COVID-19 Vaccination to become mandatory for Residential aged care workers

5 August 2021

The Australian Government is working closely with the states and territories to implement the National Cabinet decision to mandate that at least the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine be administered by mid-September 2021 for all residential aged care workers.

This means that new students undertaking courses that include work placement or lead to employment in the aged care sector may be required to get vaccinated. Ultimately states and territories will determine the scope and exemptions to be included in the instruments to implement the National Cabinet decision.

Further information on the Australian Government’s vaccination program is available on the Department of Health website. Information about implementation to establish mandatory vaccination requirements for residential aged care workers will be available from the Department of Health’s website.

Nominations closing soon for the 2021 Australian Training Awards

15 June 2021

It’s not too late to get your nomination in for the 2021 Australian Training Awards. Nominations close 30 June 2021 so submit your nomination now!

The Australian Training Awards are the peak national awards of Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector.

The Australian Training Awards recognises and celebrates excellence and is an important mechanism for promoting the benefits of VET.

This year includes a new award category for outstanding achievement in the VET and skills sector, recognising an individual’s outstanding leadership and contribution for more than 15 years.

Individuals, businesses and registered training organisations can now nominate directly to the Australian Training Awards for the following categories:

• The Outstanding Achievement in VET and Skills Sector Award
• Australian Apprenticeships – Employer Award
• School Pathways to VET Award
• Small Employer of the Year
• Excellence in Language, Literacy and Numeracy Practice Award

Winners of the state or territory awards in 11 categories also go onto national nominations. 

Winners from all categories will be announced on Thursday 18 November 2021 at the Australian Training Awards presentation which will be held in Perth, Western Australia.

National finalists become  members of the exclusive Australian VET Alumni. The Alumni are a community of high achieving VET graduates, VET leaders, practitioners, businesses, schools and training providers committed to sharing their story of success in VET.

The Australian Training Awards recognise and celebrate excellence and are an important mechanism for promoting the benefits of VET.

Nominations close 30 June 2021. Find out more and apply by visiting the Australian Training Awards website. 

Watch this short video explaining more benefits of applying for an Australian Training Award.

Need inspiration? Find out more about last year’s winners and the benefits of VET! 

National Careers Institute Partnership Grants program  

10 May 2021

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

Applications are now open for Round Two of the National Careers Institute Partnership Grants program. 

About the Partnership Grants program

The Partnership Grants program offers funding to organisations to deliver innovative career guidance for people at all stages of their careers. 

Round Two provides funding for organisations such as employers, training providers, schools and community organisations.

Funded projects will:

• assist adults seeking to re-enter the workforce or change careers, particularly anyone who has been disadvantaged by COVID-19
• assist students at crucial transition stages in primary school and years 7–10 
• increase knowledge and create greater awareness of career paths and career guidance in the above cohorts
• develop and deliver innovative local approaches to delivering career guidance services. 

Applications close 23 June 2021.

Grants range from $20,000 to $525,000 and will be funded for a maximum of 18 months.

Who should apply?

Applications will only be accepted where the project is delivered through a collaborative partnership, as outlined in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines. 

More Information

The National Career Institute Partnership Grants program is a key part of the Australian Government’s $585m Delivering Skills for Today and Tomorrow package. This budget measure was announced in the 2019-20 Federal budget to support more Australians to gain the skills employers are looking for. 

To apply or get further information visit www.business.gov.au/NCIP.

Updated advice on the delivery of first aid training

5 May 2021

The Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) has issued updated advice regarding the delivery of first aid training.

The updated advice allows RTOs to resume CPR training as per normal training package requirements in areas without community transmission of COVID-19. Flexibility provisions for ‘reasonable adjustment’ remain however, in areas where local community transmission has been reported or when individuals have concerns about breathing into a manikin.

All RTOs delivering first aid training must review this advice, which is available in full on the AISC website.

Streamlining of national training products: Revised lists of products for deletion 

29 March 2021

The Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) agreed in December 2020 to the immediate deletion of a number of training products from the national vocational education and training (VET) register. The AISC also agreed a process for reinstating units and qualifications where there is a strong rationale for doing so.

Consistent with the agreed process, the AISC considered a number of products for reinstating into the national training system at its meeting on 23 February 2021. The AISC found there was justification for reinstating a small proportion of training products previously agreed for removal.

Revised lists of training products for deletion, along with lists of training products agreed to be reinstated into the national training system, are available on the AISC website. 

RTOs are strongly encouraged to review these lists for products on scope and update training material accordingly. RTOs cannot commence any new students in units or qualifications that have been deleted.

ASQA publishes information about changes to the publication of regulatory decision information

1 March 2021

The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has published information about changes to the way regulatory decisions are recorded, reported and published, to comply with new legislative requirements. This affects the publication of information on the National Register (training.gov.au). 

The National Register now displays the status of decisions (which will be updated throughout review processes), overview information, decision details, a history of events associated with the decision, as well as related decisions. Providers are encouraged to review their information on the National Register and update any necessary details in asqanet, or contact ASQA as soon as possible.

View the news item or access it via the ASQA homepage. 

ASQA has also published information to help VET providers understand the legislative changes.

Streamlining of national training products 

16 December 2020

The Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) has agreed to delete 975 units of competency and 46 qualifications identified as having zero enrolments over the past three years following a direction from Skills Ministers to streamline the national training system. The training products will be deleted from the national register by mid-February 2021.  

