Apprenticeship Employment Network

AE News Volume 14, Issue 20

Friday, 28th May 2021
Hi Reader!

Upcoming Events

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21-22 June: Mid-Year Conference

COVID-19 Lockdown Announcement

New restrictions for Victoria

Victoria will move to circuit breaker restrictions from 11:59pm Thursday 27 May. At this stage, these settings will remain in place until 11:59pm on 3 June.

Regularly visit the DHHS website for specific details and updates on various industries and services at Coronavirus COVIDSafe Settings.

To access the full list of authorised providers and workers (industry roles permitted to continue to work) at Authorised Provider and Worker List.

To access the latest information on workplace restrictions please visit DHHS website at DHHS Conoravirus.

AEN Mid-Year Conference 2021 - Registrations Open

Mid-Year Conference 2021 Registrations Now Open
The AEN is excited to be holding this year's Mid-Year Conference in Geelong. Over one and half days, conference guests will hear from representatives of the Commonwealth and Victorian Government. The AEN will also provide an update on current projects and services. This year’s event promises to be jammed packed with a range of topics and updates.

When:
Monday 21 June 2021 - Tuesday 22 June 2021





Where;
Novotel Geelong
10-14 Eastern Beach Road, Geelong

Closing date for registrations is 11 June 2021

Registrations are open and tickets are available to purchase

Reconciliation Week: 27 May - 3 June

Reconciliation week
Reconciliation Australia’s theme for 2021, More than a word. Reconciliation takes action, urges the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action.

To new supporters, please remember the importance of privileging and amplifying First Nations’ voices as you add your voice to calls for reconciliation and justice.

Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.

2021 marks twenty years of Reconciliation Australia and almost three decades of Australia’s formal reconciliation process.

#MoreThanAWord #NRW2021

For further details please visit National Reconciliation Week.

New Rules to Allow Tradies to Work Across State Borders

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says small business tradespeople will be able to meet the demand for their skills wherever they are in Australia under new laws passed by the Senate.

The Australian Government’s Mutual Recognition Amendment Bill 2021, will make it easier for skilled workers to take up jobs across states and territories, without having to obtain a new licence for the same type of work in another jurisdiction.

Mr Billson says the reform will give thousands of small business tradespeople the flexibility to work in different areas of the country.

“This is a red tape buster that will help small business tradespeople who want to meet the demand for their skills across Australia,” Mr Billson says. "This reform offers small business employers the opportunity to secure skilled workers from interstate. It also means small business professionals such as architects and engineers can work more seamlessly across state borders. My office has worked closely with the Australian Government’s Deregulation Taskforce to achieve this important reform. It is an excellent outcome for the small business tradespeople that will directly benefit from these changes."

Mr Billson further added, “Importantly, while allowing freedom of movement across states and territories, the scheme also includes safeguards to maintain standards and protect consumers and workers. We welcome the Australian Government’s $11 million Budget commitment to implementing the scheme, which will be used in part to improve information exchanged between jurisdictions.”

Further supporting legislation by the states and territories is expected to enable commencement of this scheme from 1 July 2021.

Retrenched Apprentices and Trainees Program

Retrenched Apprentices and Trainees Program Banner
Retrenched Apprentices and Trainees Program
This program has now supported over 780 participants since May 2020, and almost 300 apprentices and trainees have commenced with a new employer.

Currently, there are almost 90 participants on our active caseload.
Top 6 Occupations


  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Carpentry
  • Hair & Beauty
  • Chefs
  • General Mechanic
For Individuals

Apprentices and trainees who have lost employment are encouraged to register.

Once on the register, apprentices and trainees will be assisted by one of our program officers until placed with a host employer through a Group Training Organisation (GTO), or directly with an employer, whilst also directing you to the most appropriate advice and assistance while you remain out of employment.
If you have an apprenticeship or traineeship position you would like to fill, please contact the AEN Office so we can forward potential candidates that meet your criteria.

