Apprenticeship Employment Network

AE News Volume 13, Issue 27

Friday, 31st July 2020
Hi Reader!

Upcoming Events

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12 Aug
QA Standards Network Meeting

24-28 Aug
AEN Industry Update Series

Retrenched Apprentices and Trainees Program

Retrenched Apprentices and Trainees Program Banner
Retrenched Apprentices and Trainees Program
Now into its tenth week, the Retrenched Apprentices and Trainees Program has received over 250 registrations from apprentices and trainees who have been affected by the current economic crisis.

The top 3 sectors represented are:
  1. Building and Construction
  2. Electrical, Electronics and Utilities
  3. Automotive and Boating
The top 3 occupations are the:
  1. Electrical Trades
  2. Plumbing and Roofing
  3. Carpentry, Joinery and Cabinetmaking
First year apprentices make up over 45 percent of those seeking assistance and while regional Victoria has been affected slightly, the vast majority of participants are located in the Metro Melbourne area.

We have also seen employer confidence in the economy boost with more job vacancies being listed on last month. The register currently has almost 570 job vacancies listed.

The program aims to assist apprentices and trainees who have lost their employment complete their training.

For Individuals

Apprentices and trainees who have lost their 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.

Program officers will also help direct you to the most appropriate advice and assistance while you remain out of employment.


For Employers

Employers who have job vacancies for apprentices or trainees can submit them on the vacancy register.

Our program officers will match your vacancy with suitable candidates for you to interview.

Employers may also be eligible for Australian Government incentives.


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

Tighter COVID-19 Restrictions

On Thursday morning the State Premiere made an announcement that all of Victoria will be required to wear face masks/coverings as of Sunday 2 August at 11:59pm.

Further restrictions have also been applied to the regional areas of Colac-Otway, Greater Geelong, Surf Coast, Moorabool, Golden Plains, and the Borough of Queenscliffe - people in these regions will no longer be able to visit people or have visitors at home from 11:59pm Thursday 30 June.

Independent Assessment of Apprentices & Trainees

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Employers Must Notify WorkSafe of COVID-19 Cases

Employers are now required to notify WorkSafe immediately when they become aware a worker has received a confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnosis.

The new Regulations, made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, will assist WorkSafe to reduce the risks to health and safety in the workplace arising from coronavirus (COVID-19).

Timely notification of potential workplace transmission of coronavirus (COVID 19) is critical for effective management of related health and safety risks and the prompt investigation of potential breaches of employer duties.

Employers are required to notify WorkSafe immediately on becoming aware that an employee or an independent contractor or a contractor's employee has received a confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnosis and has attended the workplace during the infectious period.

Self-employed persons are also required to directly inform WorkSafe immediately on receiving a confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnosis if they have attended the workplace during the infectious period.

The infectious period begins on the date 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms or a confirmed diagnosis (whichever comes first), until the day on which the person receives a clearance from isolation from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Failing to notify WorkSafe under section 38 of the OHS Act can lead to fines of up to $39,652 (240 penalty units) for an individual or $198,264 (1200 penalty units) for a body corporate.

The new Regulations came into force on the 28 July 2020 and will remain in place for 12 months.

To notify WorkSafe of a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnosis, employers or self-employed persons should call the WorkSafe advisory service on 13 23 60.

Worksafe Victoria Guidelines on Face Masks

Identifying and Controlling Risks

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act), employers must provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risks to health, by implementing suitable control measures so far as is reasonably practicable.

This can be achieved by applying the hierarchy of controls. The most effective control measures to reduce transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) are to:
  • physically isolate, for example by working from home where it is reasonably practicable
  • maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres
  • practice good hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly and regularly
  • cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow
  • maintain a thorough routine of cleaning and disinfection
  • If working within a Restricted Area, wear a suitable face mask, face covering, shield or barrier. If working outside a restricted area, wear a face covering in situations where physical distancing may not be possible
The Chief Health Officer has directed that employers must take reasonable steps to ensure that employees wear a face covering at all times when working at the employer's premises.

Where the work or task requires the use of specific types of face coverings in the workplace, these must be provided by the employer.

Where an employee seeks to provide and use their own face covering at work, an employer must ensure that it is meeting its obligations under the OHS Act which includes, so far as is reasonably practicable, providing and maintaining a working environment that is safe and without risks to health.

This includes undertaking a risk assessment, ensuring that the face covering is safe and suitable for the workplace and work activities being performed, providing policies and procedures in relation to the use of face coverings in the workplace and that the employee or independent contractor has received information, instruction and training in the safe use of face masks within the workplace.

For further details please visit Worksafe Victoria.

AEN Video Conference Week - 24-28 August

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During National Skills Week (21-28 August), the AEN will host a series of free video conference presentations and interactive workshops to provide VET updates to our member network.

