Apprenticeship Employment Network

AE News Volume 14, Issue 22

Friday, 11th June 2021
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Upcoming Events

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21-25 Jun - Online Virtual Event Series

COVID-19 Lockdown Announcements

This week the Victorian government announced some easing of restrictions - this means metropolitan Melbourne will move to almost the same settings currently in place across regional Victoria, and regional Victoria will move towards further easing.

From 11:59pm on Thursday 10 June, the five reasons to leave home will no longer apply in metro Melbourne, and the existing 10 kilometre limit will be increased to 25 kilometres. That means the only reasons to go further than 25 km will be work, education, care and caregiving, and getting vaccinated. Travel into regional Victoria to visit family and friends or take a holiday still remains a no go – for now. Further easing of restrictions for metro Melbourne include:
  • No visitors in the home, but outdoor gatherings increased to a maximum of ten people.
  • Masks must be carried at all times and worn indoors (except at home or if an exemption applies) and outdoors.
  • Schools will be able to resume face-to-face learning for all students from Friday 11 June.
  • Cafes, restaurants and pubs will open – with strict safety measures like density limits, seated service and QR codes in place. Remaining retail will also open. Hairdressing, beauty and personal care can resume, but only for services where masks can be kept on.
  • Weddings will be limited to 10 people, and funerals no more than 50. Fifty will also be the limit on religious gatherings. Swimming pools, entertainment venues and community facilities will also open subject to density limits. Community sport can happen, but only for training.
  • When it comes to work, there’ll no longer be a list – but if you can work from home, you should.
It is recognised that even with eased restrictions, some businesses still won’t be able to open. Subsequently, the Victorian Government has extended their support for closed businesses with a further $2000 top-up payment.

In regional Victoria, restrictions will also ease:
  • Face masks must be carried at all times and worn indoors (except at home or if an exemption applies). They must be worn outdoors where 1.5 meters of physical distancing cannot be maintained.
  • Visitors to the home are allowed – limited to two people and their dependants – once per day. Public outdoor gatherings will be limited to 20 people.
  • There’ll also be increases to the capacity limits at places like restaurants, entertainment venues, community facilities and religious gatherings. Indoor sport, including gyms, will also be able to reopen with careful limits on the number of people permitted at any point in time.
Regularly visit the DHHS website for specific details and updates on various industries and services, please visit COVIDSafe Settings.

To access the full list of authorised providers and workers (industry roles permitted to continue to work), please visit Authorised Provider and Authorised Worker List.

To access the latest information on workplace restrictions, please visit DHHS website at DHHS Coronavirus.

Support for businesses and individuals
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For further details please visit Financial and Other Support for COVID-19.

AEN Virtual Event Series, 21-25 June

Due to the recent Victorian COVID outbreak and metropolitan Melbourne travel restrictions, AEN has decided to change the upcoming conference to a series of 1-hour online virtual events that will be spread over the week of 21-25 June.

This is a free event.

To register your interest, please go to the AEN events page, select ‘AEN Virtual Event Series’ and click on the ‘Register’ link for any of the sessions.

Upon completion of a registration, a confirmation email will be sent to which includes an attached calendar file that can be saved to your calendar with a link to join the session.
Program

Monday 21 June
  • 10.00 - 11.00am, National Skills Commission Update
  • 1.00 - 2.00pm, Jobs Victoria Update
Tuesday 22 June
  • 10.00 - 11.00am, Australian Digital Skills Analysis
  • 1.00 - 2.00pm, A New Zealand perspective on VET
Wednesday 23 June
  • 10.00 - 11.00am, AEN & GAN Network Update, and Kangan Pre-Apprenticeships Programs
  • 1.00 - 2.00pm, Employer Attitudes and Behavior to Skills Development
Thursday 24 June
  • 10.00 - 11.00am, Big Build Apprenticeships
  • 1.00 - 2.00pm, VRQA Update, and Commonwealth Apprenticeship Employment Incentives
Friday 25 June
  • 10.00 - 11.00am, Women in Trades
Please click on AEN events page for a copy of the detailed program.

For any enquiries, please contact Anna Bejanoff at admin@aen.org.au or 03 9639 3955.