For further information or to register for the program please visit Apprenticeship Employment Network.

Victorian Training Awards - Nominations Closing 4 June

VTA closing soon
Nominations for the 2021 Victorian Training Awards will be closing soon on Friday 4 June.

FREE Writing Assistance
To get the most out of your application, you can send a draft document to be reviewed by a professional writer, who can contact you by phone to walk through your application before submitting it. Send DET an email for more information.

Give yourself enough time to gather relevant criteria responses and save yourself the stress of submitting in the last days before applications close.

The Gala
In 2021, we'll be able to celebrate the best of Victoria's TAFE and training sector in person! The physical gala will take place in Melbourne at the end of August.

Not sure which award(s) to nominate for?
There is a category for almost everyone involved in the training sector. Check them out here and begin your nomination.

Are you a Group Training Organisation?
GTOs can apply in the training provider categories, OR they can submit a joint application into one of the employer categories.

For employer categories, joint applications will be accepted from:
  • A Group Training Organisation that partners with a Host Employer; or
  • A Host Employer that partners with a Group Training Organisation.

DET are here to help
If you have any questions about nominating, don't hesitate to send DET an email and they'll be more than happy to assist!

Don’t delay, nominate today!

For more information, visit: Victorian Training Awards.
Victorian Training Awards Footer

Webinar: How Digital Skills Relate to Australian Apprenticeships

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Digital skills are a vital and growing area of interest within the Australian skills landscape. The majority of workforce roles now require generic digital skills, and there are increasing needs to technical digital skills.


Join the AATIS expert panellists who will discuss:
  • The types of digital skills needed in Australia;
  • How the Australian VET system can deliver these skills; and
  • Initiatives targeting the digital workforce.
A facilitated discussion will follow about the role that Australian Apprenticeships have in delivering the digital workforce of the future.

Date: Tuesday 29 June 2021
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST

To register for this free webinar, please visit Register AATIS webinar.

Local Jobs Program Update

Local Jobs Program – Expansion and Extension
As announced in 2021-22 Federal Budget, the Local Jobs Program is being expanded to 51 Employment Regions effective 1 July 2021, and extended out to 30 June 2025. This is an exciting development and illustrates the significant value that the Government places on the program, supporting Australian’s recovery from COVID-19 and getting people back into jobs. The expansion now establishes the Local Jobs Program as a $213.5 million Australian Government initiative and positions the program as a key part of the Government’s strategy to drive down the unemployment rate and as a mechanism to resolve current and emerging workforce issues. Further details on the expansion can be found in the Budget Papers: Getting Vulnerable Australians Back into Work — additional support for job seekers measure.

Local Recovery Fund Project – The Magpie Next Generation Project
Asuria People Services, in partnership with Job Prospects, have been awarded the first Local Recovery Fund contact for the Inner Metro Melbourne Region. The project will involve the creation of development pathways for 100 participants leading to job placements for at least 60 participants with ongoing support after commencing employment. The Magpie Next Generation Project draws on the Collingwood Football Club and a range of additional partners, leveraging established stakeholder networks to engage employers and connect participants with job opportunities. Delivery components include pre-employment foundation skills training, facilitated access to work experience placements and industry skills training, with incorporated mentoring and wrap-around supports. We will continue to bring you updates on the project as it rolls out across the region.

Free webinar for Job Seekers – Getting Employed in 2021
The William Angliss Skills and Jobs Centre is hosting an online workshop on 4 June 2021 for job seekers. The workshop will provide participants with updated information on current job growth areas in Victoria, skills to find jobs in growth areas using job search platforms, as well as how to prepare a strong resume and cover letter. The event will be held online and is free for all job seekers Angliss: Getting Employed in 2021.