Complete lists of the units of competency and qualifications which will be deleted can be found on the AISC website. All RTOs are strongly encouraged to review these lists to identify training products they may have on scope, and subsequently, to commence work to update relevant course and promotional material.

Entry into Care Roles Skill Set

16 December 2020

New online material has been developed for the three units under the Entry into Care Roles skill set CHCSS00114. The material was developed by eWorks under the guidance of the Human Services Skills Organisation. 

The online material is now available for RTOs to download and can be accessed by emailing: HumanServicesCareSOPilot@dese.gov.au

The material includes online resources for:

• CHCCCS015: Provide individualised support
• HLTINF001 : Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures
• HLTWHS002: Follow safe work practices for direct client care

Jodi Schmidt, CEO of the Human Services Skills Organisation said the development of the resources was an important next step in ensuring the skill set can be accessed and delivered by RTOs.

“This is an important skill set that was developed in consultation with industry to boost the aged care and disability support workforce by rapidly upskilling people and provide them with a pathway to further study,” Ms Schmidt said.  

The new resources include unit content for students and knowledge assessment tools for assessors, an assessment mapping tool and high-level assessment task overview for RTOs to incorporate into delivery.

The unit module content includes both an LMS and web-based version to support the different platforms used by RTOs.

All resource content has been reviewed by industry experts and has been designed by elearning experts. The Companion Volume for RTOs is found on training.gov.au and VETNet.

Time to update enrolment materials

8 December 2020

Changes to National VET Data Policy – Schedule 1 Privacy Notice

The National VET Data Policy has recently changed, and along with it the Privacy Notice included at Schedule 1.

RTOs must use the new Privacy Notice when enrolling students from 1 January 2021 onwards. You can find the Privacy Notice at Schedule 1 of the National VET Data Policy or by accessing the NCVER’s example enrolment form. You will need to customise the Privacy Notice before including it in your enrolment materials.

Existing students continuing their studies into 2021 should also be made aware of the new Privacy Notice. It is up to RTOs how they achieve this, but one way would be for the RTO to publish the notice on its website.

The Privacy Notice was changed to reflect amendments to the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 that came into effect in September this year. The new Privacy Notice has been written to be easier for students to understand and to support RTOs in meeting their privacy obligations.

It remains in addition to any other specific requirements RTOs are obligated to provide to their students, for example, under state or territory privacy laws.

If you have questions, please check the FAQs, or for more information about collection, use or disclosure of personal information, see NCVER's Privacy Policy and the Department of Education, Skills and Employment’s VET Data Privacy Notice.

Data Provision Requirements update

8 December 2020

A new version of the Data Provision Requirements comes into effect on 1 March 2021, which is made under the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 (the Act).

The National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (Data Provision Requirements) Instrument 2020 (the Data Provision Requirements 2020) was made on 20 November 2020 and repeals and replaces the current Data Provision Requirements 2012.

The Data Provision Requirements 2020 clarify what information must be provided to the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and reduce duplication to help registered training organisations (RTOs) meet their existing obligations. 

The Data Provision Requirements 2020 provide a more explicit listing of some information ASQA requires and adds a requirement for RTOs to keep certain specified information up to date where there has been a change in circumstances. In support of the new subsection 211(2B) of the Act, RTOs are required to provide information on their ability to meet requirements about information technology set out in any legislative instrument made under that subsection, but this only applies when such a legislative instrument exists.

The changes support recommendations made by Professor Valerie Braithwaite in 2019 in the ‘All eyes on quality: Review of the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 report’ and include changes flowing on from amendments to the Act in February and August 2020.

As a condition of registration, RTOs are required to comply with the VET Quality Framework, which includes the Data Provision Requirements 2020.

For information on the legislative amendments and complying with ASQA’s requirements, visit ASQA’s website at www.asqa.gov.au.

New Skill Sets available for delivery under the AISC Critical Skills for Recovery process 

4 November 2020

The Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) Emergency Response Sub-Committee (sub-committee) announced in July 2020 the Critical Skills for Recovery process to support the rapid development of training products to support transition into new employment opportunities and enable small business to quickly gain the skills they need in the changing economic landscape.

The sub-committee has now endorsed five new skill sets. These are now available on training.gov.au and include: 

• Digital Skills for Small Business
• Entry into Technology
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Deliver E-Learning Skill Set 
• Manage disrespectful, aggressive or abusive customers 

These skill sets may be eligible for funding through the JobTrainer Fund. Please contact the relevant state training authority to determine arrangements in your state.

The sub-committee has also endorsed an ICT Interpretation Guide for Cyber Security and Cloud Computing to assist Registered Training Organisations to deliver five of the nine new skill sets endorsed by Skills Ministers on 14 July 2020: 

• ICTSS00099 Cloud Design and Configuration Skill Set
• ICTSS00100 Cloud Implementation and Maintenance Skill Set
• ICTSS00101 Cyber Incident Response Skill Set
• ICTSS00102 Cyber Incident Threat Detection and Prevention Skill Set
• ICTSS00103 Cyber Security Strategy and Governance Skill Set

The Guide provides guidance for creating course content and assessment plans and is now available on the AISC website.

