Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Training Mattersdtwd.wa.gov.au Volume 23 March 2015
Featuring:WA Training Awards 2015 liftout
Women in agricultureNew Customer Service Centre
Building the workforce to meet the economic and community needs of Western Australia
March 2015
Training Matters | 2
In this edition…
Training Matters introduces Liza Harvey, our new Minister for Training and Workforce Development.
Applications are open now for the WA Training Awards 2015, so turn to our centre pages for tips on writing a successful application, useful tools and profiles on past winners.
Meet four women who are making their mark in the agricultural industry in our Women in agriculture feature, and find out more about this exciting sector and how you can get involved.
We talk to Sharlene Kidd and Joseph Pauley, who are in training for selection in the ‘Skillaroos’ for the 43rd WorldSkills International Competition in Brazil.
Read about the release of Skilling WA, second edition, and a new youth survey, which will help inform ways to support the State’s youth to reach their full potential in the workforce.
All this and more in this edition of Training Matters.
CONTENTS3 Minister Harvey gets a start in
new portfolio
4 Key services combine into one location
5 Central Institute and FutureNow collaborate on video project
6-9 Women in agriculture feature
10 Staff development at Fairbridge
11 Skilling WA, second edition released
12 Trade up, Australia!
17 Training council catch up
18 Youth consulted for workforce plan
19 Leading State workforce planning and development
20 Trainees get skills
22 Brazil beckons
22 New chairperson for State Training Board
24 New qualification for peer work
24 Branch facts - State Training Board
25 New standards for RTOs
26 Professional Development 2015
27 Local insight from regional travel
Cover: Painter and decorator Sharlene Kidd and fitter and machinist Joseph Pauley in training for a place on Team Australia’s ‘Skillaroo’s for the 43rd WorldSkills Competition in Brazil.
For all editorial, advertising and general enquiries contact: Sue Manning Communications and Marketing Department of Training and Workforce Development Locked Bag 16 Osborne Park WA 6916 T: (08) 6551 5612 E: [email protected] W: dtwd.wa.gov.au
04
08
18
20
24
Training Matters is published quarterly by the Department of Training and Workforce Development and distributed to training practitioners, employers, registered training organisations, industry stakeholders, Government and industry leaders.TITLE: Training Matters SCIS NO: 1362924 ISSN: 1448-5400 © Department of Training and Workforce Development 2010Reproduction of this work in whole or part for educational purposes, within an educational institution and on condition that it is not offered for sale, is permitted by the Department of Training and Workforce Development.This material is available on request in appropriate alternative formats.The Department of Training and Workforce Development does not endorse nor take responsibility for the accuracy of information or claims made in the advertisements carried in Training Matters.
March 2015
Training Matters | 3
fully understand the sector and where the challenges lie for the future,” she said.
“The changing economy is having an effect on the training sector, particularly how training is delivered and the type of courses that are available. Training and participation levels follow the economic cycle, so our challenge is to make sure the sector remains sustainable, while still ensuring that we are relevant to both students and industry.
“Making sure every dollar that the State Government invests into the training area delivers exactly what we need is really important.” TM
A key area of focus will be training in new and emerging industries.
“We know what those industries will be and our task is to provide the training that people will need to work in them,” Mrs Harvey said.
“This will ensure students are better placed to move into employment at the completion of their training.
“We already know that a major growth area will be aged care, and training providers will play a big part in producing skilled workers to support our ageing population.
“We are also aware of an increase in sustainable construction methods being integrated in new buildings. The recently opened Central Institute of Technology’s GreenSkills building is a great example of this.
“Sustainability skills are being embedded into relevant apprenticeships to incorporate these new methods.”
Mrs Harvey has represented the electorate of Scarborough since 2008 and is also Minister for Police; Road Safety; and Women’s Interests. In addition, she is a small business owner, employing more than 50 Western Australians.
Since taking on the training and workforce development portfolio in December 2014, Mrs Harvey has embarked on an intense program to meet industry stakeholders and learn more about the challenges confronting the sector.
“My first step is to meet with as many stakeholders as I can, including the State Training Providers, in order to
Minister Harvey gets a start in new portfolioTraining and Workforce Development Minister Liza Harvey is committed to ensuring Western Australians are equipped with the skills to get a job in the industries that are driving the State's economy.
^ Central Institute of Technology’s Facilities Director Ann Bona explains the features of Central Institute’s GreenSkills building to Training and Workforce Development Minister Liza Harvey and Assistant Minister for Education and Training Senator Simon Birmingham.
March 2015
Training Matters | 4
Key services combine into one locationThe Department of Training and Workforce Development has established a new Customer Service Centre at Level 7 of the GPO Building at 3 Forrest Place in Perth.
^ Service Delivery Executive Director Karen Ho, Service Delivery Strategy Director Phil Wyles, Education and Training International General Manager Carmen Broderick and Service Delivery Operations Director Jodie Wallace with the new smart queue kiosk at the official opening of the Customer Service Centre.
Wellington street Train Station
WELLINGTON ST
WIL
LIAM
ST
MURRAY ST FOOT MALL
PerthUndergroundTrain Station
Cactus
Myer
CarillonPiccadillyArcade
WaterLabyrinth
GPO Building
3FORREST
PLACEPERTH
The Career Centre, Perth Aboriginal Workforce Development Centre (AWDC), Education and Training International and Migration Services all moved in January and provide a wide scope of services from one convenient site.
Service Delivery Executive Director Karen Ho said the central location made it easier for clients to find them.
“It will be more convenient for some clients, as there will be a crossover of services that they need,” she said. “For example, it would easy to for them to see someone from both the AWDC and Career Centre on the same day.
“It also means that the different branches, which were previously in three locations, can draw on each other’s knowledge, collaborate and share ideas.”
One of the features of the Centre is the new customer service model, which includes a shared ‘concierge' meet and greet service and a smart queue management system, which is designed to streamline customer flow and enable reporting against service standards.
“When customers come out of the lift they are greeted by a concierge who will assist them to find the service they need,” Karen said. “The smart queue system then efficiently alerts staff that they have a client to see.
“All staff will take a turn at the concierge roster. Once they have done the training, they go on a rotating roster for two hours at a time. It is a valuable way for them to get to know clients and understand their needs.”
The shared customer service area features a comfortable waiting area with a children’s corner, custom
designed self-service web kiosks, counter service desks, a consultation area and meeting rooms.
“Our aim is for customers to receive the best, most relevant answers and outcomes to their queries, and to meet or exceed their needs,” Karen said.
Contacts:Career Centre 13 23 98Perth Aboriginal Workforce Development Centre 9224 6535 or freecall 1800 441 043Education and Training International 9218 2100Migration Services• Skilled Migration WA 9224 6593 • Overseas Qualifications Unit
9224 6530 TM
^ The location of the GPO building in central Perth.
March 2015
Central Institute and FutureNow collaborate on video projectIn a textbook example of collaboration to benefit cross-industry training, students from Central Institute of Technology’s media course showcased their own profession, and produced a video that promotes a career in hospitality to a new audience.
Training Matters | 5
^ Editing the promotional video featuring chefs Matt Connell and Chris Malone.
The promotional video is a first for Western Australia, the result of a partnership between Central Institute’s Advanced Diploma in Screen and Media students and the FutureNow Hospitality Ambassador Program.
Central Institute’s Managing Director Neil Fernandes said the video represented an important resource, allowing ambassador chefs to share their experiences and stories with students across the State.
