"The profession that creates all other professions"
Sunday, October 30, 2016
ASQA annual report 2015-16
28 OCTOBER 2016
ASQA has published its annual report for the period 1 July 2015 – 2016.
The report was tabled in Parliament earlier today.
ACT RTO Forum
Highlights
- Changes in VET always constant in environment and focus- Refer to the Arrangement of training product development landscape
- ACT training awards, acknowledged
- ACT election won by Karen Andrews
- VFH/ VET Student Loans focus next 12 months
- ASQA- Chris soon to step down- TBC
- ANP- replacement of TYIMS system into AVETARS- July 2017
- ACT Directorate’s office soon to move early next year to Narra Centre
- ACT Business Plan 2016/17 align to training initiatives in priorities
- 18th November- ITAB Meeting
- Senior officials committee to discuss NAP, Consistency, Harmonisation, quality issues
- VFH/ VSL- review in consultation
- TAE- Feb release for 2 units as mandatory units for trainers to upgrade
- Harmonisation – review on provider performance, students moving interstate, stats
- Check out Foundation Skills Assessment tool- free. Tool being reviewed, 16,000 to review and consult for validation
- GTO Evidence guide to be released on 28th October after minister meeting
- IRC’s to provide TP updates
- COAG focus on NAP, VFH/ VSL, Data exchanges, compliant hotline
- MY Profiling tool which is on trial- online training plans, etc- this tool may be mandated for RTO’s to use as part of operations and evidence
- Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships on the way up in National focus and support
- Key dates for training initiatives and programs-2017
- ACT VET update for AVETARS and data updates
Mental Fitness
Key elements of Mental Fitness are to:
- build strong and enduring relationships
- take on the challenges we meet throughout life without becoming exhausted or depleted
- live a happy and fulfilled life
- find your own level of fitness
Dubai VET opportunity
Click here to read more details about the opportunity.
Interested members can contact the state government’s Middle East Commissioner, Moin Anwar, via landline (+971 2) 622 8400, mobile (+971 50) 459 9190 or moin.anwar@sydneyaustralia.com.
NSW VET Forum – join the Minister in changing the sector!
The Forum will feature a key note address from The Hon. John Barilaro MP, NSW Minister for Skills on the NSW Government's VET vision.
Other speakers in a high profile line up include:
- Maryann Quagliata, Branch Manager VET FEE-HELP, Department of Education and Training – VET Student Loans Update
- David Collins, Executive Director, Training Services NSW – Training Services Update
- Brian Tanti, Curator, Fox Classic Car Collection – The importance of retaining skills in the modern age
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Skills Canberra
News
The presentations from the October 2016 ACT RTO Forum are now available.
2017 ACT Adult Community Education (ACE) Grants Program - Application Open
PwC’s Skills For Australia have developed a publication, designed to be a supplementary document to the TAE Training Package.
SkillsIQ consultation on Early Childhood Education and Care
25 OCTOBER 2016
In response to the recommendations made by Australian Skills and Quality Authority (ASQA) in the Strategic review—Training for early childhood education and care in Australia, SkillsIQ has been commissioned by the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) to complete the necessary research and consultation to develop a Business Case setting out the strategic and evidentiary case for change within the CHC Community Services Training Package.SkillsIQ are looking to consult broadly with stakeholders in the sector, including Employers, Employees/Educators and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Consultation will close Friday 4 November 2016.
ASQA and Hong Kong VET regulator sign MoU
18 OCTOBER 2016
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) have today signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at further enhancing the quality of vocational education and training (VET) in each jurisdiction
Most people carry on a silent conversation with themselves during much of the day. This self talk has a direct effect on your thoughts and behaviours.
Understanding self talk and its effects on you, can help you learn to rewrite your own self talk script and maintain a positive mental attitude.
See Sorting Out Positive Thinking article for more information on how to listen to your self talk and practise choosing positive self talk.