AATIS Launches Digital Information Sessions 

29 October 2020

The Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Information Service (AATIS) have launched their nationwide digital information sessions which are going to be held as interactive workshops. They are divided into two workshops – a breakfast session on ‘What employers want to know about Australian Apprenticeships’ and a mid-morning session on ‘An overview of AATIS resources’. 

Join them live with your coffees for the breakfast session where they will launch the preliminary results of their research around the most important information that employers need when taking on an apprentice or trainee. This session is a must-attend for anyone working directly with employers, including staff from AASNs, GTOs, RTOs, employment services, and schools.

The second mid-morning session would be an official launch of the first series of AATIS videos, showcasing some of the widely used AATIS resources and how to access/use them. This session is meant for anyone new to the apprenticeships sector or anyone looking for free resources about Australian Apprenticeships including staff from AASNs, GTOs, RTOs, government departments, employment services providers, and careers advisers and school staff.

State-specific sessions will be held between 18 November and 3 December, and an Australia-wide session on 8 December. Since these are interactive workshops, there are limited seats available, and anyone interested is encouraged to sign-up to ensure their spot. Please search for the respective state and workshops of your choice and sign-up here to receive reminders and notifications about the event: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/aatis-12330225598

To know more about AATIS, please visit https://aatis.com.au/

BSB Business Services Training Package Version 7.0 released - Implementation support available

20 October 2020

The BSB Business Services Training Package Version 7.0 has been released on the national register. 

Registered Training Organisations with BSB Training Package qualifications on their scope of registration with ASQA will have an extended 18-month transition period applying to all updated training products.  Other RTOs should contact their state regulator to apply for an extended transition period, pending further advice.

PwC’s Skills for Australia has developed support materials including an Interpretation Manual and videos to assist training providers in transitioning to the updated training package. Access the support materials here. 

Student Outcomes Survey interviews are complete!

14 October 2020

The National Student Outcomes Survey, which is Australia’s largest survey of vocational education and training (VET) students, has now finished collecting information from students on their satisfaction with their training and their post-training outcomes.  Students were contacted from mid-June to early September this year.

The results of the survey will be released on the NCVER portal late December 2020.

We would like to thank all the RTOs who helped promote the survey in 2020.

Those RTOs eligible for an individual report should receive this report in early 2021 from NCVER.  The report will compare the experiences, satisfaction and outcomes of their students with students nationally.

Adult Learner’s Week 2020

31 August 2020

You can celebrate Adult Learners Week 2020 by checking out the National Careers Institute – Your Career Front Door website. 

Job seekers and career changers will find ‘learn and train’ information, discover jobs and training courses in their location, and tools for matching their current skills to the job market. 

Adult Learner’s Week has more than 170 live and virtual adult learning events around Australia, including classes on digital, job and life skills, as well as general workshops to introduce participants to the learning opportunities in their area.

You can attend the virtual Adult Learners Week 2020 launch event, presented by the Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Michaelia Cash, on Tuesday 1 September at 1pm (AEST). 

National Careers Institute launches podcast channel

27 August 2020

This National Skills Week, the National Careers Institute has launched its own podcast channel!  

The podcasts share stories to inspire people to consider a skills-based career. Hear from people who completed a vocational education and training pathway to launch into a fulfilling and diverse career. 

Many of the featured guests are Australian VET Alumni, and have been nominated for, or won, an Australian Training Award.

The National Careers Institute will release more podcasts this National Skills Week and beyond.

To listen go to nci.dese.gov.au/get-career-ideas/podcast-channel, share with your networks and subscribe!

National Skills Week runs from August 24th – 30th

25 August 2020

National Skills Week runs from August 24th – 30th and to accommodate COVID-19 travel restrictions, is a virtual event this year. 

National Skills Week focuses on raising the awareness and profile of vocational education and training (VET) and the wide range of opportunities it offers to those entering the workforce or those switching careers or looking for work. 

National Skills Week is the banner that a range of registered and partnered events run under, catering for both potential VET participants, their parents and the education, employment and skills training industry that supports them.  

Year 13’s Future of Work Expo is a good place to start for people starting their career wanting to know more about the industries they are interested in. Year 13 has a range of webinars with inspirational speakers on a range of topics, such as What it takes to work for Google to Why your Dream Job May Not Exist by Australia’s Chief Scientist, Alan Finkel. 

Celebrate National Skills Week 2020 by checking out the National Careers Institute – Your Career Front Door. Job seekers will find learn and train information, discover jobs and training courses in their location, and handy tools for matching their current skills to the job market. 

The Australian Government’s National Careers Institute (NCI) will be featuring in a keynote industry videoconference. Executive Director Tiffany Blight will be giving an update about the NCI’s work and what it offers to everyday Australians and the education and skills training sectors. The NCI also has a booth at the Year 13 event. 

The Department’s pilot Skills Organisations in the mining, digital and human services care areas are giving a live-streamed event on the Workforce of the Future, and the National Skills Commission is releasing information about emerging occupations and associated skills with each career. 

To find out more about events for next week, visit National Skills Week, and the National Careers Institute’s website.

ASQA publishes information on legislative changes

25 June 2020

The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has published a dedicated webpage to help VET providers understand the amendments to the National Vocational Education and Training Act that come into effect on 1 July 2020. The changes to the Act have been made to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the legislation and to ensure that ASQA can encourage and promote a quality VET system for everyone involved.