“The aim is to show real life experiences in vocational training, and to inspire young people to take up a career in the hospitality industry or in the media,” Mr Fernandes said.
Filming took place at Woodvale Secondary College's fully equipped Trade Training Centre and the stars
apprentices and trainees were in training in WA - a 7.4 per cent increase on the previous year.
To view the video, visit futurenow.org.au/hospitality-ambassador-program. TM
of the show were chefs Matt Connell and Chris Malone, who provided a polished, yet fun portrayal of the industry. Chris, who recently completed his apprenticeship, prepared a main dish and Matt delivered a delicate dessert.
The FutureNow Hospitality Ambassador Program began in 2012 in response to skill shortages in the hospitality sector. It started with five young, fully qualified chefs conducting an entertaining cooking demonstration and speaking to school children across the State about training and a career as a chef.
Since then, the program has grown considerably, with almost 4 000 students from schools across WA taking part in the program. In June 2014, about 3 200 hospitality
WE TRAIN THE BRIGHTEST SPARKS IN THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY
THE COLLEGE OF ELECTRICAL TRAINING IS THE LEADING TRAINING PROVIDER FOR THE ELECTRICAL AND COMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY.
Flexible course deliveryQualified instructors with hands-on industry experiencePurpose built classrooms and workshops
JANDAKOT CAMPUS5 Avior Ave, Jandakot Ph: (08) 9417 [email protected]
JOONDALUP CAMPUS20 Injune Way, Joondalup Ph: (08) 9301 [email protected]
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: WWW.CET.ASN.AU
COURSES OFFERED AT CET:Electrical pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships and post trade courses, including:
Certificate IV in Electrical - InstrumentationCertificate IV in Hazardous Areas - ElectricalCert II in Split Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump SystemsElectrical Contractors LicenceHigh Voltage Switching PV Grid ConnectACMA Open Cabling and Optical Fibre Cabling
Training Matters 31 March 2014.indd 1 2/11/2015 7:42:26 AM
March 2015
Training Matters | 6
From working at a management level to trainees straight out of school or getting involved with cutting edge technology, women are presented with many opportunities in the sector – and they don’t all have to come from a farming background.
Career opportunities in agriculture are diverse and plentiful. It is estimated that Australia needs about 2 000 agricultural graduates each year to continue to fill vacancies in the industry.
According to the Blueprint for Australian Agriculture 2013-2020, prepared by the National Farmers Federation, there are only 700 graduates completing agricultural related courses each year, well below the 4 000 positions being advertised.
Employment across the supply chain includes production on farms or in agribusinesses that service farms, research and development, food services, policy, natural resource management, and education and training.
Several agriculture related roles are also included on the State Priority Occupation List, such as agricultural engineer and agricultural scientist.
Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA Agrifood Labour and Skills Consultant Jackie Jarvis has vast experience in the agriculture industry – from her hands on role as a co-owner of a vineyard to helping develop programs to increase workforce participation.
Jackie believes there is an urban misconception that agriculture was a male dominated industry.
“I see it as a sector that has no glass ceiling for women,” she said. “In my experience if you ‘know your stuff’, then gender is not a factor. The women I see working in the agribusiness area are well respected and recognised for what they do.
“My generation (those of us in our 40s) were more likely to work off-farm either through financial necessity or a desire to build a career, or a combination of both. In my view this has led to more female agribusiness professionals and has paved the way for our daughters.
“My personal passion is to get more young people into agriculture and I believe the message has been heard, as there have been record numbers of
enrolments in the five WA agricultural colleges in 2015 and 2014.
“The challenge for WA is to build connections to ensure these students get the opportunity to develop careers. Individual farm businesses need to seriously consider effective workforce development, including taking on young trainees and up-skilling their existing staff.”
One place to get a head start on these connections is at Muresk Institute.
“The courses on offer at Muresk can contribute to building this future workforce,” Jackie said. “The site has a proud history of being an integral part of WA’s agriculture sector and the value of having one tertiary facility offering certificate level courses, short courses and diploma level courses cannot be understated.
“Having a hands-on training facility like Muresk fills an important void for both school leavers and the up-skilling of our existing workforce.” TM
Women in Agriculture
Women in agriculture
There is an increasing number of women working in the agricultural sector who are breaking stereotypes.
Training Matters | 7
March 2015
This year, Muresk Institute ran a summer school, Certificate III Agricultural skills set and has an ongoing short course program. It also hosts block release sessions for Certificate II VET in Schools programs.
For the first time, Muresk Institute will offer a two year Integrated Diploma Program: (Diploma of Agriculture), through a partnership with the University of Queensland.
Developed specifically for Western Australian farming conditions, the program prepares graduates for work in agricultural production and management, rural merchandising, technical advisory roles, and research and development.
CY O’Connor Institute, in partnership with Charles Sturt University, also runs a Bachelor level agribusiness course, based at Muresk Institute.
In addition, Muresk Institute hosts agriculture and agribusiness career taster days, open days and field days. For more information, contact Muresk’s General Manager Prue Jenkins at [email protected] or phone 1300 994 031 TM
Agriculture courses at Muresk InstituteMuresk Institute is a valuable resource to industry and the community – both as a research facility and as a training hub.
Women in Agriculture
She is a member of the Forest Products Commission; the Rural, Remote and Regional Women’s Network; and is a former representative to the National Rural Women Coalition and the Australian Landcare Council.
Jackie is contracted to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to find on-the-ground solutions for labour supply issues for the State’s agricultural,
fishing and food industries through the Agrifood Labour and Skills initiative.
“My work involves putting programs and systems in place to ensure we can address future workforce needs,” she said. “Some of the programs I am working on include getting the agricultural sector to embrace the idea of school-based trainees; offer full time jobs that encourage
traineeships for school leavers; and offer career paths for tertiary educated people in on-farm jobs.”
Jackie also helps develop solutions for seasonal worker shortages.
“WA will always need a balance of full time and seasonal workers,” Jackie said. “My main aim is to get the balance right and ensure that local youth are given every opportunity to experience a career in agriculture.” TM
Jackie Jarvis – a career in agricultureRural Industries Research & Development Corporation’s WA State Rural Women’s Award winner Jackie Jarvis has a wealth of experience in WA’s agriculture industry. She jointly owns a commercial vineyard, and has worked on the Commonwealth Government’s Harvest Trail and Seasonal Worker Programs, as well as a project to assist resettled humanitarian refugees find work in WA agriculture.
^ Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA Agrifood Labour and Skills Consultant Jackie Jarvis.
March 2015
Training Matters | 8
Women in Agriculture
Growing up on the family farm in North-East Victoria, Bridget went on to complete a degree in Animal and Veterinary Bioscience at La Trobe University in Melbourne.
“The degree was very much based on agriculture,” Bridget said. “While doing the degree I began to take an interest in the broadacre side of farming. Together with my farming childhood, it set me on the path to the job I am doing now.
“With Kalyx, I mainly work in the paddock maintaining agronomy and crop variety trials for various clients throughout the central Wheatbelt. I spent some time at Muresk Institute last year, trialling a range of crop nutrition, crop protection, time of sowing and variety trials.”
Even though she is relatively new to her job, Bridget loves the challenges she is faced with.
“It is a rewarding career because you are always presented with new challenges,” she said.
