Apprenticeship Employment Network

AEN Newsletter - 12th July 2024


July
AEN Mid-Year Conference
Guiding the Path Beyond Formal Education
Melbourne Careers Expo
IR Introduction Network Meeting

August
Decision Making with a Data Driven Mindset
GTO Managers Meeting
African Cultural Awareness Workshop
Empowering others to Perform & Excel
Field Officers Conference
The prestigious Apprentice Training Awards recognise excellence and innovation within the group training sector across various categories.

Celebrating outstanding achievements and long-term dedication, these awards highlight the significant contributions of individuals and organisations to vocational education and training.
Individual Categories

Apprentice of the Year

Trainee of the Year

Inspiration Award: Disability Achievement

Inspiration Award: Indigenous Student of the Year

Inspiration Award: Overcoming Adversity

Inspiration Award: Women in Trades

School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

STAR Award
GTO Categories

GTO Service Excellence Award
Program or Initiative

GTO Service Excellence Award
Individual - NEW!

GTO Industry Service Awards

GTO Industry Collaboration Award – NEW!

Outstanding OHS Initiative Award
AEN Categories

AEN Fellowship

AEN Lifetime Achievement Award

AEN Industry Service Award
Each category underscores the exceptional talent, dedication, and impact of recipients in advancing vocational education and training.
World Youth Skills Day is celebrated on 15 July the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship, as well as for addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development.

The theme for World Youth Skills Day 2024 is Youth Skills for Peace and Development. It highlights the crucial role that young people play in peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts.

The world faces a multitude of challenges today, many of which affect the youth. Violent conflicts disrupting education and stability, a polarised online environment fostering negativity, and persistent economic inequality limits opportunities.

These issues threaten not only individual futures but also the overall stability of societies. It is crucial to equip youth with the necessary skills for fostering a culture of peace, nurturing responsible global citizens, and promoting sustainable development to build a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all.

On World Youth Skills Day, let us unite in recognising the potential of young people as agents of peace and commit to providing them with the skills and opportunities to address challenges and contribute to a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future.

For more information visit World Youth Skills Day.

Tradie Bootcamp Paves the Way for Women in Construction

A collaboration aimed at breaking down the barriers to employment for young women seeking apprenticeship opportunities in the construction industry has resulted in ten women kickstarting their career with nine employers across a range of trades.

The ‘Tradie Bootcamp’ is a pre-employment program derived from Lendlease and Apprenticeship Employment Network’s (AEN) skilling and employment initiative LEAD. Delivered in collaboration with Apprenticeships Victoria, TAFE Skills and Jobs Centres at Box Hill, Holmesglen, and Victoria University, and GTOs from the AEN network, the program has been instrumental in preparing participants for their first day on the job and enhancing the retention rates of women in traditionally male-dominated trades.

The GTOs, including AGA, Skillinvest, and MEGT, worked closely with Lendlease and its employers to identify job opportunities and subsequently recruit, employ, and support the participating women into the program. A key component of the program was the workplace readiness training, which equipped participants with the necessary skills and confidence to succeed in their new roles while also addressing the needs of employers in the construction sector. This comprehensive approach underscores our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the program partners for their invaluable support and dedication to the program and acknowledge the significant commitment of the participating Lendlease host employers, whose engagement has been pivotal in giving these women a start to their careers in construction. This collaboration not only highlights the strength of our partnerships but also reaffirms our collective commitment to empowering women in male-dominated trades, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable workforce in the construction and trades sectors.

We also wish to recognise the generous support of other key contributors to the program, including Workforce Australia – Local Jobs Program (Inner Metro Melbourne), Empowered Women in Trades, DeWalt, Zadie Workwear, and Steel Blue. Their involvement provided essential resources and support, further enriching the training experience for our participants. Together, these supporters have helped create a comprehensive and encouraging environment that enables women to thrive in the trades, reinforcing the program's objectives and successes.

Most importantly, we congratulate the participants for their enthusiasm and commitment to the program. One of the participants expressed, "I am so excited to be here because I did my pre-apprenticeship and then I didn't know where to go. This feels like the missing link for my future." We wish them all the very best as they embark on their journeys into the trades, confident that they are well-prepared to succeed and make significant contributions to the industry. Their dedication and hard work have been truly inspiring, and we look forward to witnessing their future achievements.