Australian Apprenticeship Network
AEN Presentation
Topics covered;
• VET Industry News
• VRQA Guidelines & Standards for RTOs 2015 that relate to course durations
• Purpose of the requirements
• Student Cohorts
• Volume of Learning
Topics covered;
• VET Industry News
• VRQA Guidelines & Standards for RTOs 2015 that relate to course durations
• Purpose of the requirements
• Student Cohorts
• Volume of Learning
For those who are interested in finding more about the Foundation Skills Tool or ACSF Indicator tool, see links below:
Foundation Skills Tool
Foundation Skills Tool Registration and Access Manual
The Learning Resources Group LLN Robot
Foundation Skills Tool
Foundation Skills Tool Registration and Access Manual
The Learning Resources Group LLN Robot
To be discussed at next NSW WPD Meeting
Australian Industry and Skills Committee Website
This is an important site for national coverage of The Australian Industry and Skills Committee - AISC activities and communication.
Tourism Matters
Tourism Matters will help keep you up-to-date with news from the Australian Government that may impact the tourism industry. We hope you find it interesting and useful.
Mandatory Reporting
There have been two significant changes announced by the Department of Family and Community Services with regards to mandatory reporting.
As of October 18th there is now a new Mandatory Reporting Guide (MRG)
This can be accessed on the ChildStory Reporter Website
Secondly, as of 30th October 2016, there will be ONE number for staff and the general public to contact the Child Protection Helpline (FACS) to make a report about a child or young person at risk of significant harm.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Recent NSW oriented ACPET submissions
ACPET has recently submitted responses on papers circulated by the NSW Department of Industry and StudyNSW.
A consultation review was undertaken on Apprenticeships and Traineeships in NSW. Here is ACPET’s perspective on the issues that it raised.
A paper, Internationalising Regional Australia: A Case for Change was commissioned by StudyNSW to consider how to increase the attractiveness for studying regionally for international students. CRICOS accredited members delivering in NSW but beyond the Sydney metropolitan area informed this ACPET response.
A consultation review was undertaken on Apprenticeships and Traineeships in NSW. Here is ACPET’s perspective on the issues that it raised.
A paper, Internationalising Regional Australia: A Case for Change was commissioned by StudyNSW to consider how to increase the attractiveness for studying regionally for international students. CRICOS accredited members delivering in NSW but beyond the Sydney metropolitan area informed this ACPET response.
ACPET VET Forum - 23 November 2017
Details on registration, location and a draft agenda will follow in the coming days so please look out for this in your inbox and on the ACPET website. Please contact chloe.howard@acpet.edu.au if you have any initial enquiries.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Student Loans – Legislation introduced and next steps in our advocacy
Dear Members,
And so we continue with our work to fight for our sector and address the concerning rhetoric around the many, many great quality providers providing fantastic outcomes. Earlier this week I was in Canberra visiting members of parliament (including the cross bench) raising our concerns.
This morning ACPET distributed a media release which called out the significant ramifications of the reforms and importantly, the implementation process that is currently occurring. We continue to be very concerned about the lack of consultation and the impact on our great sector. I further highlighted these in an interview on ABC AM this morning.
We have been overwhelmed with real stories from the field about the real impact of the reforms. You will see that our social media strategy (coming out over the next few days) takes the voices of our members to really start to shine a light on the real impact of these reforms on our sector. Its jobs, and businesses and ultimately the students that will suffer if we don’t get this right. We really appreciate the support that you have provided to this social strategy and again, can we encourage you to share the messages through your network. I have been amazed with who is noticing this advocacy.
Today, the legislation was presented to parliament by Assistant Minister Karen Andrews. The Minister’s speech can be reviewed on the weblink here (please go to 10:10 to get to the speech.) The full set of information of the Bill can be found on the Australian Government Parliamentary Website here
Put simply, I am outraged by the anti-business approach being taken by the (apparently) Liberal Government.
As I write I am learning about the nature of the legislation that is being introduced including a proposed fee for providers to apply for VSL and a tax to cover the cost of student surveys and the introduction of an ombudsman. As you know ACPET has been advocating for an ombudsman for some time but the introduction of a new fee, plus tax on providers is absurd, particularly in the context of the price caps and qualification list. Late this afternoon, ACPET sent out another media release highlighting that private training providers will have to pay for a system they overwhelming believe will damage the sector.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Find out more about ASQA’s new audit model
12 OCTOBER 2016
ASQA is implementing a new approach to audit during 2016 and early 2017. This revised approach builds on and improves ASQA's existing auditing practices.