“Working in the agricultural sector is a great career path for anyone, and the job opportunities are endless and broad. If you get the travel bug you can always work your way around the world.” TM
Bridget Doyle – a growing careerFor more than two years, Bridget Doyle has worked as a Research Agronomist with Kalyx Australia, a national provider of research services, product development, technical support and training to the Australian agricultural community.
Roxanne Mostert – the future of agriculture
Roxanne Mostert is already making her mark on the agriculture sector.
The 18-year-old graduated from the WA College of Agriculture in Denmark last year, and was named Agricultural Student of the Year at the Kondinin Group-ABC Rural Australian Farmer of the Year Awards in 2014 in Melbourne.
It was the latest accolade for the promising youngster, who was also the 2014 recipient of the WA AGLinkEd Scholarship.
Roxanne said winning the award was a huge honour, which motivated her onto bigger and better things.
“Through this award, I feel I will be able to demonstrate to senior agriculturalists that there are young people interested in and passionate about the industry,” she said.
At school, Roxanne enjoyed courses that related to agriculture, in particular animal and plant production
systems. She completed a Certificate II in Agriculture, Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management, Certificate II in Production Horticulture, Certificate II in Wool Handling, and Certificate III in Advanced Wool Handling. She also completed Certificate II in Hospitality in Year 11.
“It was full on but it was good, and I now have a broad education,” she said. “A lot of the practical and theory work overlapped. In agriculture, you learn about production of food, and in hospitality you learn about its presentation.”
Roxanne’s passion for animal production systems led her to apply to study agricultural science at university in 2015, and she has been accepted at the University of WA.
“I will do my first year closer to home at the Albany campus, and I hope to transfer to Murdoch University later on to specialise in livestock production,” she said.
Roxanne hopes to pursue her interests in livestock and nutrition, and would like to work as a consultant to help farmers maximise their profitability. TM
^ Agricultural Student of the Year 2014 Roxanne Mostert.
Training Matters | 9
March 2015
Women in Agriculture
Upskill to a TAE Diploma•Improveyourcareerprospects
•Maintainyourvocationalcompetency
•Getformalrecognitionforyourwork
•Continueyourprofessionaldevelopmentthroughour
partnershipwithEdithCowanUniversity
Funded places available for 2015
Contact ETAS Group phone+61892307000
ETAS_ad_2.indd 1 27/02/2015 9:09 am
Prue Jenkins – taking Muresk to the next levelMuresk Institute’s General Manager Prue Jenkins has a strong connection to and understanding of the priorities and needs of rural communities.
“I have a passion for the delivery of quality education and training to the primary industries sector,” she said. “I relish the opportunity we have here at Muresk Institute. The extensive infrastructure provides an incredible opportunity for a range of industry specific training.”
Prue has lived and worked in regional areas of WA for more than 25 years, including periods in the Kimberley, Pilbara and Wheatbelt. She has also worked as a lecturer and at executive management level at Kimberley Training Institute and CY O’Connor Institute, based in Northam.
When she was still a student, Prue’s lifelong ambition was to own and manage pastoral stations in the north west of the State. While fulfilling this dream, she also studied agriculture
and rural business management, and established a tourism operation and aerial mustering business.
Prue is now focused on leading the effective marketing, business planning and development of Muresk Institute.
“The partnerships we have established at Muresk will see the development and implementation of a range of approaches to industry skill shortages in agriculture, with a focus on developing high levels of technical and applied skills,” she said.
“We are working closely with our industry partners to raise the profile of agriculture as a viable career option through a range of pathways from secondary school to higher education.
“Meeting the challenges of the rate of change in new technologies and farm management practices requires continuous up-skilling and knowledge management, and Muresk is contributing to that. TM
”
^ Muresk Institute Trainee Ryan O’Neill and General Manager Prue Jenkins in the paddock at Muresk Farm.
March 2015
Training Matters | 10
^ Members of the Fairbridge Centre for Social Innovation team, looking at the structure and analysis of projects – What Works and Why.
^ Ben Archer and Suzanne Philips discussing strategies at the Fairbridge Centre for Social Innovation.
“Staff at Fairbridge are employed not just for their skill sets, experience and knowledge, but also for their personal values and how they align to those of the organisation,” Mr Anderson said.
“Staff are also chosen based on their cultural suitability as Fairbridge works with a high proportion of young Aboriginal people. This means that Aboriginal elders are also involved in the staff selection process.”
Staff are supported through an ongoing review and development process. A training needs assessment is carried out every six months, and where appropriate, staff are provided with additional training to meet their needs.
Mr Anderson said developing partnerships with other organisations was a core pillar to their operations.
“Through the skill sets we have and those of our partners, we can explore the potential for staff development training and share our knowledge,” he said. “We want to enable our people to reach their full potential.
“We are also committed to long term staff retention. However, when staff
Chief Executive Officer Mark Anderson said this extended to providing every opportunity for staff to carry out professional development.
“We employ people with skill sets and experience relevant to our organisation, but we also have a commitment to their ongoing professional development, in line with our organisational philosophy,” he said. “This runs from the CEO to staff at every level.
“Our commitment to staff development sometimes involves training with partner organisations or accessing funding for professional development.”
Based in the Peel region, Fairbridge Western Australia Inc is dedicated to providing training, education and personal development for at-risk young people, and this dedication extends to their staff.
Mr Anderson said most of the staff training was conducted internally, complemented by external professional development where needed.
do move on, this is not viewed as a negative situation. We know those who have worked at Fairbridge leave with a deeper understanding of our work and philosophy, and while with us they have had the opportunity to develop as an individual and as a professional.”
Fairbridge is committed to continuous improvement and its focus in the last year has been to solidify that process.
“We have a manager who works across the organisation with a particular focus on training, not just on how to achieve compliance, but also on quality improvement,” Mr Anderson said. “As an organisation we believe the focus needs to be on quality – and from that, compliance should naturally flow.
“We do not always get it right, but as we learn from our mistakes we continue to improve as an organisation as we strive to build more inclusive and sustainable communities for everyone.” TM
Staff development at FairbridgeFairbridge Western Australian Inc has a well-established philosophy which supports lifelong learning for its staff.
March 2015
Training Matters | 11
Skilling WA, second edition releasedA comprehensive update to the State Government’s plan to address Western Australia’s demand for skilled labour has been released.
^ State Workforce Planning Director Gary Fitzgerald presents information from Skilling WA, second edition to stakeholders at the launch event.
Skilling WA – A workforce development plan for Western Australia, second edition is a whole-of-government plan to build, attract, develop and retain a skilled workforce to meet the economic and community needs of WA.
This plan was released together with the Skilling WA final report, 2010 – 2014 late last year. The final report details the progress made by State Government agencies, industry and community
stakeholders since the launch of the first edition of Skilling WA in 2010.
Department of Training and Workforce Development Director General Ruth Shean said the release of the documents was a significant milestone.
“Skilling WA was designed to be a dynamic document that would be reviewed and updated regularly to meet the demands of the changing labour market and economic landscape,” Dr Shean said.
“As the WA economy continues to undergo structural change, non-resource sector industries are expected to experience significant employment growth over the next three years. This will bring new workforce challenges as the State’s workforce adapts to these demands.
“Skilling WA, second edition has five strategic goals, 25 areas of strategic focus and 87 priority actions directed towards overcoming these key issues.”
Dr Shean said the training agenda was driven by workforce planning.
“The consultation with stakeholders and coordination of our collective efforts has been critical to the effective implementation of Skilling WA, and work on the second edition,” she said.
