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AEN Newsletter - 21 February 2025
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QA Standards & OHS Network Meeting
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Driving Organisational Performance
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Presenting with Intent & Impact
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2025 Annual Apprenticeship Luncheon
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On the 19th February, AEN hosted the Annual Apprenticeship Luncheon in Melbourne CBD.
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This year the Luncheon was attended by over 100 guests from Group Training, TAFE organisations, industry, government and other VET stakeholders.
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A huge thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate the vital role of apprenticeships and traineeships in building a skilled and resilient workforce.
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We were honoured to hear from The Hon. Andrew Giles, Minister for Skills & Training, who provided valuable insights into the future of apprenticeships and their value to the workforce.
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A special highlight was recognising 40 years of the AEN, reflecting on our journey and the impact of Group Training across Victoria.
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Congratulations to these outstanding Group Training Organisations for their ongoing dedication.
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We were also inspired by Leela Subramaniam, 2023 Victorian Apprentice of the Year and Australian Apprentice of the Year Runner-Up, who shared her incredible journey and achievements of her GAN Australia International Apprenticeship Scholarship.
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A heartfelt thank you to our Principal Partner, Apprenticeship Support Australia, for their support.
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A special thanks to The Hon. Andrew Giles, Minister for Skills & Training, our members, stakeholders' and industry partners for making this event a success.
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In a rapidly changing global economy, the demand for a skilled and adaptable workforce is more critical than ever.
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Quality apprenticeships provide a powerful pathway to equip individuals with the skills needed to succeed in the labour market while fostering employment, enhancing productivity, and promoting inclusive economic growth.
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The ILO’s Guide for Policy Makers on Quality Apprenticeships offers practical insights and actionable strategies to build apprenticeship systems that are effective, equitable, and sustainable.
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Grounded in the principles of the ILO’s Quality Apprenticeships Recommendation, 2023 (No. 208), the guide emphasises the importance of structured programmes, inclusivity, and the protection of apprentices’ rights, including fair remuneration, safe working conditions, and access to social protection.
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Through social dialogue and collaboration among employers, workers’ organisations, and other stakeholders, policymakers can design apprenticeship systems that meet the highest standards, ensuring benefits for individuals, businesses, and society.
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The Training for Respect Project has launched a state-wide campaign running from March 17-25, aimed at fostering respect and equality across Victoria’s TAFEs and RTOs.
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The campaign, building on TAFE 2024, invites stakeholders, workers, students, and partners to unite in creating safer and more respectful VET workplaces.
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Supporters are encouraged to spread the word and contribute to this important cause.
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A hybrid event, featuring Minister Gayle Tierney, will be held at the Wheeler Centre on March 25 at 11.00am.
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Campaign materials, including social media tiles, posters, and branded resources, are available. A pledge tool allows VET sector members to show their commitment to safer environments.
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The Fair Work Ombudsman has released important tips and resources for apprentices in the building and construction industry to ensure they understand their workplace rights and receive fair treatment.
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The resources covers key areas such as pay entitlements, having a written agreement, and access to training and support. Apprentices should be aware of their legal rights, including minimum wage, allowances, and leave entitlements.
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It also stresses the importance of clear communication with employers regarding working hours, pay rates, and training requirements. Apprentices are encouraged to keep accurate records of hours worked and pay received.
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The resources provide advice on handling issues like pay discrepancies and how to seek assistance from the Fair Work Ombudsman if needed. Apprentices are urged to use available resources to ensure they understand their rights fully.
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2025 Victorian Training Awards nominations are now open!
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Creating success for the Victorian economy and learners is all about the exchange of ideas and sharing new approaches.
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The 2025 Victorian Training Awards is your opportunity to be recognised for all you’ve contributed to Victoria’s nation-leading vocational education and skills landscape, whether you are an apprentice, a trainee, student, teacher, employer, TAFE or other training provider.