Go Girls Work Ready Program 2021
The Go Girls Work Ready program assists women to become work ready and invites women from diverse backgrounds to participate in a five-month program. The program is a combination of employment skills and positive psychology and is delivered by a team of qualified psychologists and facilitators. The focus on personal development enables the women to overcome obstacles that traditionally get in the way of successfully becoming employed. There are a total of 8 one-day workshops and a 3-day, 2-night life planning retreat. The program commences in July and runs through to November. The program is fully funded so participation is free of charge to women who are enrolled in the program. It is open to women of all backgrounds, all ages, women experiencing difficulty, women who are long-term unemployed, woman who have experienced domestic violence and women from migrant backgrounds. An information session will be held on Thursday 10 June at 10am. The location is Mercy Hub, 607 Nicholson Street Carlton North. To register your attendance, please call Rita on 0413 810 700.

Winter Scarf 21 – Trainee Applications Now Open
Scarf is now accepting applications for their Winter Scarf '21 program that will run at Stomping Ground Beer Hall, 100 Gipps Street, Collingwood. This is a great opportunity for young people (18 - 28 years) from protection seeking / refugee or migrant backgrounds to gain industry-focused training, mentoring and paid work experience in Melbourne hospitality whilst building their job-readiness through practical, fun and informative workshops. More information can be found at Seasonal Scarf Program.

Victorian Youth Week 26 June - 2 July

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The Victorian Government is backing young Victorians with funding for dozens of events during next month’s Victorian Youth Week.

Minister for Youth, Ros Spence, this week announced funding to support 97 Youth Week events and projects across the state from 26 June to 2 July. Youth Week celebrates the contributions, achievements and diverse experiences of Victorians aged between 12 and 25.

To find out more about local events please visit Victorian Youth Week.

WorkSafe Victoria - Dangerous Goods Regulations Strengthened

Duty holders storing or handling hazardous material above certain quantities will have to follow strict new reporting requirements following amendments to dangerous goods regulations.

From 1 July, the Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2012 will require all duty holders occupying premises with prescribed quantities of dangerous goods to notify WorkSafe at least every two years. Previously, notification was required every five years.

If there are significant changes, as prescribed in the Regulations, to a site where dangerous goods are stored and handled, an additional notification will also be required within three business days of the change occurring.

Prescribed changes include a significant change in the quantity or type of dangerous goods, changed ownership or control of the dangerous goods, and other prescribed changes that significantly alter the risk profile of the site.

The amendments will ensure information reported to WorkSafe about dangerous goods storage is never more than two years old and will provide more relevant information to WorkSafe to inform a risk-based approach to regulatory oversight of premises where dangerous goods are stored in significant quantities.

Existing duty holders will have six months from 1 July to submit a notification to WorkSafe that complies with the amended regulations, unless a prescribed change occurs within that period, in which case duty holders must notify WorkSafe within three business days.

An online notification form has been developed to assist duty holders and replace the digital and paper forms previously used.

For further information please visit Dangerous Goods Regulations Strengthened.

ILO Evaluation Tool for the Review of a Country’s Apprenticeship Policy and System

The ILO Evaluation Tool provides the framework for an analysis of the characteristics and performance of a country’s apprenticeship policy and system, which can then be benchmarked against international good practices. The Evaluation Tool makes it possible for policy-makers and social partners to review, reform and modernize apprenticeships. The tool serves three purposes:

1. Comprehensive evaluation tool

2. Rapid self-assessment tool

3. Tool for understanding policy environment

For further details please visit ILO Evaluation Tool.

Australian Training Awards - 18 November 2021

The Australian Training Awards (the Awards) recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements in the vocational education and training sector.

The Awards are held annually in November in a different state or territory. The 2021 the Awards will be held in Perth on Thursday, 18 November 2021.

Sixteen Awards categories will be presented at the Awards in Perth—eight categories are individual achievements and eight for businesses and registered training organisations.

Eleven awards are entered to the Awards through the state and territory training awards process with winners from each state and territory becoming eligible to compete at the national level in aligned categories. Other awards are entered directly to Awards.

For further details please visit Australian Training Award categories.
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