The AEN has scheduled 10 speakers from State and Federal Government and other industry stakeholders to provide updates via video conference.
Monday 24 August

10.00am - 11.30am







1.00pm - 2.00pm




Tuesday 25 August

10.00am - 11.00am




Wednesday 26 August

10.00am - 11.00am



1.00pm - 2.00pm




Thursday 27 August

10.00am - 11.00am





1.00pm - 2.00pm




Friday 28 August

10.00am - 11.00am


Carl Walsh - Manager, Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Engagement Participation & Inclusion Division - HESG
Department of Education and Training Victoria

Simon Smith & Diana McGowan
VRQA

Gary Workman - Executive Director
Apprenticeship Employment Network
AEN Industry Update (Including OH&S update)




Linda White - Assistant Secretary
Workforce and Apprenticeships Industry Branch
Australian Govt Department of Education, Skills and Employment



Peta Skujins - Director
AATIS

Gina Chinnery
Orygen
(Youth Mental Health in a COVID-19 Environment)





Grant Lovelock - Assistant Secretary
Tiffany Blight - Executive Director
National Careers Institute
Department of Education, Skills & Employment

Janet Nicholson
Worksight
(IR / Awards Update)





Prof. John Buchanan
Dr. Lisa Fowkes
(The impacts of COVID-19 and a way forward)
Registrations are now open.

Looking To The Future - Report of the Review of Senior Secondary Pathways

Looking to the Future
Recently the Commonwealth Government released the Looking to the Future - report of the review into senior secondary pathways into work, further education and training.

The report makes 20 recommendations and highlights a number of existing best practices and case studies.


Climbing the Jobs Ladder Slower: Young People in a Weak Labour Market

The productivity commission this week released a report on the trends facing young people entering the jobs market.

The 2008 Global Financial Crisis and the end of the mining boom marked a downturn in the Australian labour market. While past downturns were marked by high unemployment, the unemployment rate recovered quickly and remained low until the COVID-19 crisis in 2020.

Instead, the weak labour market post-2008 was reflected in slow wage rate growth and in job seekers finding part-time work or work in less attractive occupations.

These two trends were particularly noticeable for people aged 15-34 (young people). Workers aged 20-34 experienced nearly zero growth in real wage rates from 2008 to 2018, and workers aged 15-24 experienced a large decline in full-time work and an increase in part-time work.

Young people suffer more in a weak labour market and have been struggling to find employment in their desired occupation, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, and this could have a long-term effect on their career, according to a report released today by the Productivity Commission.

‘We have seen substantial increases in university graduates in Australia over the last ten years or so. Unfortunately, for many graduates that has just meant more competition to enter their chosen profession,’ Commissioner Catherine de Fontenay said.

The Productivity Commission working paper Climbing the jobs ladder slower: Young people in a weak labour market explores the consequences for young people of a weak job market and large increases in the number of university graduates since 2010

To access the full reports please visit https://www.pc.gov.au/research/supporting/jobs-ladder

Victorian Training Awards - Download the APP

Victorian Training Awards
Download the app to stay informed about key activities in the program, including the judging process, announcement of finalists, gala schedule, voting dates for the People’s Choice Award, and much more.

You can also read about the VTA’s history and success stories of past winners and finalists.

Follow these easy steps to download the app:
Key upcoming dates
  • 22 July-15 August: Shortlisting
  • 17 August: All nominees notified
  • 17-28 August: Finalist interviews
For further information please visit Victorian State Government - Victorian Training Awards.

One-Stop Shop For New Major Projects Portal

The Victorian Government has launched a new online portal to help the construction sector find more opportunities to be part of major project delivery across Victoria.

The online Victorian Major Projects Pipeline was launched last week as a ‘one-stop shop’ for businesses, suppliers and contractors so they can contribute to the projects that will transform our state over the next decade and beyond.

The Victorian Major Projects Pipeline highlights around 70 major projects, each with a value of $100 million and above, developed by the Office of Projects Victoria (OPV) alongside key project delivery agencies and contractors.

The Victorian Major Projects Pipeline will help business to assess what’s being delivered and when it’s being delivered so they can plan accordingly.

The online portal details estimated procurement and delivery timeframes to assist contractors and complements public information available on Victoria’s Big Build website.

Projects can be viewed by estimated value, region, project type and relevant delivery agency in an open invitation to the construction sector to get involved.

The portal will be updated quarterly as new major projects are announced and budgeted.

The OPV provides independent advice to improve project delivery and ensure the full benefits of the state’s investments are realised for all Victorians.

The Victorian Major Projects Pipeline can be viewed on the OPV website.

NDS - Ticket to Work Website

Ticket to Work is an initiative of National Disability Services (NDS) that works to improve employment opportunities and outcomes for young people with disability.

The initiative grew out of research that showed participation in work and career experience during secondary school are key indicators of post-school success for young people with disability.
NDS Ticket to Work
The initiative grew out of research that showed participation in work and career experience during secondary school are key indicators of post-school success for young people with disability.The initiative grew out of research that showed participation in work and career experience during secondary school are key indicators of post-school success for young people with disability.

Work is a fundamental part of adult life. It gives us a sense of purpose and a feeling of worth; shaping who we are and how we fit into our community. Because work is so essential, students with disability must not be deprived the opportunity to explore employment pathways in their transition to adulthood.

Ticket to Work does not provide direct services to young people with disability or their families.

We encourage people to use our website to learn more about evidence based practice in school to work transition.

If you are looking for direct support you may be able to get involved with one of the Ticket to Working networks running in your area.

NSW Victorian Border Permit

The NSW Government has provided assurances that permits or exemptions will continue to be available for emergency services, medical or hospital care, freight and commercial workers and agriculture, mining, construction, energy and manufacturing workers.

No permit or approval is required to enter Victoria from another state, and enforcement of the NSW border remains a matter for NSW police.

Information about permits and provisions for residents of NSW border regions under the new border conditions is available on the Service NSW website or via their information line on 13 77 88.
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Thanks to our Industry Partners

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