Extra Cash Support for Melbourne Businesses effected by COVID-19

The Victorian Government will provide additional support for businesses in greater Melbourne who continue to be affected by necessary health restrictions.

After two weeks of Victorians doing the right thing, we are now in a place where restrictions can be eased and more businesses can reopen safely – but those businesses that are still affected by restrictions will share in a new injection of $8.4 million. This takes total support for businesses announced in the past 11 days beyond $500 million.

The Victorian Government has previously announced $492.2 million of support for small and medium-sized businesses and sole traders, including the Business Costs Assistance Program, Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund and Regional Tourism Support Package. The initial funding supported businesses including restaurants and cafes, event suppliers, tourism and accommodation providers and non-essential retailers.

The Business Costs Assistance Program provides eligible businesses affected by the two weeks of restrictions with access to payments of $5,000.

A further $2,000 top-up payment will be available to businesses in metropolitan Melbourne that are closed due to extended restrictions announced today, including gyms, dance schools and yoga studios, taking the total amount available to businesses in eligible sectors to $7,000. Up to 90,000 businesses will benefit from the support packages announced over the past two weeks.

Close to 70,000 businesses affected by restrictions beyond Thursday, 3 June 2021 were eligible for an extension payment from $2,500 to $5,000, and around 3,700 businesses will be eligible for the new $2,000 top-up payment.

Tourism businesses in regional and metropolitan Melbourne that receive the Tourism Supplement payment announced on Sunday will not receive this top-up payment. Their payments have already reached $7,000.

Applications for the Business Costs Assistance Program are open and businesses will only need to submit one application to receive their maximum payment. Initial payments started this week.

More information about the Business Costs Assistance Program is available at Business Victoria.

Retrenched Apprentices and Trainees Program

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Out of Trade Banner
This program has now supported over 780 participants since May 2020, and almost 300 apprentices and trainees have commenced with a new employer.

Currently, there are almost 75 participants on our active caseload.
Top 6 Occupations


  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Carpentry
  • Hair & Beauty
  • Chefs
  • General Mechanic
For Individuals

Apprentices and trainees who have lost employment are encouraged to register.

Once on the register, 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, whilst also directing you to the most appropriate advice and assistance while you remain out of employment.
If you have an apprenticeship or traineeship 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.

Is Your Organisation Ready for the Super Guarantee Rate Rise?

On 1 July 2021, the super guarantee rate will rise from 9.5% to 10%. If you have employees, you will need to ensure your payroll and accounting systems are updated to incorporate the increase to the super rate.

If you need help to work out how much super you need to pay for your employees after 1 July, you can use the ATO's super guarantee contributions calculator.

It’s important you pay your workers the correct amount of super. The ATO's superannuation guarantee eligibility decision tool will help you determine if your employees are eligible for super, including any contractors treated as employees for super purposes.

The super rate is scheduled to progressively increase to 12% by July 2025. You can find the scheduled rate increases and dates the ATO's website.

For further information, please visit ATO website.

Victorian Training Awards - Nominations Extended to 18 June

VTA nominations extended
Due to a high number of nominations still in progress and noting that the recent lockdown in Victoria may have impacted your work, the 2021 Victorian Training Awards nominations period has been extended for a further two weeks and will close on Friday 18 June 2021.

If you have started an application, but weren't able to complete it, this extra time will allow you to collect all of the relevant information required to make your application stand out.
Due to a high number of nominations still in progress and noting that the recent lockdown in Victoria may have impacted your work, the 2021 Victorian Training Awards nominations period has been extended for a further two weeks and will close on Friday 18 June 2021.

If you have started an application, but weren't able to complete it, this extra time will allow you to collect all of the relevant information required to make your application stand out.
If you haven't started a nomination, there's still time for you as well!

Head over to the VTA website to review the award categories and submit a nomination as soon as possible.

There will be no further extension after this date due to the judging process, so make sure you get your nomination submitted in time!

In 2021, DET is returning to celebrating the best of Victoria's TAFE and training sector in person by hosting a physical gala in Melbourne at the end of August.

If you have any questions about nominating, don't hesitate to send DET an email and they will be more than happy to assist.

Don’t delay, nominate today!