Stakeholders involved in the development of the plans include State Government agencies, industry, industry training councils, State Training Providers and the community sector.
“Skilling WA is the best example of working across Government that I have seen,” Dr Shean said. “It is an impressive example of a collaborative approach and what can be achieved.
“The second edition will carry on this work. It has been streamlined and the emphasis has changed subtly.
“Notably, there will be an increased focus on assisting youth into the workforce and retaining mature age workers.”
To ensure Skilling WA, second edition remains relevant, it will build on the work of the first edition by coordinating the efforts of all stakeholders.
“Only through Government, industry and employers collectively taking responsibility for workforce planning and development can the workforce be developed to meet the State’s needs,” Dr Shean said.
For copies of Skilling WA, second edition and the Skilling WA final report, 2010 – 2014, visit dtwd.wa.gov.au TM
Skilling WA – A workforce development plan for Western Australia, was launched in 2010. This first edition of Skilling WA focussed on increasing participation, targeted skilled migration, attracting and retaining a skilled labour force in the State’s regions, and education and training.
Since the initial launch of Skilling WA, the State has gained more than 128 000 new workers and each of the plan’s 68 priority actions have been started, integrated into Government operations or completed.
Major accomplishments of the first edition include:
• the development of the Western Australian skilled
migration portal and a Western Australian skilled migration occupation list to facilitate a targeted approach to the State Nominated Migration Program;
• delivery of significant building works for transitional housing in targeted north west communities under the State Government’s Affordable Housing Strategy;
• considerable increases in the number of apprentices and trainees in training, representing a 13.1% increase over the period; and
• establishment of the Workplace essentials for better business website to support the small and medium enterprise sector.
March 2015
Training Matters | 12
Emma is the coordinator of TradeUP Australia’s ‘Inspire’ program and aims to get female tradies into the community and schools to encourage women to consider skilled trades as a viable career path.
“By making female tradespeople visible in our everyday lives, we can inspire our daughters and friends to consider a trades career,” Emma said.
“It will change the overall perception of trades roles for the better, by making them a career choice that both men and women can pursue equally.
“Being able to design, install, repair, build and create provides independence and empowerment, and by broadening the scope of career choices available to women we can improve the productivity and diversity of our workforce.”
After being named the WA Apprentice of the Year 2013, Emma got involved with TradeUP Australia. This is a WA-based not for profit organisation that works with industry and the wider community to introduce skilled trades as a viable career option for women.
TradeUP Founder and Director Sarah Jayne Flatters said the main thing stopping women from considering a trade was a lack of exposure to the actual work required and a lack of confidence in performing practical tasks.
Of the 1.43 million tradespeople working in the construction, automotive and electrical industries Australia-wide, less than two per cent are women.
Emma said she got involved with the organisation after speaking to Sarah Jayne.
“Seeing Sarah Jayne’s passion and the quality of her vision for TradeUP, I was keen to get involved,” Emma said.
“I knew I could use my industry networks and apprenticeship success to contribute to the organisation.
“I was excited to find that an organisation had been established that makes it easier for females to consider a future as a tradesperson.”
TradeUP Australia focuses on four key initiatives aimed at helping it achieve its mission of increasing the number of female tradespeople. These include speaking engagements, DIY workshops for women, offering an online mentoring forum, and a website that provides easy access to information about working in a trade.
The organisation held eight successful workshops in 2014. These were free events where women used hand and power tools for a carpentry project to build their own sturdy toolbox.
“We are looking forward to continuing the workshops in 2015 and expanding our metropolitan locations,” Emma said.
“We are also seeking sponsorship for a trailer and equipment so we can make these workshops mobile events.”
For more information about the Inspire program, and how to register for a female tradesperson to speak at schools/events, visit tradeupaustralia.com.au/what-we-do/inspire/
TradeUP Australia is actively looking for industry and community support to continue implementing its initiatives. To find out more, contact [email protected] or visit tradeupaustralia.com.au/contact/lets-talk/ TM
^ Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia Chief Executive, Deidre Willmott.
Trade up, Australia!As a qualified electrician, Emma Stevenson has become an inspiration for female tradespeople in more ways than one.
^ Emma Stevenson at the TradeUP Australia stand, Skills West Expo, 2014.
The WA Training Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees and vocational students, as well as the contribution to training made by trainers, training organisations and employers.
In 2015, the WA Training Awards are in their 21st year, continuing to put our State’s top achievers in the spotlight.
Applications close on 8 May 2015. Apply now!
WA Training Awards 2015Special edition lift out
WA Training Awards 2015Put yourself in the spotlight. Apply now.
Win a share in over $80 000 in cash and prizes and the chance to represent Western Australia at the Australian Training Awards in Hobart.
Applications close Friday 8 May 2015. Visit dtwd.wa.gov.au/trainingawards to apply.
Selecting a winner from a group of the State’s best is never an easy task. So what do the judges look for?
Judges are looking for an organisation or individual who stands out in their field and will be a great ambassador for training in Western Australia. They look for a potential finalist who will be competitive nationally if this person/organisation is eligible to represent Western Australia at the Australian Training Awards.
When preparing your responses to the selection criteria, ensure that you clearly address each criterion and all of the required sub-criteria as the judges will be scoring your application against them.
More of what the judges look for:
Individuals• Dedication – being dedicated to your study,
motivated to succeed and demonstrating a good work and study ethic.
• Impact – judges want to know about the impact your training has had on you professionally and personally. Show them how it has provided new career opportunities, helped overcome difficult life circumstances or provided inspiration to others.
• Communication – good communication skills and presentation skills are paramount. The judges will be looking for someone who is well prepared, dressed appropriately and able to listen and respond confidently.
• Goals – clear goals and sense of purpose with realistic ambitions and career planning.
• Authenticity – show that you are a sincere and genuine person who values your training.
• Passion – demonstrate that you are passionate about your industry and training.
Organisations• Uniqueness – what is it about your organisation/
initiative that makes it unique? Show the judges qualitative data and other evidence that sets your organisation/program apart from others.
• Client focus – demonstrate your organisation’s understanding of its clients and their needs.
• Continuous improvement – detailed processes for continuous improvement demonstrate an organisation’s passion and dedication to excellence in delivery.
• Impact – show the judges the impact your organisation/program has had on the lives of your clients and what broader application there may be locally or nationally for this idea/way of working.
What are the judges looking for?
Taylor WoodTaylor Wood entered the WA Training Awards 2014 to educate people about the vocational education and training system and what it had to offer.
Her belief in the VET system was rewarded when Taylor won the WA School-Based Apprentice of the Year award and went on to be named runner-up Australian School-Based Apprentice of the Year.
“To win at a State level and then to be named runner-up at a national level was such an honour,” Taylor said.
“I have had so many fantastic learning experiences. I never thought doing something I love and telling people about it would open so many doors. The Awards have allowed me to be seen as an ambassador, not only for school-based apprenticeships but the VET system as well.”
Taylor said the support she received from the WA Training Awards team and her fellow State winners throughout the Awards process was fantastic.
“There was never a time when I felt stuck and had no one to turn to,” she said.
“The support aspect of the WA Training Awards made the journey so much better and I feel absolutely honoured to be a part of it.”
Taylor said the biggest tip she could give anyone was to believe in themselves.
“Show everyone, and yourself too, that you deserve to share your story,” she said.
NECA College of Electrical Training
The last four years have been hectic for the NECA College of Electrical Training (CET). After being named the WA Small Training Provider of the Year in 2010, then WA Large Training Provider of the Year in 2014, CET has reinforced its position in the training market.
