Apprenticeship Employment Network

AE News Volume 13, Issue 10

Thursday, 2nd April 2020
Hi Reader!

Upcoming Events

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7 April - OHS Network Meeting (Virtual)



Commonwealth JobKeeper Payment

Under the JobKeeper Payment, businesses impacted by the Coronavirus will be able to access a subsidy from the Government to continue paying their employees. Affected employers will be able to claim a fortnightly payment of $1,500 per eligible employee from 30 March 2020, for a maximum period of 6 months.

Employers will be eligible for the subsidy if:
  • their business has a turnover of less than $1 billion and their turnover will be reduced by more than 30 per cent relative to a comparable period a year ago (of at least a month); or
  • their business has a turnover of $1 billion or more and their turnover will be reduced by more than 50 per cent relative to a comparable period a year ago (of at least a month); and
  • the business is not subject to the Major Bank Levy.
The employer must have been in an employment relationship with eligible employees as at 1 March 2020, and confirm that each eligible employee is currently engaged in order to receive JobKeeper Payments. Not-for-profit entities (including charities) and self-employed individuals (businesses without employees) that meet the turnover tests that apply for businesses are eligible to apply for JobKeeper payments.

Initially, employers can register their interest in applying for the JobKeeper payment via the ATO website from 30 March 2020. Subsequently, eligible employers will be able to apply for the scheme by means of an online application. The first payment will be received by employers from the ATO in the first week of May.

Eligible employers will need to identify eligible employees for JobKeeper payments and must provide monthly updates to the ATO. Participating employers will be required to ensure eligible employees will receive, at a minimum, $1,500 per fortnight, before tax. It will be up to the employer if they want to pay superannuation on any additional wage paid because of the JobKeeper payment.

Further details for businesses for employees will be provided on the ATO website.

For further information and to access program guidelines and fact sheets on all the Commonwealth assistance packages please visit the Treasury website.

Victorian Department of Education and Training COVID-19 Update

The Victorian Department of Education and Training website has a section set up on the COVID-19 and provides regular updates for training providers and students.

All TAFEs and training organisations are encouraged to increase their ability to deliver training remotely or online where possible.

For further information please visit here Department of Education and Training.

Nominations for the 66th Victorian Training Awards are Now Open!

The Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education, the Hon. Gayle Tierney MP has previously announced the opening of the 66th Victorian Training Awards.

As a key stakeholder in Victoria’s TAFE and training sector you will be aware of the Awards’ long and proud tradition of promoting innovation and excellence across the TAFE and training sector.

Growing from their inception as Apprenticeship Week in the 1950s, the Victorian Training Awards are now the premier event on the state’s vocational education and training calendar, offering a total prize pool of more than $80,000.

Last year’s Awards celebrated and recognised the achievements of many outstanding organisations and individuals, with several winners going on to achieve national success at the Australian Training Awards.

Could this be you in 2020?

Nominations for this year’s awards are now being sought from individual students and teachers, training organisations and employers. Award winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on 18 September and will receive $5,000 in prize money and a trophy.

Winners will also have the opportunity to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards in Melbourne in November.

We encourage you to take the opportunity to have your achievements recognised by nominating for an award. You too could be rewarded with the exposure that comes with winning such a prestigious award and the subsequent heightened profile and market leadership.

You may also nominate an exceptional staff member, colleague or student who you think is deserving of recognition.

If you require assistance with your nomination, the awards team can put you in touch with a writer to review your application and make sure it is of the highest quality.

Entries close at midnight on Friday 5 June, so don’t delay – start your nomination today!

For more information, visit the Victorian Training Awards.

Worldskills National Competition Moved to 2021

We have some great news – the WorldSkills National Championships & Skills Show 2020 will still be going ahead – it will just be moved to 2021!

In light of restrictions now in place in response to coronavirus (COVID-19), the decision has been made to postpone the WorldSkills Australia National Championships & Skills Show 2020 proudly funded by the Government of Western Australia.

Get ready to still support young Australians in Perth from Thursday 29 April – Saturday 01 May 2021, with the Closing Ceremony held on the evening of Sunday 02 May 2021.

Alternative event dates have been secured with the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre and we cannot wait to see all the excitement and exhilarating competition of the WorldSkills Australia National Championships in Perth in 2021.

Further international competitors will now be invited to compete to assist with the final selection process for the 2021 Skillaroos where they will represent Australia at the upcoming 46th WorldSkills International Championships.

2021 KEY DATES


28 April – Familiarisation & Opening Ceremony
29 April – 1 May – Competition Dates
2 May – Closing Ceremony

We understand that this decision will be disappointing for some of the partners, but also know that this decision is in the best interests of everyone involved in the event and the organisers appreciate the understanding and support of the generous WorldSkills community at this time.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to get in touch, otherwise you can find the answers to frequently asked questions in the FAQ.

Macklin Victorian VET Review - Issues Paper Released

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The Victorian Government has commissioned an independent review into Victoria’s post-secondary education and training system.

The review is focused on developing a system that meets the needs of the economy, students and the broader community.

Every Victorian has a stake in the future of post-secondary education and training, and we want every Victorian to have the opportunity to have a say in designing that system.
This includes students, parents, employers, unions, teachers, training providers and community organisations. Everyone has a valuable perspective to offer in shaping a world-class system.