The page is divided into three key sections, which provide specific detail around what the changes entail:

• Changes to requirements for RTOs
• Changes to ASQA’s processes
• Other changes

View the page or access it via the ASQA homepage. 

ASQA also recently launched a page to provide information and updates on reform activities currently being undertaken. 

Learn more about your students’ satisfaction and post-training outcomes

26 June 2020

The National Student Outcomes Survey is Australia’s largest survey of vocational education and training (VET) students, and collects information about their satisfaction with training and post-training outcomes. This year’s survey includes extra questions to find out how COVID-19 has affected students’ employment and further study outcomes. 

This year’s survey opened in mid-June. Nearly 1 million students who completed training in 2019 will be surveyed, with around 915,000 domestic students and 62,500 international onshore VET graduates to be contacted. 

If we get enough responses from students at your training organisation, we will provide your organisation with a report (free of charge) that compares the experiences, satisfaction and outcomes of your students with students nationally. 

Take advantage of the free kit provided by NCVER to help you promote the survey to former students. 

Visit the NCVER Portal for more information about the National Student Outcomes Survey, including the 2020 questionnaires.

The new Entry into Care Roles Skill Set

22 May 2020

The new Entry into Care Roles Skill Set was jointly announced by the Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash and Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships, the Hon Steve Irons MP on Thursday 21 May 2020. The new skill set, developed in consultation with industry, is designed to boost the aged care and disability support workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery phase by rapidly upskilling people to work in these sectors.

Led by the Human Services Care Skills Organisation Pilot, the new national skill set was fast-tracked through the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) Emergency Response Sub-committee and has now been endorsed. The skill set and supporting companion material for RTOs are now available on training.gov.au and VETNet. 

The COVID-19 environment has required the establishment of innovative and flexible training solutions so a large proportion of the units in this skill set can be tailored for online delivery.  

The Australian Government is also providing support to job seekers to assist them in exploring the range of training opportunities, roles and career opportunities available in the aged care and disability services sector and apply for jobs. Information for job seekers can be found on the jobs-hub website while new training and skill development opportunities will be promoted through the myskills website. 

Please note that RTOs regulated by ASQA should follow normal processes for adding the new units to their scope. Please visit the ASQA website for further information. RTOs regulated by the Western Australian Training Accreditation Council and the Victorian Regulations and Qualifications Authority should follow normal processes for adding new units to their scope.

National Careers Week 2020 reminds us of the importance of continually developing your career 

20 May 2020

National Careers Week is highlighting how important it is to keep reskilling and upskilling to develop your career. As our world changes, in the context of challenges like COVID-19, this has never been more important.

The spread of COVID-19 has shown that you never know what’s around the corner, it’s also shown us how skilled people can make all the difference. Whether it’s healthcare workers, aged and disabled carers, freight and logistics workers or science and information technology professionals, these are jobs that matter, now and into future. You could join Australian VET Alumni Raelene Collins on the front line, who became a Registered Nurse through combining a VET qualification and a university degree. More VET success stories of the AVA can be found here.

Vocational education and training (VET) is a pathway into these sectors, and many more careers that you may not have considered. VET can help you keep up with the future of work, because the courses are driven by what employers need.

COVID-19 is not stopping people securing nationally recognised qualifications — in fact, so much training has moved online that it gives people flexibility and opens up more opportunities for people to study than ever before.

A VET qualification can get you into any of these really important jobs. You can search around 2000 online offerings on My Skills to get nationally accredited training.

National Careers Week runs from 18–24 May and you can check out the many online events, from local, targeted education and employment opportunities, to national webinars can be found at: careersweek.com.au/events-page/

New Infection Control skill sets

13 May 2020

New Infection Control skill sets for the retail, food handling and transport and logistics sectors have been endorsed by the AISC Emergency Response Sub-Committee (AISC), and the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Skills Council and are now available on training.gov.au. The newly developed infection control skill sets, found in the HLT Health Training Package, will help minimise the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus as Australia moves towards the rebuilding of businesses, the workforce and a stronger economy.

RTOs regulated by Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) who have HLTINF001 Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures on scope, either as a stand-alone unit or packaged within a broader qualification will automatically have HLTINFCOV001 Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures added to their scope to deliver as a skill set. RTOs will be able to contact ASQA to request that the new unit of competency is removed from their scope if this is their preference.

RTOs regulated by ASQA that do not have HLTINF001 on scope should follow normal processes for adding the new units to their scope. Please visit the ASQA website for further information.

RTOs regulated by the Western Australian Training Accreditation Council and the Victorian Regulations and Qualifications Authority should follow normal processes for adding new units to their scope.

A series of resources has been developed to support RTOs deliver the new skill sets to different industry audiences. These resources are available on the AISC website.

 

COVID-19 Emergency Response Sub-Committee

Statement on the delivery of first aid training

20 April 2020

Further to the advice regarding first aid training that was issued by the First Aid Industry Reference Committee on 25 March 2020, the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) Emergency Response Sub-Committee has issued updated advice for CPR. Given the high risk of transmission of COVID-19 through bodily fluids such as saliva, RTOs must provide a “reasonable adjustment” to all students when teaching and assessing the performance of ventilations on a manikin. 

This means that for the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, RTOs must not allow students to breathe directly into a manikin. Instead, students are to be assessed performing breaths to the side of the manikin. Assessors are to use their professional judgement in assessing competence of students’ capacity to perform CPR under these new circumstances. RTOs must still assess students against all other aspects of CPR as per the unit of competency requirements set out in the HLT Training Package.