For more information about what's changing, how this audit model was developed, and how the revised model helps to support consistent vocational education and training (VET) sector quality, visit www.asqa.gov.au/audit
You can also download two new fact sheets about the new audit process:
Fact sheet—ASQA’s New Audit Model
Fact sheet—Student surveys
Early childhood education and care webinar recording now available
10 OCTOBER 2016
Last week, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and SkillsIQ hosted two free livestream webinars for registered training organisations (RTOs) offering training in early childhood education and care in Australia.A video of the webinar is now available on ASQA’s YouTube channel.
The presentation used at these webinars can be viewed on ASQA’s website and SlideShare page.
How-to: Notifying ASQA of third-party arrangements
7 OCTOBER 2016
There is no cost associated with submitting the notification form.
Managing Self
How much control do we really have? When life feels overwhelming, difficult, or dissatisfying, we often have a sense that we are stuck in a negative pattern, or that we do not have personal control over the important things in our lives.
This is only half true. We often have little or no control over the situations we face. However, we have a great deal of control when it comes to the way we think, how we handle our emotions, and how we act.
By handling these aspects of ourselves well, we work to make the most positive lives we can.
See the Managing Yourself article for more information on:
- Building a habit for thinking accurately and helpfully
- Keeping our thinking healthy helps keep our emotional life steady and healthy
- Our surface-level thinking builds habits for deeper thoughts about ourselves and our lives
- Taking considered action
- What we forget about thinking...
- Working through your thinking
The MEGT EAP can be accessed by telephone / face-to-face / video / online counselling and coaching. The telephone number for appointments is 1300 360 364. EAP consultations are strictly confidential and services are funded by MEGT.
Australian Apprenticeships & Traineeships Update
Upcoming Information SessionsThe Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Information Service isoffering free information sessions. Webinars are also available for those in other locations unable to attend. The sessions are free and of value to anyone involved in apprenticeship or traineeship career discussions, promotion or marketing of this sector. The information sessions will cover: • The www.aatinfo.com.au website • The www.aapathways.com.au website • AusAppPathways – free mobile app www.ausapp.com.au • Australian Apprenticeships – My Gain YouTube videos • The Career Interest Explorer • Self Help job hunting tips and job sites • Industry Career Information and Practice Aptitude Quizzes and • Resources for career advisers. NSW • Campbelltown - 18 October 2016 • Rooty Hill - 18 October 2016 • Sydney - 20 October 2016 |
Smart, Skilled and Hired
Smart, Skilled and Hired is a NSW Government initiative that will create job and skills opportunities and help NSW business meet unprecedented demand in two key sectors – disability and construction.
Click here to find out more
Click here to find out more
Commonwealth predicts a Million New Jobs by 2020
The Report takes us through to 2020 projects most new jobs created between now and 2020 will require tertiary qualifications. Of the one million new jobs projected, almost half will require certificate or diploma level qualifications.
ACT Pre-Election Update
2016 Election in Focus: Destination 2030 Coming into Sight
Business Chamber's assessment of the major parties' policy positions against its own vision for Canberra, Destination 2030, reveals some positive first steps along this roadmap for the future, with all of the parties picking up key elements of the 2030 Plan.
NSW Apprenticeship and Traineeship application approvals and In Training statistics
The department produces reports from data held on the Training Services NSW Directorate, Integrated Vocational Education and Training System (IVETS) database.
Click here for monthly reports available for download.
Skills Canberra
News
The next ACT RTO Forum will be held on Friday 21 October 2016.
The submission window for reporting RTO activity data for the September 2016 quarter closes on 15 October 2016.
Following the success of the professional development workshops earlier this year, Skills Canberra is hosting another session on 9 November 2016. The workshop is for RTOs delivering funded training in the ACT, under an ACT Funding Agreement (ACTFA) and will focus on supporting RTOs with meeting the requirements of the ACT Quality Framework.