The Tradie Bootcamp Program should serve as a model for other employers, demonstrating the tangible benefits of breaking down old stereotypes and diversifying their workforce. We encourage more organisations to get on board with such initiatives, helping to create a more inclusive and dynamic industry that reflects the diversity of our society.

By embracing these changes, employers can not only improve their own operations but also contribute to a broader cultural shift towards equality and inclusiveness in the workplace.

NAIDCO Week Awards

The NAIDOC Awards are annual Australian awards conferred on Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals during the national celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples known as NAIDOC Week.
Caring for Country and Culture Award
Alick Tipoti
Creative Talent Award
Naarah
Education Award
Warlpiri Education and Training Trust
Person of the Year
Aunty Muriel Bamblett
Aunty Muriel Bamblett is a proud Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung, Boon Wurrung Elder.

As CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) since 1999, Aunty Muriel has advocated and advanced the interests of Aboriginal children and families, and has embedded culture in everything VACCA does to build resilience, self-esteem, connection and belonging.

Congratulations to all the finalists and award winners.

For more information and to see a full list of award finalists and winners visit NAIDOC Awards.
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be asking the Federal Government to reverse its decision to reduce the incentive payment to businesses to employ an apprentice.

The Victorian Chamber Commerce and Industry extends its gratitude to those who have participated in the recent survey on this issue. However, they seek additional information to further strengthen their case.

What are the changes?

Currently, employers receive up to $15,000 over 3 years to help with the costs of training an apprentice. From 1 July 2024, this payment has been reduced to up to $5,000 over the first year only for priority occupations only. Non-priority occupations now receive no incentives.

VCCI is deeply concerned about this change. They urge you to complete the survey so that they can understand more comprehensively the costs to your business of taking on an apprentice.
Started from 1 July 2024 more types of employees are now covered by the Reportable Conduct Scheme, including labour hire workers, secondees, directors of companies and individual business owners.

Heads of organisations already have responsibilities for the workers, volunteers and contractors they employ directly, and these responsibilities still apply. The changes mean these responsibilities extend to more individuals in your workplace, whether they are employed directly or supplied by an external provider.

The changes make sure allegations of harm and abuse by workers, regardless of their type of employment, are properly reported and investigated to create better safeguards for children in Victoria.

What are the changes?

Changes have been made to the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 to expand the definition of an employee for the Reportable Conduct Scheme. The new definition of employee now includes more people who are over the age of 18, whether or not their work relates to children.

The new types of employees covered by the Reportable Conduct Scheme include:
  • workers or volunteers provided by labour hire agencies, companies or other providers
  • secondees
  • individual business owners who employ or engage staff
  • directors of companies where the director performs work for the organisation.
You can find more detailed information about these changes and register for free webinars at Commission for Children and Young People.
National Skills Week is only a few months away. It will be celebrated on the 19-25 of August 2024.

Now in it's 14th year, National Skills Week recognises, celebrates and informs on the diversity, benefits and achievements a VET pathway can offer individuals and businesses.

It's time to start planning your events and activities!
Early-bird ticket sales for the 2024 Victorian Training Awards Gala are wrapping up soon.

Don’t miss your chance to attend this prestigious event at a discounted rate.

Why you can't miss this:
  • There’s something for everyone: apprentices and trainees, connect with employers who can give your career a boost. Training providers and employers, celebrate your exceptional work and expand your brand and networks.
  • 70 years of dreams: join in to celebrate 70 years of achievements in the Victorian VET sector. It’s a night of recognition, inspiration, and celebration that you won’t want to miss.
  • Generous discounts: secure your early-bird tickets now and save. This offer ends soon, so act fast to take advantage of these fantastic savings.
We look forward to seeing you on Friday 30 August at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for an evening to remember.
The Apprentice Employment Network & The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Australia is excited to provide 8 x $1000 scholarships through its The Edge Foundation Grants and Scholarships program again for 2024.