For further information, please see https://www.aisc.net.au/content/communiques-and-training-package-updates  

Online vocational education and training options available 

15 April 2020

COVID-19 has changed the way we work, train and study and now is the time to consider future online study options and career opportunities available through VET. 

Online learning is a great way to update your skills or to re-train at any point of your career, regardless of your circumstances or where you are located.  

The homepage of My Skills has been updated to make it easier to find VET courses online or find training providers who offer online training. 

Over 4 million people undertake VET every year. A VET qualification opens the door to job opportunities that people might not have thought about, with nationally recognised qualifications that can be gained in only a few months. There are units and short courses available that people can complete in a matter of weeks. 

Apply now for the 2020 Australian Training Awards

14 April 2020

The Australian Training Awards are the peak national awards that showcase best practice in vocational education and training (VET). The Awards promote continuous improvement and innovation in the design and delivery of VET with the majority of the awards being the culmination of each state and territory training awards. 

Winners from each state and territory compete for a national award title. This has led to Australia-wide awareness and respect for skill-cased careers and skills excellence.

The Australian Training Awards recognise and celebrate excellence and are an important mechanism for promoting the benefits of vocational education and training. 

The Australian Training Awards showcases finalists and winners in 18 different categories. Of those, there are seven categories in which individuals, businesses and registered training organisations can apply directly. The categories are:

- Lifetime Achievement Award

- National Achievement Award

- Excellence in Language, Literacy and Numeracy Practice Award

- Small Employer of the Year Award

- Australian Apprenticeships – Employer Award

- International Training Provider of the Year Award

- School Pathways to VET Award.

Finalists have the opportunity to attend the 2020 Australian Training Awards ceremony on 20 November in Melbourne, hosted by the National Careers Ambassador, Scott Cam. Finalists are also invited to become a member of the exclusive Australian VET Alumni (Alumni). The Alumni are a community of high achieving VET graduates, VET leaders and practitioners, businesses, schools and training providers committed to sharing their story of success in VET. 

As National Careers Ambassador, Mr Scott Cam will champion the work of the National Careers Institute and promote a consistent, national message around careers development. 

More information

• To find out how to apply, visit the Australian Training Awards website

From the Newsroom

• Do you know someone who has dedicated a lifetime to VET?

Do you know someone who has dedicated a lifetime to VET?

7 April 2020

Apply now for the 2020 Australian Training Awards! Applications close 31 May 2020.

The Australian Training Awards (Awards), hosted this year by National Careers Ambassador Scott cam, are the peak national awards for the vocational education and training (VET) sector. The Awards recognise and celebrate excellence and are an important mechanism for promoting the benefits of vocational education and training.

Applications for the following two categories are now open:

• Lifetime Achievement Award
• National Achievement Award.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was introduced in 2011 and is the most prestigious award category presented to an individual who has made a fundamental and lasting contribution to the VET sector over a period of 25 years or more.

The National Achievement Award is presented in recognition of an individual's outstanding leadership and contribution at a national level to the Australian VET sector for up to 25 years.

Recipients of these awards will be invited to attend the 2020 Australian Training Awards ceremony on 20 November in Melbourne and are also invited to become ambassadors for the national VET sector as a member of the exclusive Australian VET Alumni. The Alumni is a national community of VET graduates, registered training organisations, VET practitioners and businesses dedicated to sharing their VET journey with Australians to encourage greater participation and best practice in VET. 

As National Careers Ambassador, Mr Scott Cam will champion the work of the National Careers Institute and promote a consistent, national message around careers development.

To hear more from Mr Cam, visit the NCI’s Engagement Hub.  

More information

Information on how to apply can be found on the Australian Training Awards website.

From the Newsroom

• A love of sourdough leads Morgan to her dream job in Belgium
• Support for small businesses to retain apprentices and trainees

National Careers Institute Partnership Grants program  

30 March 2020

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN 

Applications are now open for the first round of the National Careers Institute Partnership Grants program. 

About the Partnership Grants program

The National Career Institute Partnership Grants program is a key part of the Australian Government’s $585m Delivering Skills for Today and Tomorrow package. This budget measure was announced in the 2019-20 Federal budget to support more Australians to gain the skills employers are looking for. 

The Partnership Grants program will offer funding opportunities for projects where organisations such as industry bodies, employers, schools, tertiary providers, governments and researchers work together to improve career outcomes and education and training pathways. 

Partnership grant objectives

Funded projects will:

• develop and showcase innovative approaches to delivering career development services
• build an evidence-base for best practice career development 
• demonstrate the value of career development 
• increase knowledge and create greater awareness of career paths and career information
• develop and showcase innovative approaches to delivering career development services. 

Partnership Grant projects

Examples of Partnership Grant projects may include:

• establishing virtual workspaces with industry partners
• growing career advisor capacity and capability
• increasing the reach and impact of existing proven programs
• supporting career influencers to help career decision-makers
• research projects to inform government policy. 

Partnership grants will comprise two rounds. 

Grants range from $20,000 to $700,000, and be funded for a maximum of two years.

• Round one applications are now open.
• Applications for round one close 30 June 2020.

Who should apply?

Organisations including, but no limited to, industry bodies, employers, schools, tertiary providers, governments and researchers are eligible to apply.

