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AEN Newsletter - 25 July 2025
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Drugs, Alcohol & Workplace Risks
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IR Introduction Network Meeting
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Adopting Mindful Living & Working
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Building Mentally Healthy Workplaces
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AI Unpacked: What it Means for Work, Life and the Future
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Mastering Constructive Feedback
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We are pleased to announce that nominations are open for the 2025 Apprentice Training Awards.
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These awards recognise the outstanding achievements and commitment within Victoria’s vocational education system and highlight the individuals and organisations shaping the future of apprenticeships and traineeships.
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This year holds a special significance as we celebrate 40 Years of the AEN supporting apprentices, trainees, and the Group Training network across Victoria. Since 1985, we have remained committed to building a skilled, resilient workforce.
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A new category, "Apprentice Training Provider of the Year" has been introduced to this year's awards it recognises a Victorian Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that demonstrates excellence, innovation, and impact in apprentice vocational education and training across diverse learner cohorts and community or industry needs.
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Nominations will be opened until Monday 11 August 2025.
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Check out the Nominations Guide for information on how to nominate and get your nomination in now!
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The Training for Respect Project, supported by the WorkWell Respect Fund, this week announced the release of two pivotal reports aimed at addressing workplace gendered violence within Vocational Education and Training (VET) learning environments.
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These comprehensive documents provide crucial insights and a strategic framework for fostering safer and more equitable training organisations across Australia.
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The two key publications are:
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The release of these reports comes at a critical juncture for Vocational Education and Skills Policy in Victoria and nationally. They directly address a fundamental factor in creating safe and respectful training environments, which is essential for establishing gender-equitable learning pathways within VET.
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Furthermore, the reports offer practical guidance to Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and TAFEs on how to align with evolving regulations and expectations regarding safe workplaces and training environments for both students and staff.
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This initiative is particularly timely as national discussions continue on harmonising Australia's education sectors. While the Higher Education sector benefits from a National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence, a direct translation and equivalent framework for VET settings has been a recognised gap.
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These new reports contribute significantly to filling that void, providing a much-needed resource for the VET sector.
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Women in Leadership Australia Scholarships
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Women in Leadership Australia are offering partial scholarships for women in the Education, Training and Development Industry ranging from $700 to $5,000 per person, for one of four leadership and workplace skill development programs.
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These scholarships are aimed at encouraging more women to increase their impact at work, progress their career, and step into leadership roles.
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Application Close: Friday 22nd August 2025.
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Recently the 2025 Victorian Training Awards finalists were announced.
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The Victorian Training Awards recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations in the Victorian TAFE and training sector.
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As always, they have received a high calibre of applications this year and are proud to introduce the 2025 finalists.
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Gala ceremony: Friday 19 September 2025
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Employer Mental Health Literacy Program
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Do you employ apprentices or trainees?
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Do you know how to check in and make sure they’re doing their best?
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Apprentices who are motivated and happy at work are more likely to:
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- be productive
- engage in positive behaviours
- continually improve their skills
- complete their apprenticeship.
About the training
Health services provider Caraniche, supported by Apprenticeships Victoria, is offering free 2-hour workshops run by trained mental health practitioners.
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The mental health literacy for employers raises awareness among employers of the mental health needs of apprentices, possible sources of assistance, and organisational and workplace-level actions that can support good mental health.
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Date and time: The next session is available on Monday 28 July at 10am. Sessions will continue to be made available through the links below.
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Format: Sessions are delivered in a hybrid setting, available both online via Zoom and in person at Caraniche Abbotsford.
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Legislation to Cut 20 Per Cent off All Student Debts
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The Federal Government this week introduced legislation to cut 20 per cent off all student debts.
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This will wipe more than $16 billion in debt for more than three million Australians.
For someone with the average debt of $27,600 this will see around $5,520 wiped from their outstanding Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loans.
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Backdated to 1 June, it will reduce the burden for Australians with a student debt including all HELP, Vocational Education and Training (VET) Student Loans, Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans, Student Startup Loans, and other student loans.
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In addition to cutting student debt by 20 per cent, the legislation raises the minimum amount before people have to start making repayments from $54,435 to $67,000 and reduces minimum repayments.
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For someone earning $70,000 it will reduce the minimum repayments they have to make by $1,300 a year.
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2025 Events
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The misuse of alcohol and drugs has a significant negative impact on Australian business. It is a work health and safety matter demanding attention of both workers and management.
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Date: Tuesday 29 July 2025
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Delivery: In Person ONLY
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Uncover how living in the moment builds a richer and more meaningful life, career, and relationships. Explore how to be more present and purposeful in your decisions and actions, rather than reactive or on autopilot.
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In this interactive session, led by Martin Probst, a leading expert in human-centred leadership, we will explore how ‘stepping back’ and ‘stepping into’ experiences can open your mind to curiosity, creativity, and effectiveness.
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Date: Tuesday 5 August 2025
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Delivery: Online via Zoom
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Apprenticeships are a great pathway to a rewarding career. But we know that balancing work, study, family and friends can sometimes be tough.
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Getting the right support can help apprentices succeed. Caraniche, supported by Apprenticeships Victoria, is offering free training sessions so that employers can feel confident supporting apprentices to be mentally healthy.
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Date: Wednesday 6 August 2025
Time: 10:00am - 12:30pm
Delivery: Hybrid AEN Office or Via MS Teams
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Since the program commenced in May 2020, a total of 1,333 participants have been supported to date, with 82% being male and 18% female.
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Apprentices and trainees who have lost employment are encouraged to register.
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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.
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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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