The Edge Foundation honours the work of the late Judith Wright, poet, environmentalist and campaigner for Aboriginal Land Rights and recipient of the Australian National Living Treasure Award in 1998.

This scholarship commits to recognise and promote the youth training and career work undertaken by Group Training Organisations and the Apprentice Employment Network in each state.

Selection Process

This is open to current apprentices and trainees under the age of 21 employed by a Group Training Organisation that is an AEN member in that state. Apprentices or Trainees must be in employment as of 30th June 2024.

The scholarship is to be used for career development. It can not be used to purchase items unrelated to their apprenticeship or traineeship.

8 x $1000 scholarships are available. We intend to provide one scholarship per Australian state or territory. This means there is one for Victoria for our membership. Should there be no nominations from a state or territory, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards reserves the right to reallocate the unused funds to another state to issue.

How to apply

Visit The Duke of Ed - Apprentice Employment Network Scholarships.

Full details and additional information can be found on this page. The nomination form can be found at the bottom of this page.

To make a nomination, the apprentice/trainee (or Field Officer should the individual have a barrier to present) must submit a 60-second video. In the video, they will need to cover the following:
  • Who are they, and where are they from?
  • What is their apprenticeship or traineeship?
  • What are their career ambitions?
  • How will a $1000 scholarship help them achieve their career ambitions?
The more information they share about themselves, the better the judges understand their story. They can provide a PDF file containing their resume and other supporting documentation with the nomination.

Applications close Wednesday 31st July 2024.
Held across the country from 7-14 July 2024, NAIDOC Week will celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s theme chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.

The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

First Nations communities, registered businesses, schools and local governments are all encouraged to apply for funding to run an activity or event that directly relates to the 2024 NAIDOC theme including:
  • arts based activities, including painting, dancing, crafts and storytelling;
  • family fun days and community activities;
  • cultural and Elders activities;
  • NAIDOC themed sporting activities or competitions, or activities that actively promote Reconciliation.
NAIDOC Week, which first began in 1975, provides an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
Government-funded students and courses 2023

The latest NCVER report, Government-funded students and courses 2023, provides a summary of data relating to students, programs, subjects and training providers in Australia’s government-funded VET system.

The report shows there were 1,256,365 students enrolled in government-funded vocational education and training (VET), marking a 5.0% rise from 2022. Growth was predominately seen in training package qualifications, where students increased by 72,500 (or 7.7%) to 1,009,740.

There was a notable growth observed in older age groups, particularly the 30-39 age group, which had the largest increase (20,405 or 8.9%) from 2022, with TAFE institutes experiencing the largest growth in government-funded student numbers and increased by 50,240 (or 8.3%) to 659,185.

Guiding the Path Beyond Formal Education

There is a profound truth behind our tendency to hold onto old problems instead of accepting and embracing new solutions. However, breaking free from this pattern is the key to unlocking progress in both our personal and professional life.

This session is designed to explore how you can assist others to step outside their comfort zone sustainably to tap into their true potential and unlock new horizons. Take a deep dive into strategies that lead to empowering actions, so you can mentor and guide others to new heights that extend beyond formal education.

Date: Tuesday 23rd July 2024
Time: 10:00am - 1:30pm
Delivery: In Person ONLY


Decision Making with a Data Driven Mindset

As data continues to grow in importance for organisations across industries, data literacy one’s proficiency in the interpretation and communication of data and data-related activities has become an increasingly crucial skill, even for those who are not data analysts, data engineers, or data scientists.

Date: Tuesday 6th August 2024
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Delivery: In Person ONLY


African Cultural Awareness Workshop

Attendees will gain an in-depth grasp of the various belief systems, values, and customs of African Australians and other culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups.
This seminar incorporates substantial insights from an esteemed African elder who has fostered connections between the African and Australian communities for more than two decades.

Date: Thursday 15th August 2024
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Delivery: In Person ONLY


Empowering Others to Perform & Excel

Great leaders inspire great teams. And great teams require a culture of employees being independent and motivated individuals, performing interdependently within their team and forming key collaborations for long-term success.

Date: Wednesday 21st August 2024
Time: 10:00am - 1:30pm
Delivery: In Person ONLY


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

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