There are three easy ways for you to have your say:
  • Complete an online survey
  • Attend a community event
  • Upload a submission.
The Review will deliver its final report and recommendations to the Minister for Training and Skills and the Minister for Higher Education by October 2020.

AEN will be canvasing members and other VET stakeholders for input with a specific GTO response over the coming months.

For further information and to access the issues paper please visit the Engage Victoria website.

Victorian Opposition - Appoint New Shadow Minister for Training and Skills

With the recent retirement of Hon. Mary Woolridge the Victorian Opposition announced Hon. Gordon Rich-Phillips as the shadow minister for Training and Skills.

Gordon Rich-Phillips is a member for the South Eastern Metropolitan Region.

Gordon was first elected to the Victorian Parliament as the member for Eumemmerring Province in 1999. At the 2006 state election, he was elected to the new seat of South Eastern Metropolitan Region, and was re-elected in 2010 and 2014.
Hon. Gordon Rich-Phillips
Gordon was first elected to the Victorian Parliament as the member for Eumemmerring Province in 1999. At the 2006 state election, he was elected to the new seat of South Eastern Metropolitan Region, and was re-elected in 2010 and 2014.

Prior to entering parliament, with qualifications in economics and accounting, Gordon worked in economic consulting and attracting investment to Victoria. Gordon also holds a commercial pilot’s licence.

Gordon is passionate about ensuring that the people of the South East enjoy all the benefits, and share in the opportunities that are available in Victoria in the 21st century.

In 2002 Gordon became the Liberal Spokesman for Sport & Recreation and Commonwealth Games. Between 2003 and 2005 he was Spokesman for Manufacturing & Export and in 2005 Gordon was elevated to the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Minister for Finance & TAC.
Gordon was also the Assistant Shadow Treasurer (including TAC & WorkCover) and the Shadow Minister for Community Development, Information Technology, the Aviation Industry and Federal/State Relations.

In 2010 Gordon was appointed to the Cabinet and served as Assistant Treasurer, the Minister for Technology and Minister responsible for the Aviation Industry. He is now Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party in the Legislative Council.

Gordon now holds a number of shadow portfolios:
  • Shadow Minister for Aviation
  • Shadow Minister for Innovation, Jobs and Trade
  • Shadow Minister for Training and Skills
  • Shadow Minister for Higher Education
We look forward to working with Gordon over the coming months.

For further information please visit Gordon Rich-Phillips' website or see the full list of parliamentary members at the Parliament of Victoria.

National Careers Institute Partnership Grants Program

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

About the Partnership Grants program

The 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 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 will 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.

To apply or get further information visit the NCI Partnership Grants website.

After the ATAR - New Report Released

The ATAR III report focuses on the state of passion and purpose in Australian classrooms and was released late last week.

The paper uses data from responses of nearly 5,000 young people across three national surveys between May 2019 and December 2019.

The report examines how passion and purpose can be the key to solving many of society’s biggest and costliest problems from unemployment to mental health. It shows how vital the school system is for solving many of Australia’s most pressing issues and is a reminder that we all have something invested in helping young people find their best possible future.

The report covers
  • The factors that support or act as barriers to youth pursuing their passions
  • How passion affects young people’s mental health and their resilience to life’s challenges
  • The role of teachers in fostering passion and purpose within their students
  • The social and economic benefits of young people being passionate about their work and the costs of when they’re not
For further information and to access this free report please visit Youth Sense.

Upcoming Public Holidays

Fri 10 April Good Friday

Sat 11 April Saturday before Easter Sunday

Sun 12 April Easter Sunday

Mon 13 April Easter Monday

Sat 25 April Anzac Day
Holiday

Daylight Savings Ends This Sunday 5 April

Daylight savings ends this Sunday 5 April.

Remember to move your clock backward one hour at 3am.

Daylight savings will start again on Sunday 4 October 2020.

For further information please visit Business Victoria.
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Do you want to be kept up to date with everything that’s happening with GAN Australia and the wider VET sector?

Head on over to GAN Australia and subscribe now.

Bunnings Apprentice Trade PowerPass

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Don't miss a world of opportunities! As a Bunnings PowerPass Apprentice member, you can benefit from a huge range of exclusive deals.
  • ABN free applications for trade-related apprentices
  • Access to PowerPass prices and offers on a wide range of trade products
  • Invitations to exclusive trade events
  • Offers tailored to apprentice’s needs
  • Bunnings Trade merchandise
How do you Sign up for a Bunnings PowerPass Apprentice Membership?
  • Apply for PowerPass on the website
  • Fill in the details and submit
What to do, once you've signed up
The first thing to know is that there is no plastic card issued for a Bunning’s PowerPass member. Your membership is always with you, as the ID card lives on your phone.
  1. After you've filled in the application and it’s been processed you will receive an email asking you to confirm your email address, so it’s imperative that we get your email address right.
  2. After we have verified your email address, you will receive a new email with your CARD NUMBER and a link to download the Bunnings PowerPass App for your phone.
  3. Load the App, enter your card number and you’re good to go.
For further information and details please visit Bunnings Trade PowerPass.

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