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AEN Newsletter - 17th May 2024
Drugs, Alcohol & Workplace Risks
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Dealing with Challenging behaviours
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Microsoft PowerBi - Beginner Intro
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Youth Mental Health First Aid Course (Accredited)
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Federal Budget 2024/2025
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This week the 2024/2025 Federal Budget was released.
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The key budget announcements are good news for our sector with apprenticeship wage subsidies and a specific GTO program to support SMEs in the clean energy, manufacturing and construction sectors.
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Reforming tertiary education
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The Government is committing $1.6 billion over 5 years, and an additional $2.7 billion from 2028–29 to 2034–35 to reform the tertiary education system and deliver Australia's future workforce.
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This includes $1.1 billion for reforms to university funding and tertiary system governance.
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Over $500 million will be provided for skills and training in priority industries and to support women’s participation in these sectors.
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The Government will set a tertiary attainment target of 80 per cent of the working age population by 2050.
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Skills pipeline for priority industries
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The Government will expand eligibility to the New Energy Apprenticeships Program to include work in the clean energy sector, including in construction and advanced manufacturing.
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This will provide access to $10,000 incentive payments and support our target of 10,000 new energy apprentices.
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The Government will commit $30 million to turbocharge the VET teaching workforce for clean energy courses and $50 million to upgrade and expand clean energy training facilities.
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The Government will invest $55.6 million to establish the Building Women’s Careers program to support women’s participation in key industries including clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
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Supporting apprentices and building the construction workforce
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The Government is supporting gender equality and women’s participation by driving structural and cultural change in work and training environments in traditionally male-dominated industries.
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The Government is investing $55.6 million to launch the Building Women’s Careers program which will deliver around ten large-scale projects, and several smaller local projects, to support women to access flexible training in clean energy, construction, tech and advanced manufacturing.
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To support apprentice retention and completion rates, the Government has committed to increase Phase Two Incentive System payments for apprentices in priority occupations from $3,000 to $5,000 and hiring incentives for priority occupation employers from $4,000 to $5,000 for 12 months from 1 July 2024.
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This will provide certainty to apprentices while the Government awaits the findings of the Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System.
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To strengthen the pipeline of skills in the construction sector, the Government is investing $88.8 million to deliver 20,000 additional Fee-Free TAFE places in courses relevant to construction, including increased access to pre-apprenticeship programs.
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This is on top of more than 355,000 Fee-Free TAFE places delivered in 2023, and the 300,000 places being delivered from 2024 to 2026 in areas of skills need.
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The Government is investing $91.0 million to develop the clean energy workforce, including by turbocharging the VET teacher, trainer and assessor workforce, and funding clean energy training facility upgrades and capacity expansion.
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Expanded eligibility for the New Energy Apprenticeships Program will also allow more apprentices to access $10,000 payments and will increase completions in priority sectors.
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Eligible Group Training Organisations will be reimbursed for reducing fees to small-to-medium enterprises seeking clean energy, manufacturing, and construction apprentices.
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The Government is reforming Australia’s migration system to drive greater economic prosperity and restore its integrity, implementing actions outlined in the Migration Strategy.
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This Budget supports skills in demand, with around 70 per cent of the permanent Migration Program allocated to skilled visa categories.
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The Government will also introduce a new National Innovation visa to attract exceptionally talented migrants and replace the Global Talent visa and the Business Innovation and Investment visa.
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These actions complement reforms being developed for the points test used for certain skilled visas.
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Unlocking investment in net zero industries and jobs
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This Budget accelerates growth of new industries by establishing the $1.7 billion Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund and delivering a 10 year extension of funding to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
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It also delivers the $44.4 million Energy Industry Jobs Plan and $134.2 million for skills and employment support in key regions.
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The Future Made in Australia package establishes time limited incentives to invest in new industries.
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The Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive will make Australia’s pipeline of hydrogen projects commercial sooner, at an estimated cost of $6.7 billion over the decade.
