?

Big Issues in VET

Big Issues in VET

What next …..