More Information

To apply or get further information visit www.business.gov.au/NCIP.

The Australian Government is continuing to respond to the developments of COVID-19

26 March 2020

The Department of Education, Skills and Employment has updated its factsheet for VET providers, which can be found on the department’s website.

Governments and regulators are working closely together to support the VET sector during this difficult time but to do so we need to have up-to-date information about where students and staff are located. For some VET providers, we only have Head Office address information, which means that our ability to understand impacts at a local level is very limited.

ASQA-regulated RTOs can help ensure assistance is targeted to where it is needed by ensuring your delivery location information is up to date in asqanet, which will also support your completion of the Annual declaration of compliance. TAC and VRQA-regulated RTOs can log into the My Skills portal to provide this information. Contact us at myskillshelp@dese.gov.au if you need help logging on.

If your organisation needs to implement temporary measures to adapt and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including changes to where you deliver and delivery modes and methods, remember to advise ASQA through this online submission form. Please provide as many details as possible regarding students and delivery locations subject to changes. For other RTOs, continue to check your regulator’s website (VRQA and TAC) regularly for information on COVID-19 and adaptive approaches to training during the crisis.

For further health advice please visit the Department of Health website.

First Aid Industry Reference Committee recommendations in regard to delivery of First Aid training impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic 

26 March 2020

Many RTOs have raised concerns about the ongoing delivery of First Aid training during the COVID-19 pandemic. RTOs must comply with State and Federal Health Authority directions. RTOs should perform a risk assessment when deciding whether or not to continue to provide First Aid training, taking into account the following: 

• State, Territory and Federal Health Authorities’ advice (www.health.gov.au)
• The Australian Resuscitation Council's recommendations and guidelines (www.resus.org.au)
• SafeWork Australia’s advice (www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au)
• ASQA’s advice (www.asqa.gov.au).

For further information about Assessment Requirements and where reasonable adjustment may apply, please visit the Skill IQ website here.

The Australian Government is continuing to respond to the developments of COVID-19 

20 March 2020

The Department of Education, Skills and Employment has created a factsheet for VET providers covering:

• when is a staff member or student required to self-isolate
• if a staff member or student has recently travelled internationally
• provider shutdown or closures
• attendance at classes
• who to contact if concerned, and
• responses to some frequently asked questions.

You can access the updated fact sheets on the department’s website.

For further health advice please visit the Department of Health website.

For further information on travel restrictions please visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

National Careers Ambassador set to promote the value of VET careers through inaugural Australian tour

10 March 2020

National Careers Ambassador, Mr Scott Cam has today kicked off a national tour to promote the value of vocational education and training.

Hosted by TAFE NSW Ryde, today is the first in a series of events Mr Cam will host across the country to raise the profile of the many ways a person can succeed through VET, with 2020 marking the year of action for VET in Australia.

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said VET is key to building our future workforce, and having a renowned VET graduate in Mr Cam is an effective way to create an even greater profile for the sector.

“The Australian Government’s focus on the VET sector is helping Australians starting their careers or changing careers to take advantage of the surging demand for skilled workers,” Minister Cash said.

“At TAFE Ryde today we saw the exciting teaching and learning taking place on campus. It’s clear that by learning a trade you will earn more, your skills will be in demand and you’ll help build our country and keep our economy strong,” Minister Cash said. 

“I’m thrilled that Mr Cam will be busy this year getting the message out to young people and parents at events around Australia and through social media about the huge range of options and choices a VET pathway offers.”

Speaking at today’s event, Mr Cam highlighted the plethora of learning and career opportunities that can achieved through VET.

“VET is a truly great way to start your career, change your career, or boost your career. No matter what stage you are in your career.”

“I found career success through VET—and I’m not alone.” 

As National Careers Ambassador, Mr Cam will help Australians at all ages and stages to make informed decisions about learning and training opportunities that can open pathways to rewarding jobs.  

Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships, the Hon Steve Irons MP, said the Government’s $585 million Delivering Skills for Today and Tomorrow will drive changes to deliver a strengthened and robust sector.

“We know industry needs many more workers with technical, trade and practical skills and we are backing them through incentives, funding and reform to ensure the sector can deliver a skilled and responsive workforce that can meet these needs,” Mr Irons said.

Throughout the tour, Mr Cam will also be joined by members of the Australian VET Alumni, who comprise graduates, registered training organisations, practitioners and businesses dedicated to sharing their VET journey with Australians.

Together, Mr Cam and the Australian VET Alumni will use their success through VET to inspire others to participate in VET.

Read more about Delivering Skills for Today and Tomorrow here.

Learn more about Mr Cam’s VET success story here.

Learn more about Mary and Morgan’s VET success stories.

Information about the novel coronavirus

30 January 2020

The Australian Government Department of Health has provided updated information on the novel coronavirus for the education and training sector.

Factsheets are available for administrators and for students and staff. The factsheets can be found on the Department of Education website.

MEM Manufacturing and Engineering training package communique

16 December 2019

The Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) approved the Manufacturing and Engineering (MEM) training package (Release 2.0) (the training package) for implementation in April 2019. The training package was released on training.gov.au on 26 June 2019.

Concerns were subsequently raised about the implementation of units with workplace hours requirements in the assessment conditions.