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Australian Apprenticeship Incentives System
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New Energy Apprentice Support Payment
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- Apprentices who sign up from 1 June 2024 will be eligible for the New Energy Apprenticeship Program if their employer can demonstrate that they will undertake clean energy work and can provide meaningful exposure, experience, and work for apprentices in clean energy.
- Apprentices working in organisations who are transitioning to clean energy activities will be eligible to participate.
- Apprentices employed by GTOs (Group Training Organisations) who meet the revised definition will also be eligible to apply.
Australian Apprenticeship Support Loan
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The Government is proposing changes to reduce the indexation that is applied to HELP and other student loan schemes, including Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans.
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The proposed change to indexation is to apply the lower of the Consumer Price Index or the Wage Price Index, with effect from 1 June 2023.
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After the passage of the relevant legislation, the revised indexation rates will be automatically applied by the Australian Taxation Office to your loan.
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This means that it is likely that you will receive an indexation credit that will reduce your outstanding loan.
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The indexation rate applied on 1 June 2023 was 7.1 per cent and under the proposal, this would be reduced to 3.2 per cent.
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The indexation rate to be applied on 1 June 2024 is projected to be 4.7 per cent and under the proposal, this would be reduced to 4.0 per cent.
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Australian Apprenticeship Incentives System
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From 1 July 2024 the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System (Incentive System) will move to Phase 2.
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Guidelines will be updated to reflect the following changes in financial support that new Employers and Apprentices that take up an Apprenticeship from 1 July 2024 are able to claim:
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- Priority Occupation Employers – Priority Hiring Incentive of up to $5000 over 1 year in two instalments of $2,000 at 6 months and $3,000 at 12 months.
- Priority Occupation Apprentices – Australian Apprenticeship Training Support Payment of up to $5000 over 2 years, paid over four instalments, with $1,750 paid at 6 months and 12 months, and $750 paid at 18 and 24 months.
Apprentices and Employers who have financial assistance under the Incentives System approved prior to 30 June 2024 will continue to receive the support through grandfathering arrangements.
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Apprentices, Employers and Registered Training Organisations will also still be able to access the following:
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- LAFHA (Living Away From Home Allowance)
- DAAWS (Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support)
A full copy of the updated Guidelines will be published on 1 July 2024.
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AEN will continue to advocate for traineeships to be reinstated over the coming period.
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Australian Skills Guarantee Procurement Connected Policy
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The Australian Skills Guarantee (Skills Guarantee) will use government investment in major projects to help train the next generation of skilled workers.
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The Skills Guarantee is a key commitment under the Australian Government’s Secure Australian Jobs Plan.
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The Skills Guarantee PCP applies from 1 July 2024 to direct Commonwealth procurements in the construction and information and communication technology (ICT) sectors.
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The Skills Guarantee will introduce new national targets for apprentices, trainees and paid cadets working on Australian Government funded major projects.
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The Skills Guarantee will also introduce national targets for women to increase the proportion of women working on major projects and drive long term sustainable change to reduce gender segregation in the apprenticeship system.
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Skills Guarantee at a glance (for direct Commonwealth procurements)
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The Skills Guarantee will initially apply to direct Commonwealth procurements in the construction and ICT sectors, where the total contract value is $10 million or more.
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Major construction projects (projects with a total contract value of $10 million or more) will be required to meet the following targets:
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- Overarching apprentice target: a minimum of 10% of all labour hours to be undertaken by apprentices/trainees.
- Overarching apprentice target for women: a minimum of 6% of all apprentice/trainee labour hours to be undertaken by women.
- Trade-specific apprentice target for women: a minimum of 4% of trade apprentice/trainee labour hours to be undertaken by women.
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To drive sustainable change, the targets for women for major construction projects will increase annually by one percentage point, reaching a minimum of 12% for women in apprenticeships and traineeships and 10% for women in trade apprenticeships and traineeships in 2030.