General Manager Carl Copeland said winning these two awards had given his company a competitive edge.
“Winning the award for WA Large Training Provider of the Year 2014 has solidified our position and strengthened stakeholder relationships,” he said.
“It has also reaffirmed my belief that the professionalism, dedication and commitment of CET staff is second to none. After six months, staff still talk about the win with the same pride and belief that was evident on the evening of the Awards ceremony.”
Carl’s advice for organisations that were considering applying for the Awards was to allocate enough time to fully prepare for the process ahead.
“Addressing the selection criteria was both the most challenging and beneficial part of the application,” Carl said. “The application process gave us the opportunity to reassess how we operate and provided an opportunity to improve.”
Winning stories
WA Training Awards 2015 | LIFT OUT
Apply online now!The WA Training Awards are going online! In 2015, all applications must be submitted online via our AwardForce application portal. Simply go to our website and click on the How to enter section on our homepage. You’ll find instructions on how to use the application portal and you’ll be directed to create an account and start your application. You can start an entry, save it in the portal and continue to edit and improve it until you’re ready to submit. Make sure you are happy with your application before you submit it. Once it is submitted you will not be able to make any more changes.
Tools for applicantsThere is an abundance of tools available to assist you in putting together your application. Visit the Tools for applicants section on the WA Training Awards website where you can download and view the following:
• Award winning applications – read an award winning application to give you an idea of what information you might like to include in your responses to the selection criteria (student categories only).
• Evidence guides – handy guides containing examples of the types of evidence you can provide to support your application.
• Checklists – to make it easy for you to ensure you’ve included everything required and your application is complete and ready to be submitted.
• WA Training Awards blog – regular postings to help and inspire you through your WA Training Awards journey.
You can also register your interest to receive the latest Awards information throughout the program, and be invited to participate in our ‘Online information session’ (webinar) on 24 March to learn how to prepare an award winning application with advice from past winners, judges and more. A recording of this session will be available after the 24 March on the WA Training Awards website at dtwd.wa.gov.au/trainingawards – see Tools for applicants.
Key dates
Individual categories Organisation categories
23 February 2015Applications open
23 February 2015Applications open
8 May 2015 (5.00pm)Applications close (no late applications will be accepted)
8 May 2015 (5.00pm)Applications close (no late applications will be accepted)
15 May 2015Applicants receive written confirmation that their application has been received.
15 May 2015Applicants receive written confirmation that their application has been received.
18 May – 8 June 2015Applications are shortlisted by selection panels.
18 May – 16 June 2015Applications are shortlisted by selection panels.
12 June 2015All applicants are notified as to whether they have been selected as a semi-finalist.
29 June 2015All applicants are notified as to whether they have been selected as a finalist.
17 July 2015Semi-finalists are interviewed by selection panels and up to four finalists are selected from each category.
13 – 31 July 2015Selection panels conduct finalist site visits.
24 July 2015All semi-finalists are notified as to whether they have been selected as a finalist.
4 September 2015Finalists attend the WA Training Awards Presentation Dinner at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
4 September 2015Finalists attend the WA Training Awards Presentation Dinner at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
19 November 2015The Australian Training Awards are presented in Hobart.
19 November 2015The Australian Training Awards are presented in Hobart.
March 2015
TM: What makes your training council unique?
LTC:Transport and logistics have an impact on every other industry in Western Australia, so as a training council we have a responsibility to ensure that we gather the most up to date intelligence and to make sure the importance of this sector is recognised.
We cover nine diverse industry sectors: aviation, freight forwarding, maritime, postal, rail, road, stevedoring, warehousing and wholesale. Most are highly regulated, so training has traditionally been aligned to regulatory requirements. Our role involves identifying the skills required to support various licences to ensure a more proficient workplace.
TM: What are your current priorities?
LTC:One of our priorities is to raise the participation rate of women, which in most of our sectors is less than 10 per cent. We engage with key stakeholders to identify suitable female industry champions who we then promote through case studies to schools and careers advisors.
We continue to work on the creation and promotion of flexible career pathways and opportunities in each industry sector to attract new entrants and jobseekers. Career pathway guides in the areas of Supply Chain, Road Transport and Aviation have been distributed to all secondary schools in WA, and this year we will complete the final two guides, Rail and Maritime, Ports and Stevedoring.
TM: What issues make an impact on your industries?
LTC:As our industries are involved in the movement of goods and people, population growth has a major impact. It is anticipated that growth in the next 15 years will result in a major shortage of workers, particularly in the road transport sector. The vast distances between centres, both within the State and interstate also means the supply chain is a key component in keeping people and businesses connected.
New and changing legislation and regulations also impact our industries. For many small businesses this can be quite a challenge so the LTC works with its stakeholders to keep them up to date with changes to regulatory or legislative requirements.
TM: Are there any recent successes you would like to highlight?
LTC:With the support of industry we have developed a DVD to promote our industries to young people. The key to your future career is available to all schools and career centres via YouTube. It has been very well received, and helps to show that although generally not highly recognised, our sectors should be considered as a career of choice.
We work with a number of regulatory authorities and industry bodies to strengthen training in the logistics sector. This helps build the capacity of industry through additional skills and ensures road transport regulatory requirements are met.
Government, regulators and industry groups are working to address safety and training issues in road transport, with a particular focus on the need for more appropriate skills to become a competent truck driver, rather than just gaining a truck driver’s licence. TM
Training council catch upTraining Matters spoke to Logistics Training Council Chief Executive Officer Jillian Dielesen for an update on what is happening in their area of expertise.
^ L-R Research Officer Kevin O’Leary, Chief Executive Officer Jillian Dielesen, Senior Consultant Norma Nisbet and Project Officer Michael Taremba.
Training Matters | 17
March 2015
Training Matters | 18
Coordinated through the State Training Board Youth Unemployment Steering Committee, the survey aims to identify factors that affect the ability of young people to move smoothly from education and training into the workforce.
The survey closed at the end of February and results will be published mid-year.
Youth Unemployment Steering Committee Chair Audrey Jackson said feedback from the survey would be used to tailor the approach taken to issues faced by disadvantaged and unemployed youth.
“While the system works well for most young people - with 75 per cent successfully moving from school into further education, training or employment - there are some who face difficulties settling into the workforce,” Ms Jackson said.
“There are many factors that can make the transition from school to work difficult, putting some school leavers at risk of becoming disengaged and marginalised.
“If young people have poor literacy and numeracy skills, are not aware of or don’t understand the training and career pathways open to them, or have personal issues that prevent them from progressing, it’s going to be more challenging for them to find meaningful work.
“We cannot address specific challenges and barriers until we have a better understanding of them and that is what this survey hopes to achieve.”
The views of young people between the ages of 15 and 24 from across the State have been recorded: their education, training and employment experiences, and barriers faced when exploring or entering the job market.
Results of the survey will be released electronically through social media, as well as through the State Training Board website and in hard copy to various youth groups across WA.
The Youth Survey will be used to develop policies and programs designed to help young people achieve their full potential and identify pathways from secondary school to
further education and training and the world of work. The information will also help the State Training Board develop a Strategic Youth Workforce Development Plan to be presented to the Minister for Training and Workforce Development.
The survey will be followed by a series of focus groups for those people among the 10 per cent who are disengaged and marginalised from mainstream education and training.
