Apprenticeship Employment Network

AE News Volume 16, Issue 31

Friday, 8th September 2023

Upcoming Events

September
IR & FC Network Meeting
African Cultural Awareness & Recruitment
Business Writing for the Digitial Era

Nominations Close Tonight at 11.59PM Friday 8th September!!


Celebrate Excellence in Apprenticeship - Nominate Now for the 2023 Apprentice Training Awards!

The stage is set, and the spotlight is shining bright on Victoria's apprentices, trainees and group training organisations. It's time to applaud their hard work, dedication, and remarkable achievements as the 2023 Apprentice Training Awards, hosted by AEN and Global Apprenticeship Network (GAN) Australia, kick off.

These prestigious awards are all about recognising excellence in the group training sector and acknowledging the outstanding contributions of apprentices, trainees, GTO members, staff, and Industry Partners across Victoria.

By participating in the awards, you become part of a vibrant community that takes immense pride in nurturing high-quality skills and talent within various sectors.

Now's your chance to be a part of this celebration! Nominations are open from 4th August 2023 to 8th September 2023. Whether it's a colleague, a team, or even yourself, don't miss the opportunity to shine a light on those who have made a significant impact in the industry.

Mark your calendars for the key dates:
  • Nominations Close on 8th September 2023
  • Finalists will be announced on 9th October 2023
  • Awards Ceremony will take place on 22nd November 2023
Join us in honouring the future of skilled professionals, and let's make the 2023 Apprentice Training Awards an unforgettable showcase of talent and success.

Nominate now and be a part of this extraordinary celebration of excellence!
https://www.vrqa.vic.gov.au/news/Pages/News/article-372.aspx
Commencing on 11 September the VRQA will commence an awareness campaign titled BuildUp which will focus on female apprentices/ trainees working in the civil construction sector.

To ensure fair opportunities for all women apprentices, their employers must provide:
  • A safe workplace
  • Appropriate supervision
  • Access to the tools and equipment they need to learn the skills for their qualification.
If employers are not providing that, the VRQA can help.

The BuildUP campaign will offer a dedicated hotline and email service for women apprentices in building and construction, and anyone with concerns about them.

If you are a woman building or construction apprentice experiencing issues, the VRQA encourage you to speak up and seek support.

The hotline will be open for 2 months, a message can be left at any time, and you can remain anonymous.

During the BuildUP campaign, VRQA authorised officers will also be in the field checking in on every woman apprentice currently undertaking a Certificate III in Civil Construction in Victoria.

Actively protecting women apprentices in the industry discourages non-compliant behaviour from employers and enhances equity and representation.

More information, including the BuildUP hotline number, will be released on 11 September 2023.

For further details please visit, VRQA BulidUp Campaign.

R U OK? Day 2023

There's only 1 week until R U OK? Day, the National Day of Action on 14 September 2023.

R U OK are calling on all Australians to let the people they care about know they're here, to really hear them. Asking, 'are you OK?' is the first step, but we also need to genuinely listen to what comes next.

Worksafe Victoria – Health and Safety Month October 2023

From Warrnambool to Wodonga, WorkSafe will visit 17 locations across Victoria in October, giving employers and workers the opportunity to hear from health and safety experts, industry leaders and pioneers in workplace safety.

The free, expert-led safety events are tailored to suit the needs of each community, and registrations for all sessions are now open.

Mentally healthy workplaces, hazardous manual handling, helping newly arrived migrant workers understand their safety rights, and dealing with drugs and alcohol in the workplace are just some of the items on this year's agenda.

Breakfast or lunch will be provided at each event, as well as a Q&A session where participants can raise their queries or concerns around workplace health and safety.

Former Cats captain turned commentator Cameron Ling is on board again, hosting a Business Owner's Breakfast at Essendon Fields plus other events in Shepperton, Traralgon, Geelong, Pakenham and Bendigo.

The month will conclude with a week-long series of webinars, with Health and Safety Month Ambassador Sean Aherne taking to the virtual stage to lead insightful discussions on how to enhance health and safety in workplaces.