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Becoming a finalists or winner means you'll receive:
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- invitation to attend the welcome reception and the awards gala, in September 2025, where you'll receive your certificate
- if you win in your category, you will also receive $5,000 in prize money, a trophy, and the chance to represent your category at the national awards
- great networking opportunities, professional development, and the chance to mentor and be mentored by the best of the best in Victoria’s TAFE and training sector.
Get involved in this exciting, prestigious program and shine a spotlight on all you have achieved don’t wait, nominate.
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Nominations close 28 April 2025.
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The Victorian Government is supporting apprentices through the new Apprentice Employee Assistance Program.
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Apprentices and trainees employed by Victorian businesses can access this program, which provides them with Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services.
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Some apprentices and trainees may already have access to an EAP through their employer.
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The EAP can support apprentices and trainees with:
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- difficult workplace situations
- counselling for a broad range of personal issues
- making positive lifestyle changes
- working through financial concerns
- career development and planning
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Consultants are matched with apprentices and trainees based on their area of expertise.
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There is a number of information sessions for industry stakeholders to better understand the services available.
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Quality Apprenticeship Employer Accreditation goes live for all employers during National Apprenticeship Week.
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Quality Apprenticeships accreditation is designed to acknowledge best practice in the employment of apprentices.
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Based on international quality frameworks, this accreditation allows businesses to highlight the positive impacts of their apprenticeship programs and encourages continued improvement against the five accreditation principles.
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Employers must meet minimum requirements to become accredited, providing evidence of their commitment to quality apprenticeships.
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Accreditation rewards positive and proactive behaviors and commitments.
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The Commonwealth Government announced new Information resources for students with disability and their caregivers.
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2025 is underway and now is the time to take a business health check to set your business up for success this year.
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Just like a check-up at the doctor or dentist, businesses also require a check-in every so often.
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The 2025 business health check dives into the common challenges for businesses and how to overcome them.
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This is an opportunity to review finances, marketing efforts and risk management process.
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You might find opportunities to improve your revenue, business operations or new ways of working.
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Check your business’ health with our guide for Victorian small businesses.
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NCVER is pleased to release their new Statement of Intent, outlining how they will support Skills Ministers' expectations and priorities.
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The renewed mission focuses on delivering meaningful data and insights to strengthen evidence-based decision making across the VET sector.
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NCVER are committed to working closely with Ministers, officials, and stakeholders to deliver timely, high-quality services that meet evolving needs.
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This statement marks a key step in the organisational renewal, reinforcing their role as the trusted custodian of VET data and a leader in VET data and insights.
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For more information visit NCVER.
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The 2025 Skills Conference is held in Sydney on Tuesday, 24th June 2025.
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Hosted by the Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT, this annual event dives into key topics around apprenticeships and traineeships for 2025.
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If you are a member of AEN in Victoria you can access exclusive AEN member rates for the conference.
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Use the code AEN2025 during registration. Don’t wait! This offer is available for a limited time!
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Driving organisational performance requires more than just meeting targets – it’s about cultivating a human-centred culture that positively influences every aspect of the organisation. From reputation and customer service to employee motivation and retention, culture is a key driver of success. Strong leadership, rooted in self-awareness, empathy, and accountability, is essential to build a sustainable environment of trust and collaboration.
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Date: Tuesday 25 March 2025
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Delivery: In Person ONLY
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Many of us struggle with public speaking or addressing even small groups. However, the ability to assertively communicate and maintain professional credibility can significantly influence our success. Overcoming nerves, connecting with the audience, and delivering a message with confidence are essential skills in today’s professional environment.
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Date: Wednesday 30 April 2025
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Delivery: In Person ONLY
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In today’s fast-paced work environment, effective coaching and mentoring are essential for managers, supervisors, team leaders, and field officers. By facilitating meaningful conversations with purpose and poise, they can unlock new horizons for their mentees and foster growth in individuals and teams to boost performance and create a strong foundation for future leadership.
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In this engaging workshop, award-winning facilitator Martin Probst will equip you with the essential tools and strategies to confidently coach, mentor, and guide others toward long-term success.
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Date: Wednesday 28 May 2025
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Delivery: In Person ONLY
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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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