As part of the project, a series of workshops with employers and service providers will be also held to get their feedback. Together with the youth survey and focus groups, the information will help to develop strategies to overcome barriers to youth employment.
Business owners can register their interest for these sessions on the State Training Board website. Visit stb.wa.gov.au/pages/employingyouth.aspx TM
Youth consulted for workforce plan Challenges and barriers to training and employment faced by young people in Western Australia have been the subject of a study by the State Government through the State Training Board.
^ A new survey aims to identify factors which affect the ability of young people to move from education and training to the workforce.
Training Matters | 19
March 2015
Greater global labour mobility, the need to develop and adopt emerging technologies and the changing profile of the State’s workforce all present challenges and drive the need for governments, industry and employers to use effective workforce development and planning strategies.
To achieve an integrated and coordinated statewide workforce planning and development response to Western Australia’s workforce challenges, the Department of Training and Workforce Development produced the Western Australian workforce planning and development model.
Developed together with key stakeholders, the model helps focus workforce planning and development efforts and resources to help build a skilled and flexible workforce to meet the State’s economic and community needs.
The model has six key components: best practice principles, key considerations, best practice processes, Skilling WA planning
framework, workforce planning and development initiatives and reporting.
As a central part of the model, the Skilling WA planning framework brings together a comprehensive set of plans, strategies and initiatives which collectively drive the State Government’s vision and commitment to workforce planning and development.
These include Skilling WA – A workforce development plan for Western Australia (Skilling WA), industry workforce development plans, regional workforce development plans, the State Training Plan, Training together – Working together, an Aboriginal workforce development strategy, the Workplace Essentials for better business website and skilled migration.
WA logistics company Centurion was part of the testing for the Workplace Essentials website and is an example of how workforce planning can benefit small to medium enterprises.
Centurion started when brothers Frank and Carl Cardaci bought their first truck in 1968. Their vision was to own 100 trucks, hence the name ‘Centurion’. Today it operates a fleet of more than 780 vehicles and offers a complete logistics solution with a network of branches across WA.
Centurion’s Learning and Development Coordinator Steve Ossevoort said workforce planning allowed their team to be ready to meet the demands of clients and legislative requirements.
“Workforce planning helps us identify the skills, capability and capacity of our workforce and forecast what skills we will need to meet our future business goals,” he said.
“Having a multi-skilled team means flexibility and variety in tasks, which contributes to our staff retention rate. This allows us to respond quickly to business opportunities.”
For more information on workforce planning and development visit dtwd.wa.gov.au TM
Leading State workforce planning and developmentWorkforce planning and development is a dynamic and ongoing process, responsive to constantly changing economic and labour market conditions.
^ Workforce planning helps logistics company Centurion identify what skills, capacity and capability they will need to meet their business goals. ^ Workforce planning helps logistics company Centurion identify what skills, capacity and capability they will need to meet their business goals.
March 2015
Training Matters | 20
He carried out a mix of field and office training, which he said gave him experience, skills and competency both as a field technician and office-based designer.
Navjot completed his traineeship through Skilled Group, hosted by Telstra, and carried out block training through Ramsden Telecommunications Pty Ltd.
“The best aspect of the traineeship program was being able to earn while I learned,” Navjot said. “Even though I had a Masters Degree in IT (from the University SA), which I achieved when I migrated to Australia, it was very difficult for me to find a job without work experience in Australia.”As a testimony to the success of his training program, Navjot was one of four Skilled Group trainees who were recognised in last year’s WA Training Awards.
Navjot won the WA Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Training Award, while his colleagues Susampana Regmi and Vidhu Singh were among the finalists in the same category. Fellow trainee Paul Bagshaw was a semi-finalist in the Trainee of the Year category.
Skilled Group Western Australia Traineeship Coordinator Catie Bushell said they were a great group of trainees.
“These four were all mature age trainees who had the drive to do well,” Catie said. “They worked hard to earn their place with their host and appreciated the requirements needed to do the job.”
Skilled Group is the largest provider of workforce solutions in Australia, and has a strong focus on employing apprentices and trainees. With a commitment to meeting Australia’s future skills needs, it employs more than 50 000 workers a year nation-wide, including at least 1 000 trainees.
Catie said recruitment was everything for a capable workforce.
“We are careful to choose people with initiative, who are willing to take charge of their own destiny, have an affinity for technical details and an ability to deal with customers. This can also include young people straight out of school, if they have the ‘right stuff’,” she said.
“Most of the training is done on the job through mentors, and trainees carry out their theory component during
block release sessions for two to three weeks a couple of times a year.”
Catie said the work of trainees was monitored regularly to ensure they achieved the right skills which would lead to a permanent job after completing their traineeship.
“My role is more of a vocation than a job, and I am privileged to be part of a program with an opportunity to change lives,” she said. “I’ve been doing this for 10 years and in that time, I have seen a complete change in the face of the companies we work with.
“Many people at different levels who work at Telstra are ex-trainees who came through Skilled. I am very proud of their progress.
“We have great trainees again this year. Several have entered our Skilled Awards and I am looking forward to helping some of them put in their applications for this year’s WA Training Awards, as well.” TM
Trainees get skillsFor Navjot Randhawa, a telecommunications traineeship provided an ideal platform to gain experience in the Australian workforce.
^ Skilled Group trainee Navjot Randhawa during his acceptance speech for the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Training Award 2014.
Training Matters | 21
March 2015
Level 3, 197 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000ABN 86 003 742 756 | AFS Licence 238420 STATE10018_TM
S E R V I N G T H E P E O P L E W H O S E R V E W E S T E R N A U S T R A L I A
As financial planning specialists in the public sector, we’ve been helping people like you plan their retirement for over 20 years. And if you’re a GESB, Goldstate or Weststate member, you may have access to a unique range of benefits, but they’re also complex. So it’s important you get the right advice to get the most out of your money.
Call and speak to one of our specialists in public sector superannuation schemes or book an appointment online.
Perth Office 9214 4155ssfs.com.au/west
YOU’VE WORKED HARD TO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY.BUT WHO SERVES YOU IN RETIREMENT?
STATE10018_WA_Training_Matters_297x210.indd 1 6/02/2015 3:14 pm
March 2015
Training Matters | 22
Brazil beckonsTwo young Western Australians have made the cut to train with the WorldSkills Australia (WSA) 29-member Skills Squad.
– filling, sanding, treating timber, and working on unit developments means you have to do it all several times over.
“I also practice at home every day – keeping my lines straight and my wallpaper square. I love wallpapering and special effects, such as marbling and woodgraining.”
Sharlene said she was very excited about the opportunity to go overseas if she was chosen as a Skillaroo.
“We will find out who is in the team after we get back from the Oceanic competition,” she said.
Joseph, who completed a Certificate III in Engineering through Polytechnic West, was encouraged to enter the WorldSkills competition by his lecturer Ian Wright.
Continued next page. ^ Sharlene Kidd, in training for selection for the WorldSkills International Competition. Photo by WorldSkills Australia. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Painter and decorator Sharlene Kidd (21) and fitter and machinist Joseph Pauley (also 21) will vie for a place on Team Australia, the ‘Skillaroos’, to take part in the 43rd WorldSkills Competition in Brazil in August.
After passing the first stage of selection, the pair travelled to New South Wales last December to meet their fellow squad members at the Skills Squad Training Camp in Wollongong. They will now attend the WorldSkills Oceania competition, to be held in April in New Zealand, for another opportunity to hone their skills.