The 2017 ACT ACE Program guidelines are now available on the Skills Canberra website.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Assessment Cover Sheets
Assessment cover sheets will no longer be required but only if the following are complete:
I understand that plagiarism is a form of cheating and if found to be plagiarising the following will occur: assessment activity will be cancelled, and no re-submission of assessment will be accepted. The assessment outcome of ‘Not Yet Competent’ will be recorded for that unit. The full unit will be re-commenced, and additional fees will be applied. Any further incidence of plagiarism or other unacceptable behaviour will result in cancellation of the student’s enrolment.
New students
New students will not need to complete assessment cover sheets as the new Enrolment Form contains a clause on plagiarism and the process that will be followed if a student is found to be plagiarising (below in red), and the Contact Record now includes a section to document the assessment feedback you have provided to the student.I understand that plagiarism is a form of cheating and if found to be plagiarising the following will occur: assessment activity will be cancelled, and no re-submission of assessment will be accepted. The assessment outcome of ‘Not Yet Competent’ will be recorded for that unit. The full unit will be re-commenced, and additional fees will be applied. Any further incidence of plagiarism or other unacceptable behaviour will result in cancellation of the student’s enrolment.
Existing students
Once existing students sign the Student Declaration they will not need to complete assessment cover sheets. If this document does not get signed, assessment cover sheets are still required.
LLN Video Library
The What Works for LLN videos are for:
- VET practitioners supporting the delivery of LLN specific units such TAELLN411 Address Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy skills
- LLN professional development for RTOs and their non-training staff
- Learners undertaking qualifications such as TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment/TAE40116 Certificate IV Training and Assessment
- trainers, managers, team leaders and supervisors in the workplace.
TAE Training Package Interpretation Guide Now Available
As the Skills Service Organisation (SSO) for the TAE Training Package, PwC’s Skills for Australia received more than 500 queries on how it should be understood and implemented, following the second release of the training package in April 2016.
The interpretation of the TAE Training Package in the guide is based on the views of Vocational Education and Training (VET) practitioners, RTOs and other stakeholders through consultation sessions held by PwC’s Skills for Australia.
View the Interpretation Guide.
VET Student Loans to Replace VET FEE-HELP
VET Student Loans Information Released
The Australian Government has announced the new Vocational Education and Training (VET) Student Loans program, which will replace the VET FEE-HELP scheme from 1 January 2017, pending the passage of the VET Student Loans Bill 2016.
Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes, public providers and Australian universities that are currently approved as VET FEE-HELP providers, will will automatically transition to the new program, while private providers will be required to meet a range of quality measures.
The new program will include loan caps on courses, stronger course eligibility criteria that aligns with industry needs and results in employment outcomes, mandatory student engagement measures, a prohibition on the use of brokers to recruit students and an increased focus on successful student completion.
The Department of Education and Training has published a series of fact sheets outlining information on the program targeted to both students and training providers.
Information for Students
Information for Existing VET FEE-HELP Students
VET Student Loans - Information for Students
Information for Providers
Information for current VET FEE-HELP Providers
Provider Eligibility for VET Student Loans
Information for New Providers
Enhanced Compliance Measures
Tuition Assurance
For more information, view the:
media release from Minister for Education and Training the Hon Simon Birmingham;
VET Student Loans; and
HELP Resources for Providers.
The Australian Government has announced the new Vocational Education and Training (VET) Student Loans program, which will replace the VET FEE-HELP scheme from 1 January 2017, pending the passage of the VET Student Loans Bill 2016.
Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes, public providers and Australian universities that are currently approved as VET FEE-HELP providers, will will automatically transition to the new program, while private providers will be required to meet a range of quality measures.
The new program will include loan caps on courses, stronger course eligibility criteria that aligns with industry needs and results in employment outcomes, mandatory student engagement measures, a prohibition on the use of brokers to recruit students and an increased focus on successful student completion.
The Department of Education and Training has published a series of fact sheets outlining information on the program targeted to both students and training providers.