To view the list of WorkSafe Health & Safety Month Events and to register Please visit WorkSafe Vicotria.

Jobs and Skills Australia – New Jobs and Skills Atlas Open for Consultation.

Jobs and Skills Australia has developed a new tool. The Jobs and Skills Atlas enables users to explore – for the first time - combined labour market data at regional state and national levels, across occupations, skills and industries.

You can use Atlas to
  • View key indicators at regional level, including unemployment and participation rates, population and jobs vacancy data.
  • Discover which are the key industries for employment by region, compare region and view graph on how employment industries have changed over time.
  • Explore the most common occupations, demand for occupations, skills priority lists and much more.
The first beta release is now open for consultation and closes at 5:00 pm on Thursday 12 October 2023.

Three online information session will run during September to demonstrate the full range of data and features that Atlas provides, and to seek ideas for further development of the tool.

For further information please visit, Jobs and Skills.

Five New Appointments to VRQA Board

The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) board has welcomed five new people to its board, composed of a broad range of leaders from across education focused professions.

Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins this week announced the new board, made up of five returning members and four new members.

Tony Nippard, Judy Rose PSM, Julie Caldecott, Fran Reddan and Penny Hutchinson, the five existing board member appointments, will continue to bring their insights and experience from the industry.

Four new members being welcomed to the VRQA board will commence on 17 October Belinda Tynan, Mark Cameron, Geraldine Atkinson, Neil Pharaoh, with Tri Nguyen starting on 1 November.

The VRQA undertook a number of activities to attract candidates who are culturally and linguistically diverse, young, LGBTIQ+ individuals, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and people living in rural and regional communities.

The Victorian Government would also like to thank members Stephen Elder OAM and Jim Williamson for their long-standing service and contributions, as they depart the VRQA Board.

Global Apprenticeship Network (GAN) Welcomes Kathryn Rowan as New Executive Director

GAN Global is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kathryn Rowan as its new Executive Director.

Ms. Rowan, a seasoned leader with an exceptional background in human resources and corporate social responsibility, brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as Vice President of Human Resources, Zone Latin America, and Global Youth Lead at Nestlé.

As GAN continues to champion the importance of apprenticeships and work-based learning worldwide, the organization is confident that Kathryn Rowan’s vision, expertise, and dedication will steer GAN into an even brighter future.

“I am thrilled to join the Global Apprenticeship Network as its new Executive Director,” said Ms. Rowan. I look forward to building on the legacy of the GAN’s previous ED, Nazrene Mannie, whose impact will no doubt resonate for many years to come.’’

IR & FC Network Meeting

Janet Nicolson from WorkSight will be presenting, the session will cover the following topics:
The Fair Work Act has been the subject of a great deal of attention since the election of the Albanese Government in terms of both changes that have occurred to date and proposals for further change in the latter part of 2023.

This workshop will provide an update on the responsibilities of employers arising from changes and how future proposals might affect the group training and labour hire sector.

Date: Tuesday 12th September 2023
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Delivery: In Person

African Cultural Awareness & Recruitment

Participants will gain an understanding of African beliefs, values, work/family values and how to work with African communities.

Gain insight into the importance of cultural inclusion throughout the recruitment process along with strategies to develop, retain and support African apprentices/trainees.

Date: Tuesday 26th September 2023
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Delivery: In Person

Business Writing for the Digital Era

Writing proper business-related documents in today’s workplace requires a solid understanding of the fundamentals behind how specific documents should be approached, designed and edited. Written communications in the workplace should be concise, yet thorough and well laid out.

Technology enabled communications (emails and texts) should also be well thought out and designed to get the correct message across, while avoiding any potential misinterpretation.

Date: Wednesday 3rd October 2023
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Delivery: In Person

Registrations:
For information about these PD Session's and to register, please go to AEN Events Calendar
and select the event. All prices include GST.

AEN Members:
Please login to the members area prior to purchasing tickets to access the members rate or to RSVP for a free event.