Sharlene, who won gold at the WorldSkills Australia National Competition last September, trained with MPA Skills, and her job as a painter and decorator helps give her valuable practice.
“We mostly work on new buildings, so there is a lot of preparation to be done
New chairperson for State Training BoardThe State Training Board has a new Chair, with Jim Walker taking over the role from Keith Spence, who held the position for 10 years.
Mr Walker has worked with industry for 44 years, starting as an apprentice diesel/heavy equipment fitter before moving on to various roles, working with equipment dealers supplying construction, agriculture, mining, government and marine industries.
In 2000 Mr Walker was appointed Western Australia’s Managing Director
for Caterpillar dealer WesTrac, where he worked through to Chief Executive Officer and was responsible for operations in Western Australia, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and North East China. He retired from WesTrac in late 2013.
Today, Mr Walker is a Non-Executive Director of Macmahon Holdings,
Skilled Group, RAC Holdings (WA), Trustee of WA Motor Museum and a member of Wesley College Council.
He has had a career-long focus on apprentices and training which was recognised when he was awarded the GJ Stokes Memorial Award at Diggers & Dealers in August 2014. TM
^ State Training Board Chairperson, Jim Walker.
Training Matters | 23
March 2015
After winning a silver medal at national level in the turning category, Joseph is now focussed on representing Australia in the demonstration section of industrial mechanic millwright. The category will be new for both organisers and participants, and if there is enough interest it could become a full class at the next international event.
Joseph has some skills-gap training to do, as industrial millwright covers many skill sets across mechanical engineering. In his current role, Joseph has focussed on fitting and turning skills.
“I will be going back to Polytechnic West to learn more about hydraulics, pneumatics, welding and fabricating,” Joseph said. “My strong point is machining, so I will be adding to the skills I already have, but going in to a bit more depth.”
Joseph has great support from his employer, Albany Engineering, an organisation which understands the power of investing in apprenticeships. Business owner Sonny Lister started working at the company as an apprentice and bought the business 10 years later, in 2014.
“I am trying to do as much welding and fabrication as possible at work, and my international expert, Peter Buttenshaw from NSW, has sent me workbooks on hydraulics and pneumatics,” Joseph said.
“If I get the chance to go to Brazil, I hope to do well, plus it will be pretty cool getting the opportunity to travel and be in another country.” TM
^ Joseph Pauley, focussed on his task at the WorldSkills Australia National Competition last year. Photo by WorldSkills Australia. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
March 2015
Training Matters | 24
The first cohort of students to enrol in the Certificate IV in Mental Health (Peer Work) qualified in 2014, with 11 more enrolled for 2015. This year the qualification is available through recognition of prior learning, a traineeship and face to face delivery.
Peer work is a form of mental health care in which people who have a ‘lived experience’ of recovery from mental health issues draw on their own experiences to support others in their recovery journey.
Getting the qualification up and running took two years of work and course lecturer Melissa Saggers said Polytechnic West worked closely with industry to roll out the qualification in WA.
“Peer work is an emerging workforce, but one for which there was no official qualification,” she said.
“It was fantastic to see the first cohort graduate. At the moment, we are the only training provider in WA to deliver this qualification.”
Mental Health Commission Consumer Advisor Louise Howe said the development and delivery of the qualification was a significant achievement for the mental health sector.
“Peer work is about looking at the person’s strengths and goals and
providing hope and optimism in their recovery journey.
“In the last two years it has been recognised as a profession in itself because of the fantastic outcomes that can be achieved.” TM
Branch facts - State Training BoardThe State Training Board is a statutory body established in accordance with the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996. The Board is the peak industry training advisory body to the Minister for Training and Workforce Development in Western Australia.
The role of the Board is to provide high level expert advice to the Minister on matters relating to vocational education and training (VET) in WA.
The STB consists of members appointed by the Minister for their industry experience and ability to make high level contributions to the strategic direction of the State’s VET system.
The Board’s market intelligence is provided by the industry training council network in WA. The 10 training councils provide high level, strategic advice that involves analysis, research and consultation with various industries.
The Board provides advice on strategies to improve the links between specific industry developments and
VET to gain optimum employment opportunities for people in WA. The Board also provides advice to the Minister on emerging international, national and State training issues.
Contact Office of the State Training Board at 6551 5593 or [email protected] stb.wa.gov.au. TM
New qualification for peer workPolytechnic West has pioneered training in an emerging form of mental health care.
^ The graduating class with Mental Health Minister Helen Morton (fourth from left) and Polytechnic West lecturer Melissa Saggers (far right).
March 2015
Training Matters | 25
^ New Standards have been introduced for registered training organisations which will ensure students receive quality training and assessment.
Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 and Standards for VET Regulators 2015 are part of the national VET reform agenda and aim to provide national consistency. All RTOs in Australia are responsible for ensuring they fully comply with the Standards as a condition of their registration.
The introduction of the new Standards was approved at a meeting of the Council of Australian Governments’ (COAG) Industry and Skills Council in September last year, and signed by the Commonwealth Minister for Industry a month later.
The COAG Industry and Skills Council is responsible for endorsing VET standards and consists of Australian state and territory Ministers who have responsibility for industry and/or skills within their jurisdiction.
The Standards describe the requirements that an organisation must meet to become an RTO in Australia, so training delivered meets industry requirements and that RTOs operate ethically, while considering the needs of both learners and industry.
RTOs have the scope to be flexible and innovative in their VET delivery, while assuring the quality of training, as the Standards describe outcomes rather than inputs.
To allow training providers to develop systems to support the new requirements in WA, transition arrangements have been made by VET regulators, the Training Accreditation Council (TAC), and Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). Details are published on the TAC and ASQA websites.
Students have the greatest stake in the quality of VET, and often rely on VET outcomes to gain employment or advance their career. The new Standards will increase protection for students, so they know they will receive quality training and assessment that is responsive to their personal and industry needs, no matter which provider they choose.
The Standards will also benefit industry and employers who rely on RTOs to provide essential skills and knowledge to both new and existing workers. RTOs are required
to maintain strong engagement with industry, which will ensure their services remain relevant to the needs of employers, and graduates are job-ready.
The new Standards for VET Regulators ensure that the regulators’ implementation and interpretation of the Standards when dealing with RTOs is consistent, accountable and transparent.
View the new Standards for both RTOs and VET regulators at vetreform.industry.gov.au or visit tac.wa.gov.au or asqa.gov.au for user guides and fact sheets. TM
New standards for RTOs New guidelines have been introduced to help promote quality, flexibility and innovation in vocational education and training (VET).
^ New Standards have been introduced for registered training organisations which will ensure students receive quality training and assessment.
Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 and Standards for VET Regulators 2015 are part of the national VET reform agenda and aim to provide national consistency. All RTOs in Australia are responsible for ensuring they fully comply with the Standards as a condition of their registration.
The introduction of the new Standards was approved at a meeting of the Council of Australian Governments’ (COAG) Industry and Skills Council in September last year, and signed by the Commonwealth Minister for Industry a month later.
The COAG Industry and Skills Council is responsible for endorsing VET standards and consists of Australian state and territory Ministers who have responsibility for industry and/or skills within their jurisdiction.
The Standards describe the requirements that an organisation must meet to become an RTO in Australia, so training delivered meets industry requirements and that RTOs
operate ethically, while considering the needs of both learners and industry.RTOs have the scope to be flexible and innovative in their VET delivery, while assuring the quality of training, as the Standards describe outcomes rather than inputs.