To address the concerns, and ensure a smooth transition for industry and employers to the new requirements, the MEM Industry Reference Committee (IRC) has undertaken to prepare a range of support materials, including an updated Companion Volume and Essential Features Guide, and information and tools to clarify the intent and operation of the workplace hours requirements. The updated Companion Volume and Essential Features Guide are expected early in the new year.

To support these arrangements, ASQA has extended the transition period to 31 December 2020 for ten MEM05 qualifications that are affected by the inclusion of workplace hours requirements. Please note learners can continue to be enrolled in the superseded qualifications until the end of the transition period. The transition extension notice is available on ASQA’s website:  https://www.asqa.gov.au/news-publications/news/asqa-approves-extended-transition-period-10-mem05-qualifications-until-31.

For further information regarding the training package, please contact Innovation and Business Skills Australia Manufacturing on (03) 9815 7099 or via email at manufacturing@ibsa.org.au
 

Have your say! Help improve the delivery of careers information in Australia

13 December 2019

Presently, online information about career opportunities and pathways in Australia is provided across a myriad of websites published by a range of organisations such as governments, industry associations and bodies, businesses, education providers and training providers.

People searching for career pathways, employment outcomes, qualifications or salary guides, may gain varied results across these sites, and therefore find it difficult to find the information they need.

The National Careers Institute (the Institute) was established on 1 July 2019 to assist people to find accurate and authoritative careers information and advice on learning, training and work pathways.

One of the Institute’s key projects to achieve this goal is the design and development of a careers focused digital platform to deliver relevant, up to date careers information and empower people to make better career choices.

The Institute has commenced co-designing the digital platform by undertaking targeted research with career advisors, influencers, employers and career seekers – and welcomes your feedback.

To participate, please complete the ‘Career Journey Survey’ on the Institute's e-Hub.

2019 Australian Training Awards Winners Announced! 

22 November 2019

Nearly 800 people gathered in Brisbane at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre to celebrate the 2019 Australian Training Awards finalists and winners. 

The evening brought together the nation’s best in the vocational education and training (VET) sector. The 77 finalists comprising of apprentices, trainees, VET students, teachers, practitioners, employers and training providers were rewarded and recognised for demonstrating excellence in VET. 

Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, presented the the Lifetime Achievement Award to recipient Wayne Collyer. Wayne was celebrated for his contribution to VET through the education of thousands of students and his long membership of the TAFE Directors Australia Board. The evening concluded with the final award won by Rory Milner from the Northern Territory, the Australian Apprentice of the Year. 

The master of ceremonies was Amanda Blair, journalist, Co-Chair of the South Australian Premiers Council for Women and passionate charity worker.  

The Awards demonstrate how a vocational pathway leads to real skills for real careers and how important VET is for industry and students to prepare for the jobs of today, and the increasingly complex and globalised future of work. 

All finalists, winners and runners up are invited to become Australian VET Alumni – a national community of VET graduates, registered training organisations, VET practitioners and businesses dedicated to sharing their VET journey with Australians to encourage greater participation and best practice in VET.

Profiles of all finalists are available on the 2019 Winners and Finalists page. 

AVETRA 2020 conference

19 November 2019

The Australasian Vocational Education and Training Research Association (AVETRA) is holding its 23rd annual conference on April 23rd-24th in Melbourne. The theme is ‘20/20 vision for VET: Research at the centre of future policy and practice’.

Returning to its usual April time of year, the conference has already secured leading overseas and Australian keynote speakers:

• Professor Stephanie Allais, Research Chair of Skills Development, University of the Witwatersrand and Special Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education and Training: TVET in developing countries: Constraints and possibilities
• Professor Rod McDonald, Principal, Ithaca Group, former Special Advisor to Australian National Training Authority; author of seminal report on VET research: No Small Change: Research at the centre of policy and practice - is it too much to expect?
• Professor Ann-Marie Bathmaker, Professor of Vocational and Higher Education, University of Birmingham: Leadership dilemmas & incompatible goals? Pursuing access, social inclusion, social mobility & employability in public further education

There will also be two panels of experts: One on VET and careers; and one on VET policy.

If you would like to present a paper on your recent research, please submit a 250-300 word abstract by December 5th 2019, to AVETRA2020@federation.edu.au. Full information on the conference and on submitting abstracts can be found at https://www.avetra.org.au/pages/avetra-annual-conference.html. Registration will open by the end of November.

National Careers Institute e-Hub and National Careers Ambassador, Scott Cam

14 October 2019

Business owner, former apprentice and television presenter Scott Cam has been named the National Careers Ambassador.

As National Careers Ambassador, Scott will help promote the importance of career information, both when starting out and at key transition points throughout a career.

Scott will also help the National Careers Institute promote the variety of career pathways available, including vocational education and training (VET), something he’s well placed to do as a VET graduate.

Scott was appointed by the National Careers Institute, a new national organisation tasked with helping Australians make career decisions by strengthening and simplifying the careers information available to them.

The National Careers Institute is part of the Government’s $525 million skills package Delivering Skills for Today and Tomorrow to improve the VET system.

The Institute will work with industry, governments, employers, schools and tertiary providers to better connect information about learning, training and work pathways.

The National Careers Institute is co-designing its role, priorities and projects through a range of interactions - including an online Engagement Hub (e-Hub).