For more information, visit: Victorian Training Awards.
Victorian Training Awards Footer

Webinar: How Digital Skills Relate to Australian Apprenticeships

Digital skills are a vital and growing area of interest within the Australian skills landscape.

The majority of workforce roles now require generic digital skills, and there are increasing needs to technical digital skills.
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Join the AATIS expert panellists who will discuss:
  • The types of digital skills needed in Australia;
  • How the Australian VET system can deliver these skills; and
  • Initiatives targeting the digital workforce.
A facilitated discussion will follow about the role that Australian Apprenticeships have in delivering the digital workforce of the future.

Date: Tuesday 29 June 2021
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST

To register for this free webinar, please visit Register AATIS webinar.

Local Jobs Program Update

Local Jobs Program – Expansion and Extension
As announced in 2021-22 Federal Budget, the Local Jobs Program is being expanded to 51 Employment Regions effective 1 July 2021, and extended out to 30 June 2025. This is an exciting development and illustrates the significant value that the Government places on the program, supporting Australian’s recovery from COVID-19 and getting people back into jobs. The expansion now establishes the Local Jobs Program as a $213.5 million Australian Government initiative and positions the program as a key part of the Government’s strategy to drive down the unemployment rate and as a mechanism to resolve current and emerging workforce issues. Further details on the expansion can be found in the Budget Papers: Getting Vulnerable Australians Back into Work — additional support for job seekers measure.

Local Recovery Fund Project – The Magpie Next Generation Project
Asuria People Services, in partnership with Job Prospects, have been awarded the first Local Recovery Fund contact for the Inner Metro Melbourne Region. The project will involve the creation of development pathways for 100 participants leading to job placements for at least 60 participants with ongoing support after commencing employment. The Magpie Next Generation Project draws on the Collingwood Football Club and a range of additional partners, leveraging established stakeholder networks to engage employers and connect participants with job opportunities. Delivery components include pre-employment foundation skills training, facilitated access to work experience placements and industry skills training, with incorporated mentoring and wrap-around supports. We will continue to bring you updates on the project as it rolls out across the region.

Free webinar for Job Seekers – Getting Employed in 2021
The William Angliss Skills and Jobs Centre is hosting an online workshop on 4 June 2021 for job seekers. The workshop will provide participants with updated information on current job growth areas in Victoria, skills to find jobs in growth areas using job search platforms, as well as how to prepare a strong resume and cover letter. The event will be held online and is free for all job seekers Angliss: Getting Employed in 2021.

Go Girls Work Ready Program 2021
The Go Girls Work Ready program assists women to become work ready and invites women from diverse backgrounds to participate in a five-month program. The program is a combination of employment skills and positive psychology and is delivered by a team of qualified psychologists and facilitators. The focus on personal development enables the women to overcome obstacles that traditionally get in the way of successfully becoming employed. There are a total of 8 one-day workshops and a 3-day, 2-night life planning retreat. The program commences in July and runs through to November. The program is fully funded so participation is free of charge to women who are enrolled in the program. It is open to women of all backgrounds, all ages, women experiencing difficulty, women who are long-term unemployed, woman who have experienced domestic violence and women from migrant backgrounds. An information session will be held on Thursday 10 June at 10am. The location is Mercy Hub, 607 Nicholson Street Carlton North. To register your attendance, please call Rita on 0413 810 700.

Winter Scarf 21 – Trainee Applications Now Open
Scarf is now accepting applications for their Winter Scarf '21 program that will run at Stomping Ground Beer Hall, 100 Gipps Street, Collingwood. This is a great opportunity for young people (18 - 28 years) from protection seeking / refugee or migrant backgrounds to gain industry-focused training, mentoring and paid work experience in Melbourne hospitality whilst building their job-readiness through practical, fun and informative workshops. More information can be found at Seasonal Scarf Program.

Victorian Youth Week: 26 June - 2 July

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The Victorian Government is backing young Victorians with funding for dozens of events during the Victorian Youth Week.

Minister for Youth, Ros Spence, announced funding to support 97 Youth Week events and projects across the state from 26 June to 2 July. Youth Week celebrates the contributions, achievements and diverse experiences of Victorians aged between 12 and 25.

To find out more about local events, please visit Victorian Youth Week 2021 Grants.
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