To allow training providers to develop systems to support the new requirements in WA, transition arrangements have been made by VET regulators, the Training Accreditation Council (TAC), and Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). Details are published on the TAC and ASQA websites.
“Students have the greatest stake in the quality of VET, and often rely on VET outcomes to gain employment or advance their career. ”
The new Standards will increase protection for students, so they know they will receive quality training and assessment that is responsive to their personal and industry needs, no matter which provider they choose.
The Standards will also benefit industry and employers who rely on RTOs to provide essential skills and knowledge to both new and existing workers. RTOs are required to maintain strong engagement with industry, which will ensure their services remain relevant to the needs of employers, and graduates are job-ready.
The new Standards for VET Regulators ensure that the regulators’ implementation and interpretation of the Standards when dealing with RTOs is consistent, accountable and transparent.
View the new Standards for both RTOs and VET regulators at vetreform.industry.gov.au or visit tac.wa.gov.au or asqa.gov.au for user guides and fact sheets. TM
New standards for RTOs New guidelines have been introduced to help promote quality, flexibility and innovation in vocational education and training (VET).
March 2015
Training Matters | 26
Professional Development 2015The Department of Training and Workforce Development offers vocational education and training practitioners a range of professional development opportunities, including various teaching, learning and assessment workshops, e-learning and general information sessions.
Workshops are offered either face-to-face or online with additional overview webinars available for many topics.
Upcoming workshops include:
For more information or to register, go to:vetinfonet.dtwd.wa.gov.au
March
24 Quality assurance
24 Understanding the Australian VET system (webinar)
27 Teaching without an LMS
30 Consistency of assessment part 1 (webinar)
31 Consistency of assessment part 2 (webinar)
April
1 Less screen more green (webinar)
22 Flipped classroom (webinar)
22 Copyright, referencing and plagiarism
May
5 Less screen more green (webinar)
6 Flipped classroom (webinar)
6 Copyright, referencing and plagiarism (webinar)
8 E-book creation
Training Providers Forum is Western Australia’s leading event for training and workforce development.
This two day conference and exhibition will provide the latest updates on training and workforce development and showcase examples of innovation and good practice.
It is a great professional development and networking opportunity for all training professionals and in 2015 the Forum themes will focus on industry engagement, vocational currency and compliance.
Who should attend?
Training Providers Forum is aimed at those people involved in the planning, delivery and assessment of vocational education and training in WA.
About 600 delegates are expected to attend from private and State Training Providers, industry skills councils, schools, universities and other government departments.
How can you attend?
In 2015, organisers are offering delegates the opportunity to attend the Forum either in person or online. All the keynote presentations and many of the concurrent sessions will be available as live webinars via Blackboard Collaborate.
Online delegates can choose between an individual or group webinar registration.
For more information: E: [email protected] register: event360.dtwd.wa.gov.au/event-calendar TM
2 5 – 2 6 M A Y | PERTH CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRETRAINING PROVIDERS FORUM 2015
Building the workforce to meet the economic and community needs of Western Australia
March 2014
Regional visits give me an appreciation of the vastness of the areas covered by training providers and the consideration we must give to the needs of students, particularly those in remote areas.
In October last year we spent the morning working in Port Hedland and South Hedland. We then drove the 200 kilometres to Roebourne, where our next day was equally busy. This is a fascinating geographical area, where current resource activity meets with Australia's rich history. A late afternoon drive through the Pilbara is always a pleasure, as it gives one a chance to reflect on the day's meetings while appreciating the Pilbara landscape.
In each town that we visit, we meet with a range of different stakeholders. While a written briefing note gives statistics, meeting with locals provides a much more meaningful picture about training demands. This gives us a better understanding of the training and workforce development landscape at a local level.
One of the best parts of the visits is meeting local identities who have shaped the towns and regions in which they live. Local governments in particular represent a wide cross-section of the community, and feature an inspiring mix of community leaders.
Every region has its key community and professional groups. During my visit to Albany in March last year, I met with representatives from the local Chamber of Commerce, the City of Albany, Great Southern Institute of Technology, our own ApprentiCentre and the Albany Workforce Development Centre. Each person
told me about workforce and training needs from their own perspective.
A visit to Halls Creek in October last year made news bulletins when workers from the Shire of Halls Creek scrambled to clean up a large amount of cooking oil that had been spilled across the highway on the afternoon before our visit to the town. The spill had been largely cleaned up by the time we arrived the following morning, but the odour that greeted us was rather like that of a fish and chip shop.
“This two day trip with our then Minister, Kim Hames, included the opening of the Kimberley Training Institute’s Halls Creek new campus workshop. ”This is one of many such projects currently reaching completion across the State. The Minister also opened KTI’s upgraded Loch Street Campus in Derby, which provides additional capacity for carpentry, joinery and automotive students. Providing new facilities such as these is important for regional locations, as they allow students to remain in the region to complete their training.
In the space of a year, I usually visit each of our nine regions at least once. On top of that I make various extra visits to attend special meetings and commitments as they arise. At the start of each visit, I ask myself how I am going to manage with a few days away from the office. By the time I get back, I ask myself how on earth I would have known what was going on
if I hadn't done the visit. Each visit to the regions is a real life insight into what the people of Western Australia expect from us.
Later this week I am off to Northam, where a large part of the day will be spent at Muresk. I note that the agenda for the day includes a visit to the piggery. I have just made a note to pack my work boots and hat. This is another reason as to why I enjoy visits: it’s a great opportunity to get away from the usual disciplines of the office. But as it also happens to be a Parliamentary sitting day, our scheduled visits will probably be interspersed with quite a lot of office work.
I look forward to another year of visits, and insights into how best to meet the workforce challenges of Western Australia.
Dr Ruth SheanDirector General TM
Training Matters | 27
Local insight from regional travelVisiting regional centres to see first-hand what is happening on the training and workforce development front is one of the many enjoyable aspects of my role.
^ Department of Training and Workforce Development Director General Ruth Shean.
Ask us today tmbank.com.au/debtdiet, visit 118 Royal Street, East Perth, or call 9421 8701
*If you work in the Australian education sector or you are a family member or partner of a TMB member – you may join TMB. Fees and charges and lending criteria apply. Consumer Lending terms and conditions available online or from our offices. Teachers Mutual Bank Limited ABN 30 087 650 459 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 238981 00827P-LEN-0315-TrainingMatters-FPC-210x297
Start the year with your finances in good shape. If your holiday spending leaves you feeling bloated, let Teachers Mutual Bank help you trim your bills into one easy regular repayment. Consolidate all your debts into one easy-to-manage loan* with us and:
Simplify your loan repayments Have less bills to deal with Minimise the risk of missing any payments
Find out how you can benefit from a debt diet today.
00827P-LEN-0315-DebtCons-TrainingMatters-FPC-210x297-1-1.indd 1 27/01/2015 3:05:57 PM
![CARB Document: ......CERT STD SFTP @ 4000 miles SFTP @ * miles CO [g/mi] com osite CERT STD CO sc03 CERT 0.09 STD 0.14 CERT 1.7 STD 8.0 CERT 0.04 STD 0.20 CERT 2.4 STD 2.7 CERT STD](https://img.pdfslide.us/doc/110x75/601fc6dcad09a45b411bb1e3/carb-document-cert-std-sftp-4000-miles-sftp-miles-co-gmi-com-osite.jpg)
