Apprenticeship Employment Network

AEN Newsletter - 14th June 2024


June
Dealing with Challenging behaviours

July
Drugs, Alcohol & Workplace Risks
AEN Mid-Year Conference
Guiding the Path Beyond Formal Education
Melbourne Careers Expo
IR Introduction Network Meeting
Following a competitive recruitment process, Stefanie Veal has been appointed to the role of CEO, for VRQA.

As a former Deputy CEO at VRQA, Stefanie will bring to the leadership role a strong understanding of the breadth of our regulatory remit and landscape, as well as critical experience as a senior regulator.

She will also bring her recent experience as Chief Education and Integrity Officer at the Victorian Catholic Education Authority.

Stefanie is a values driven, collaborative leader and her understanding of modern regulation, legislative frameworks and good governance will support the VRQA to deliver and enhance the regulation of education and training in Victoria.

Stefanie will commence in the role on Monday 17 June 2024.

The VRQA Board would like to thank Chris Ingham, Deputy CEO, Training and Skills for supporting the Board and staff as acting CEO during the interim period.
R U OK?Day is Thursday 12 September 2024.

It’s the National Day of Action when we all highlight the importance of meaningful R U OK?
conversations and remind all Australians to start them any day of the year.

Join the virtual launch on 10 July to learn about the 2024 message and to find out how you can get involved.

For more information and to register for the event visit R U OK Day?.

Women in Energy and Manufacturing Funding Program

This week the Victorian Government announced the 10 organisations that were successful in obtaining grants to support more women enter the energy and manufacturing sector.

This grants program aims to boost women’s participation and equity in the Victorian energy and manufacturing industries, especially in majority-men trade-based and leadership roles.

The aim is to do this through activities that focus on:
  • clear and attractive career pathways
  • economic equity and leadership opportunities
  • accountability for workplace culture, diversity and wellbeing.
These activities will align with the forthcoming Women in Energy and Women in Manufacturing Strategies.

These strategies aim to address recommendation 19 of the enquiry into economic equity for Victorian women to attract, recruit and retain women in majority-men industries.

For further information please visit Women in Energy and Manufacturing Funding Program.
VRQA revoked the approval of 5 employers to employ apprentices and trainees in Victoria during March and April 2024.

VRQA acted immediately to ban a building company after WorkSafe Victoria reported that an apprentice had fallen from a height.

Other banned employers include:
  • a leisure centre operator that failed to provide an appropriate scope of work or release trainees for training
  • an electrical services contractor and a building company that did not provide appropriate wages or entitlements
  • a plumbing company that failed to release apprentices for training.
VRQA have a clear responsibility to minimise or eliminate harm, or the risk of harm, to apprentices and trainees. VRQA will not hesitate to act against employers who fail to comply with regulations.

A reminder that employers must:
  • provide proper supervision by a suitably qualified or experienced person
  • assign apprentices and trainees skilled work and training that relates to the qualification
  • maintain a training plan that records progress
  • release the apprentice or trainee to attend training at their registered training organisation.
You can learn more about VRQA responsibilities and powers in the Apprenticeships and traineeships compliance and enforcement framework.

If you are an apprentice or trainee and concerned about your safety or training opportunities, VRQA can offer advice and, if necessary, send Authorised Officers to your workplace.

Call 1300 722 603 (10:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday)

Email vrqa.apprenticeships@education.vic.gov.au

For more information visit VRQA.
International Men's Health Week celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and takes place from Monday, June 10, to Sunday, June 16, 2024.

This year, the focus is on Men's Health Checks.

Men's Health Week is a great opportunity for organisations, workplaces, and communities to focus on some of the different ways we can keep men and boys healthier.
One way you can do this is by taking advantage of our free Know Your Man Facts toolkits on a range of men's health topics, such as Men's Mental Health, Men's Heart Health, Exercise, Men's Health, and Mateship.

The latest Know Your Man Facts toolkit on Men's Health Checks, explains how health checks can save lives, and which one's men should have at different life stages.

The purpose of these toolkits is to equip people with the tools they need to share important men's health information.

The toolkits include ready made presentations and speaker notes, as well as infographics that can be printed and shared on social networks.

For further information visit Know Your Man Facts Campaign.
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.

Women's Leadership Scholarships

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.

For more information visit Women & Leadership Australia.

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.

Date: Tuesday 18th June 2024
Time: 10:00am - 1:30pm
Delivery: In Person ONLY (2 SPOTS AVAILABLE)


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.

Date: Thursday 11th July 2024
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Delivery: In Person ONLY


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


AEN Members:
Please login to the members area prior to purchasing tickets to access the members rate or to RSVP for a free event.
Retrenched Apprentices and Trainees Program Logo
Since the program commenced in May 2020, a total of 1,241 participants have been supported to date.
  • 82% Male
  • 18% Female
For Individuals
Apprentices and trainees who have lost their employment are encouraged to register.
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.
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.

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