AEN & GAN Australia – Apprentice Exchange Program

The Global Apprenticeship Network Australia with support from GAN New Zealand, EJTC Canada and GTEXpro are offering current Australian 2nd, 3rd and 4th year apprentices over the age of 18 the opportunity to participate in a 4-week exchange program to Canada, New Zealand or Switzerland to broaden your trade knowledge, skills and experience.

Apprentice Exchange Program is a life-changing international experience that can take your career to new heights!

This unique program offers the chance to learn new skills and gain invaluable real-world experience through international trade training schools and workplaces.

By participating in this program, you’ll have the opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, explore new subjects, and deepen your understanding of familiar skills.

This experience will give you a competitive edge in your future career and help you make lifelong connections with fellow apprentices from around the world.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to broaden your horizons and achieve your dreams. Apply now for the Apprentice Exchange Program.

Congratulations to the Winners of the 2023 Victorian Training Awards

The Victorian Training Awards, hosted by the Victorian Skills Authority, recognise Victoria’s best trainers, employers, apprentices, students and teachers in the Victorian TAFE and training sector.

The 69th edition of the awards were held in August, and what a fabulous night it was. This year saw record number of participation, with the popular People’s Choice Awards receiving almost 13,500 votes!

Here are some of the award winners.

Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Westvic Staffing Solutions
WINNER: Leela Subramaniam

Leela’s cookery career began with a part-time job in hospitality while undertaking a Bachelor of Law and Commerce. After a family tragedy, Leela withdrew from her degree to start a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Chisholm. On completing her apprenticeship in 2022, she was promoted to junior sous chef. Leela now helps run the kitchen and leads a team of 8 during busy shifts, ensuring that each meal exiting the kitchen is perfect.

The Apprentice of the Year People’s Choice Award sponsored by Apprenticeships Victoria
WINNER: Hannah Grau

Hannah completed a Certificate III in Electrotechnology through NECA Education and Careers.
Hannah had a desire to pursue a trade as she wanted a job where she could say, I helped build that. Construction has always piqued her interest and she now works on the Metro Tunnel Project.

Lynne Kosky Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement
RECIPIENT: The late Professor Peter Noonan

This honour, presented by the Minister for Training and Skills the Hon. Gayle Tierney, recognises outstanding leadership and 15+ years’ contribution to the Victorian TAFE and training sector.

Peter was deeply committed to the field and dedicated his professional life to building better education and training in Australia. He was a member of the 2008 Bradley Review of Higher Education, and a key architect in the 2010 Gonski Review of Government School Funding.

Employer Award for Apprenticeship Development
WINNER: New Plumbing Solutions

New Plumbing Solutions (NPS) provides trainees with every opportunity to grow from apprenticeship to leadership.

To bolster the skills learnt at trade school, NPS established a dedicated training area at their head office that fosters apprentice mastery and confidence in their techniques so they can rectify issues that may arise, before practicing on a customer’s property.

Other winners from across metropolitan and regional Victoria included:

Small Employer of the Year: Beaufort and Skipton Health Service


Large Employer of the Year: Jayco

Community Training Provider of the Year: VACCHO

Inclusive Training Provider of the Year: Melbourne Polytechnic

Small Training Provider of the Year: Elly Lukas Beauty Therapy College

Large Training Provider of the Year: TAFE Gippsland

Industry Collaboration Award: The Women in Apprenticeship Victoria Electrical (WAVE)

Best wishes to all the winners progressing to compete in the Australian Training Awards in November 2023.

The Victorian Skills Authority is an Administrative Office of our department.

They provide evidence-based planning and solutions to meet current and future skills needs in the state and ensuring Victorians can access the quality vocational education they need to hold a good job and build a career.

Congratulations to the Winners of the 2023 Victorian Training Awards

The Victorian Training Awards, hosted by the Victorian Skills Authority, recognise Victoria’s best trainers, employers, apprentices, students and teachers in the Victorian TAFE and training sector.