Information for Students
Information for Existing VET FEE-HELP Students
VET Student Loans - Information for Students
Information for Providers
Information for current VET FEE-HELP Providers
Provider Eligibility for VET Student Loans
Information for New Providers
Enhanced Compliance Measures
Tuition Assurance
For more information, view the:
media release from Minister for Education and Training the Hon Simon Birmingham;
VET Student Loans; and
HELP Resources for Providers.
Monday, October 10, 2016
World Mental Health Day
Statistics show 1 in 8 men and 1 in 5 women will experience depression in their lifetime.
World Mental Health Day is marked every year on 10 October, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilising efforts in support of mental health. The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day is psychological and mental health first aid and the support people can provide to those in distress.
Across Australia, October is known as mental health month, and this provides a great opportunity to think about our own mental health. When we make our mental health a priority, we are practising self-care which is an important part of our daily living to promote mental fitness and wellbeing.
Articles providing tips and strategies for enhancing mental health and wellbeing can be accessed via the MEGT EAP intranet page, the DTC GreatLife App or eapdirect®.
§ GreatLife App – provides you with access to expert advice, tips and activities. Try the conscious breathing activity to reduce your stress levels! It is available for free download from the Apple Store or Google Play.
§ eapdirect® - health and wellbeing portal, has a range of articles and a library of financial resources and learning programs, podcasts and a series of videos that are also helpful. If it is your first visit to eapdirect®, click on the link provided to register and enter the below case sensitive logins:
Link: www.eapdirect.com
Organisational Name: MEGT (Australia) Ltd
Organisational Token: megtau
Organisational Password: usrkey
The MEGT EAP can be accessed by telephone / face-to-face / video / online counselling and coaching. The telephone number for appointments is 1300 360 364. EAP consultations are strictly confidential and services are funded by MEGT.
VET FEE HELP Reform
I write to you some hours after the Government has released its first set of information about the much anticipated reforms to VET FEE HELP. While it is very broad we can already draw some conclusions.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Sunday, October 2, 2016
WPD Update
Trainer Portal
It is great to see people using the portal and seeing improvements and efficiencies. We will continue to work on the ease of using the Contact Record, but in the meantime please continue to send feedback on how processes can be improved.
Moodle for Certificate III in Business
This is up and running, students are enrolled and it is working VERY well. No doubt we will encounter the odd process hiccup as more students and trainers use it, so please keep the e-learning support team informed with any queries and suggestions you have elearning_support@megt.com.au
Moodle for other qualifications
The development of each qualification is well underway. When the moodle site has been completed for each qualification, ready to enrol students, you will receive training in moodle.
Learning Support
With the e-learning team integrated within WPD we are trialling how we can work together to benefit both students and trainers. The aim is toincrease student engagement, and improve progression and completion rates. A Pilot Team are planning and trialling the delivery of learning support services to support WPD students, and results to date from students and trainers are very positive.
Student and Employer Surveys
We will be surveying our students mid October, and our employers ~24 October, via Survey Monkey to gain feedback on our service and products, and the results will be circulated.
Short Courses
Short Course delivery continues to grow week on week, particularly with brand new clients, and we are receiving great feedback. If any of your clients have an interest (or need) for our short courses please let Kate Hanson kate_hanson@megt.com.au know.
Assessment Cover Sheet
Many will be disappointed to hear that Assessment Cover Sheets will be phased out in coming months (or when a Student Assessment Declaration is completed). The Enrolment Form will be updated to include a clause under the Student Declaration around plagiarism, and the Contact Record will include a clause to indicate that assessment feedback was provided to the student.
The updated forms will apply to NEW students, however EXISTING students will have to sign a Student Assessment Declaration that includes a plagiarism clause and until they do, Assessment Cover Sheets will be required for that student. This process and links to the documents will be communicated out in a couple of weeks.
Thank you to everyone involved in making all of these projects and processes happen!
ACPET webinars and recordings
See the Schedule for upcoming Live sessions or visit our extensive webinar library of pre-recorded webinars.
Smart and Skilled 31
1. PRICE ADJUSTMENT FOR DIPLOMA OF NURSING (HLT54115 / HLT51612)
2. PLEASE SEND US YOUR STORIES
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