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Victorian TAFE Association
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The TAFE Value and Perception Challenge Report, written by renowned social research firm McCrindle which undertook a comprehensive study encompassing a survey of 1,000 Victorians and in-depth interviews with career advisors, underscores the pivotal role of TAFE in providing a pathway for Victorians to secure and well-paid jobs in new and high-demand fields.
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TAFE courses are tailored to meet industry needs, equipping students with relevant skills for their career opportunities and enabling Victoria to meet future workforce demands.
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TAFE employment outcomes (78%) match that of university graduates (79%).
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The median full-time earning power after graduating from TAFE (Cert IV and above) is $71,650, which is higher than that of university graduates (Bachelor degree) at $68,000.
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TAFE offers courses in trades and more than 150 courses in areas beyond trades, including business and finance, ICT, nursing, and more.
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Dynamic Learning Communities
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TAFE attracts a diverse range of students, from school leavers to adult learners, providing high-value, affordable education and increasing access to all.
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80% of future jobs will be attainable via a TAFE education. TAFE unlocks opportunities and is a compelling option for future-proofing Victoria.
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Despite TAFE’s significant contributions, there are enduring negative perceptions about the TAFE offering and experience. The report explores these perceptions and communicates the value of TAFE for individuals, employers, and the broader community.
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This year's theme is a continuation of the 2023 theme:
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Career. It’s more than just a job.
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It aims to celebrate careers and promote the economic, social and personal benefits of career development for all Australians.
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Activities for National Careers Week are managed by the Career Industry Council of Australia and the department’s National Careers Institute is the premier partner of the event.
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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.
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This year’s theme chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.
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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.
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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:
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- 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.
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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.
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Women's Leadership Scholarships
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Partial scholarships for women are available now in the Education, Training and Development Sector ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per person, for one of four leadership and workplace skill development programs.
These scholarships are aimed at encouraging more women to increase their impact at work, progress their career, and step into leadership roles.
Registrations of interest close on Friday 14 June 2024.
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Nominations to the 2024 direct entry categories for the Australian Training Awards are now open and will close on Friday 31 May 2024.
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The awards recognise and celebrate excellence and are an important mechanism for promoting the benefits of VET.
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The following categories are open for nomination:
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Finalists from these categories will join State and Territory Training Award winners in competing for a national award title at the Australian Training Awards gala event later this year.
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Drugs, Alcohol & Workplace Risks
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: Wednesday 22nd May 2024
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Delivery: In Person ONLY
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Dealing With Challenging Behaviours
Difficult behaviours can have an enormous negative impact on organisations and day-to-day operations, destroy long-term business relationships, as well severely affect individuals on a physical, mental and emotional level.
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Date: Tuesday 18th June 2024
Time: 10:00am - 1:30pm
Delivery: In Person ONLY
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Microsoft PowerBi - Beginner Intro
Join our beginner-friendly workshop focusing on Microsoft Power BI essentials. Dive into key concepts like data importation, transformation, and visualisation. Learn data modelling secrets and craft insightful reports for better decision-making. Enhance your analytical skills and revolutionise your approach to data interpretation and utilisation in your organisation.
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Date: Thursday 20th June 2024
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Delivery: In Person ONLY
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Youth Mental Health First Aid Course (Accredited Course)
Mental Health First Aid is the help provided to someone who is developing a mental health problem, has a worsening of an existing mental health problem or is in a mental health crisis.
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The first aid is given until appropriate professional help is received, or the crisis resolves. Mental health first aid strategies are taught in evidence-based training programs authorised by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Australia and conducted by MHFA instructors across Australia.
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Date: Thursday 4th July 2024
Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Delivery: In Person & E-Learning
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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.
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However, breaking free from this pattern is the key to unlocking progress in both our personal and professional life.
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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.
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Date: Tuesday 23rd July 2024
Time: 10:00am - 1:30pm
Delivery: In Person ONLY
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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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Since the program commenced in May 2020, a total of 1,230 participants have been supported to date.
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Apprentices and trainees who have lost their employment are encouraged to register.
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For assistance 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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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.
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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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