The 69th edition of the awards were held in August, and what a fabulous night it was. This year saw record number of participation, with the popular People’s Choice Awards receiving almost 13,500 votes!

Here are some of the award winners.

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Westvic Staffing Solutions: Leela Subramaniam
Leela’s cookery career began with a part-time job in hospitality while undertaking a Bachelor of Law and Commerce. After a family tragedy, Leela withdrew from her degree to start a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Chisholm. On completing her apprenticeship in 2022, she was promoted to junior sous chef. Leela now helps run the kitchen and leads a team of 8 during busy shifts, ensuring that each meal exiting the kitchen is perfect.

The Apprentice of the Year People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Apprenticeships Victoria: Hannah Grau
Hannah completed a Certificate III in Electrotechnology through NECA Education and Careers.
Hannah had a desire to pursue a trade as she wanted a job where she could say, I helped build that. Construction has always piqued her interest and she now works on the Metro Tunnel Project.

Lynne Kosky Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement: the late Professor Peter Noonan
This honour, presented by the Minister for Training and Skills the Hon. Gayle Tierney, recognises outstanding leadership and 15+ years’ contribution to the Victorian TAFE and training sector.

Peter was deeply committed to the field and dedicated his professional life to building better education and training in Australia. He was a member of the 2008 Bradley Review of Higher Education, and a key architect in the 2010 Gonski Review of Government School Funding.

Employer Award for Apprenticeship Development: New Plumbing Solutions
New Plumbing Solutions (NPS) provides trainees with every opportunity to grow from apprenticeship to leadership.

To bolster the skills learnt at trade school, NPS established a dedicated training area at their head office that fosters apprentice mastery and confidence in their techniques so they can rectify issues that may arise, before practicing on a customer’s property.

Other winners from across metropolitan and regional Victoria included

Small Employer of the Year: Beaufort and Skipton Health Service


Large Employer of the Year: Jayco

Community Training Provider of the Year: VACCHO

Inclusive Training Provider of the Year: Melbourne Polytechnic

Small Training Provider of the Year: Elly Lukas Beauty Therapy College

Large Training Provider of the Year: TAFE Gippsland

Industry Collaboration Award: The Women in Apprenticeship Victoria Electrical (WAVE)

Best wishes to all the winners progressing to compete in the Australian Training Awards in November 2023.

The Victorian Skills Authority is an Administrative Office of our department. They provide evidence-based planning and solutions to meet current and future skills needs in the state and ensuring Victorians can access the quality vocational education they need to hold a good job and build a career.

For further information, please visit Victorian Training Awards Winners.
Completion and attrition rates for apprentices and trainees 2022

This report presents the latest and projected contract and individual completion and attrition rates for apprentices and trainees.

The latest report released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) this week has found that individual completion rates for apprentices and trainees who commenced training in 2018 decreased to 55.8%, down 0.8 percentage points compared with those commencing in 2017.

VET qualification completion rates
The latest data from NCVER shows that there has been an increase in vocational education and training (VET) qualification completion rates.

VET qualification completion rates 2022 has found that the completion rate for students who commenced training in 2018 is 47.6%, 1.5% higher than the completion rate for those who commenced training in 2017.

By level of education, the highest qualification completion rate was for diplomas or higher qualifications (56.7%), and certificate I qualifications had the highest increase in completion rates when compared to 2017 training commencements.

Between 2019 and 2022, for subjects undertaken in training package qualifications the subject load pass rate declined by 3%, which may be related to a rise in online course delivery.
Retrenched Apprentices and Trainees Program Logo
Since the program commenced in May 2020, a total of 1,106 participants have been supported to date.
  • 84% Male
  • 16% Female
For Individuals
Apprentices and trainees who have lost employment are encouraged to register.

Once registered, 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.
For Businesses
If you have an apprenticeship 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.
Head on over to GAN Australia and subscribe to the newsletter to be kept up to date with everything that’s happening with GAN Australia and the wider VET sector?
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Thanks to our Industry Partners

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