Engage and have your say about the work of the Institute at nci.employment.gov.au

2018 student outcomes data now available for RTOs

14 May 2019

NCVER's National Student Outcomes Survey is sent to VET graduates and subject completers who completed their training in the previous year. The results of the 2018 survey were released in December.

Where enough responses were received to provide accurate results, eligible RTOs can now access free individual reports of employment outcomes, training satisfaction, perceived benefits and relevance of training as reported by their students (alongside state/territory and national results for comparison).

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for a report, your RTO must have 100 or more domestic graduates and/or 860 or more domestic subject completers during 2017, and enough survey responses to provide accurate results.

How to access your report

The reports are available free of charge from NCVER.  Please complete the RTO report form to nominate a representative from your RTO to access the secure portal.

2019 National Student Outcomes Survey

The 2019 National Student Outcomes Survey opens on Friday 31 May for students who completed a training qualification or subject during 2018.
From late December, eligible RTOs will again be able to access data as reported by their students.
Take advantage of NCVER’s free kit to help you promote the survey to former students.

2019-20 Budget announcement - Skills package

The 2019-20 Budget announced on 2 April 2019 provides dedicated funding of $525.3 million for the Skills Package, Delivering Skills for Today and Tomorrow. The Skills Package will ensure that the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system can deliver the skills critical to the economy now and into the future. This package will also work to create stronger pathways for school students into quality training and apprenticeships and into jobs in areas of skills shortage.

For more information on the 2019-20 Budget and the Skills Package visit the Department of Education and Training website.

Update to questions and answers for trainer and assessor credential requirements

19 March 2019

Recent updates have been made to the department’s questions and answers to clarify the trainer and assessor credential requirements under the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015. These changes specifically address the requirements for individuals working under the supervision of a trainer. Further information is available on the Australian Government Department of Education and Training’s website at www.education.gov.au/trainer-and-assessor-credential-requirements.

Background

The Training and Education Training Package was updated in April 2016. The core units of the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment were updated to include the ‘Design and develop assessment tools’ and ‘Address adult language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills’ units of competency. The core units of the Assessor Skill Set were updated to include the ‘Design and develop assessment tools’ unit of competency.

To ensure the VET workforce has appropriate skills in designing and developing assessment tools and identifying and evaluating LLN requirements, Skills Ministers agreed to update the training and assessment credential requirements in line with the changes to the TAE Training Package. The changes are outlined in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015.

The VET Workforce Survey – sizing up the sector

27 February 2019

The first survey of Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) workforce will launch in March 2019.

This Australia-wide survey will provide a more accurate picture of those working in registered training organisations, which will help with future planning and to better support the VET workforce.

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) and Ipsos are conducting the survey on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Education and Training.

The survey will collect information from RTOs on:

• the number of staff they employ
• employee roles, employment status, and any relevant qualifications
• training delivery methods and locations.

RTOs will soon be invited to complete the survey, so keep an eye on your email for your invitation!

Only one person per RTO is required to complete the survey and it should only take around 10 minutes. It is best answered by someone with detailed knowledge of staff within your organisation.

NCVER will publish data from the survey in July 2019.

The survey is supported by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) and the Western Australian Training Accreditation Council (TAC).

For more information, visit the NCVER Portal.

Procurement of assessment services from Australian Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)

This is a pre-release notice only.

The Department of Education and Training anticipates it will release an RFT for the procurement of assessment services from Australian Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in quarter 2 of the 2018/19 financial year. The RFT will be available on AusTender.

The procurement will be for the following Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) programs:

• Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Program
• Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP)
• Trades Recognition Service (TRS).

For more information, including the full Planned Procurement Notice, please go to AusTender www.tenders.gov.au.

Change to the level of information publicly available on VET accredited courses

On 12 July 2018, the Australian Government amended the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Regulations 2011. This amendment requires the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to publish certain information about VET accredited courses including:

• the titles and codes of units of competency or modules comprising a VET accredited course for current accredited courses and expired courses with training delivery reported through the Total VET Activity collections since 2015;
• a description of the course for those courses newly accredited or reaccredited from now; and
• a reference to an earlier (previous) or later version of a course that is accredited on or after 1 September 2018.

This additional information will be entered on to the National Register over the coming months. As a result, course owners and registered training organisations (RTOs) with an accredited course on their scope of registration are likely to receive notifications that there has been a change to their course when the regulators enter this additional information. This change however will not be referring to a change to the course, but rather a change to the information available on the course.

Ensuring these additional matters are entered on the National Register increases the transparency of accredited course information and enables Unique Student Identifier (USI) transcripts to include information on units of competency/modules. Once the information has been published on the National Register, it will be used to improve the information available on the My Skills website (www.myskills.gov.au), which will enable prospective students and employers to better understand course content and suitability.

For further information on this measure, please visit the recently updated FAQs on ASQA’s website at www.asqa.gov.au/faqs.

While this amendment only requires ASQA to publish this additional information on the National Register, the Training Accreditation Council of Western Australia will also be entering this information for courses that it has accredited to ensure that the level of information available on accredited courses is nationally consistent. For further details, please visit the Council’s website at http://www.tac.wa.gov.au/Pages/Accredited-Course-Transparency.aspx.

In addition to codes and titles of units of competency, the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) will publish a brief description and links to a previous version of each VRQA-accredited course when applicable.

This is to ensure that the information available about these courses is nationally consistent. For more details, see the information on the VRQA website