Apprenticeship Employment Network

AE News Volume 13, Issue 13

Friday, 24th April 2020
Hi Reader!

Upcoming Events

1457023190_Calendar



Check out our calendar for full list of events.




New SafetyFirst Safety Basics Videos

SafetyFirst Safety Basics
Following the release of the first SafetyFirst Safety Basics animations aimed at highlighting key safety issues faced by apprentices and all workers more broadly, we are pleased to announce that with the support of RMIT we have produced another 14 animations covering the following topics:
  • Alcohol & Drugs in the Workplace
  • Asbestos Awareness
  • Bullying in the Workplace
  • Cranes and Lifting Equipment
  • Crystaline Silica
  • Demolition
  • Excavation & Trenching
  • Fatigue
  • Noise Safety
  • Slips Trips and Falls
  • Technology and Social Media
  • Traffic Management
  • Working Alone
  • Workplace Stress and Mental Health
This brings the number of animations to 18 with a further 12 currently in development. These animations are freely available for any GTO to use and to help spread the important message with apprentices of Safety First!

To view the animations please visit our YouTube Channel.

Improvements to the Supporting Apprentices Wage Scheme to Support GTOs & Host Employers

On Wednesday evening Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Senator Michaelia Cash confirmed an extension to the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees measures which improves the eligibility for GTOs and host employers in the current environment.

“To address this, the Government will increase the value of the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy to $1,500 per fortnight for GTOs, where the Host Employer of any size is receiving the JobKeeper Payment and retains their apprentice,” Senator Cash said.

“The Government believes this will be a welcome measure for those Host Employers and apprentices to ensure the same level of wage assistance as other employees, and to help keep apprentices where they need to be – in work and training.

“This change will apply retrospectively to wages paid from 1 April 2020, and will be rolled out in line with existing processes for the Supporting Apprentice and Trainees measure, with payments made quarterly in arrears. Senator Cash said.

To finalise the arrangements required to implement this additional support, the Department will now consult with the group training sector and ASSNs to update the guidelines for the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees program and will be back dated to 1 April - in line with Jobkeeper.

COVID-19 Mutual Obligation Arrangements – Further Extension of Suspension and Assistance to Job Seekers

The lifting of mutual obligations will continue until 22 May 2020 as a result of the impact of COVID-19.

During this time employment services remain open and available to support job seekers to prepare for and find available jobs.

The Government has a strong expectation that job seekers will continue to work positively with their employment service provider, and take advantage of all the support that is available.

To further assist job seekers to prepare for and move quickly back into work, the Morrison Government is also bringing forward the Employment Fund credit for the most job-ready job seekers to be available immediately, rather than after 13 weeks, which is currently the case.

This change will apply to job seekers who commence in jobactive from 4 May 2020.

The Employment Fund can be used by employment service providers to purchase work-related items including licences, equipment, training or qualifications to ensure workers are prepared and able to take up critical roles in the economy.

These arrangements by the Morrison Government continue to support Australians through the challenges presented by COVID-19 and will be continually reviewed.

For further information please see the Ministers' Media Centre.

VRQA - Updated Information on COVID-19

VRQA have updated their information regarding COVID-19 for VET stakeholders - please see the following links.

Skilling Up Victorians To Get Through The Coronavirus Crisis

Victorians will continue to get the skills they need to get a job and help us through the coronavirus crisis, with emergency funding from the Victorian Government to support the state’s TAFE and training system with student numbers expected to drop.

Premier Daniel Andrews, Deputy Premier James Merlino and Minister Gayle Tierney today announced the $260.8 million package, which includes a $191.9 million guarantee to lock in funding at expected pre-COVID-19 levels and an additional $68.9 million in crisis support to ensure Victoria’s public training system can respond and recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

Like universities and other higher-education providers, the economic impacts of coronavirus have hit the training sector hard. International students are no longer able to enter the country and many other students can’t pay their fees. The funding will help our TAFEs and training providers transition to delivering more online and remote learning, keep staff on, and continue teaching skills that will be critical in the fight against coronavirus.

Free TAFE is already providing a pipeline of nurses and other essential health care workers. Through the Working for Victoria program more than 685 people have already completed free short courses in food hygiene and cleaning, with more courses in fields like infection control and first aid coming online this week.

Keeping TAFE running also means construction and other industries still operating in Victoria can continue to have access to new apprentices and cadets – so they can keep delivering infrastructure and services which will be vital to our economic recovery.

The package will provide TAFEs, dual sector TAFEs, Learn Local providers and AMES Australia across Victoria funding certainty until at least the middle of the year. Together, these providers teach around 330,000 vocational and community education students.

The funding builds on the Government’s $1.7 billion economic survival and jobs package – which has already provided more than $400 million in payroll tax refunds, $65 million in business support grants and found new jobs for more than 1,500 people through Working for Victoria.

The Government will keep working with TAFE and training providers to ensure Victorians continue to get the skills our economy needs most, and we stand ready to invest more to support the sector if necessary.

MySkills Website Update

The Government has recently re-launched the MySkills website with improvements that are designed to raise the profile of online training such as an improved Skills Match Tool that is focussed on retraining and upskilling Australia, ready for the recovery phase after the Covid-19 pandemic.

There is a strong focus on supporting jobseekers access the training that will help them achieve their life and future career goals by aligning their interests to appropriate areas of study.

Updated MySkills website features include:

  • Ability to search increased online offering of RTOs and VET study options;
  • Greater ability to compare available online courses on one platform;
  • Greater accessibility for regional Australia to participate in training with more online study options;
  • Updated Skills Match Tool to support workers looking for employment;
  • Greater career guidance based on existing experience and qualifications;
  • Greater career information, including likely income, future pathways and industries in areas of growth.
The Australian Government has announced a range of measures designed to support Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic while they may be at home. These include measures aimed at ensuring Australians use the time to upskill themselves and prepare for future opportunities.

For further information please visit MySkills.

RMIT Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled-Div 2 Nursing) Traineeship

RMIT are now offering the Diploma of Nursing under a Traineeship model. RMIT has successfully developed and delivered the Diploma of Nursing Traineeship to some of Victoria’s major health providers and currently has limited places available for Group Training Organisations.

The Industry model for the enrolled Nursing program is a collaboration with Industry Partners and provides students with a technology enhanced learning experience using simulation laboratories, a new web based simulation experience that can be accessed by students online at any time and online learning capability.

The program is designed and contextualised to ensure that students are well prepared when they graduate. Graduates of this program may continue with further studies through the Bachelor of Nursing degree.

This model differs from the conventional EN program in that it is delivered over an 18 month period and embedded within the Industry Partners Health Care setting and customised to include the partners policies and procedures.

For more information, please contact:

Geoff Davey
Business Development Manager - geoff.davey@rmit.edu.au - 0439 108 331

Debbie Reynolds
Director - Industry Initiatives & Engagement - debbie.reynolds@rmit.edu.au - 0419259628

Commonwealth Scholarships Program for Young Australians - Grant Opportunity 2020

Under the Program (Department of Education, Skills and Employment) scholars are given the opportunity to complete a VET course from Certificate III to Advanced Diploma level in an Approved Program of Study that leads to an occupation in demand. Scholars participate in an industry based work placements that directly links study to real jobs through completing a 20 business day paid Internship.
The Commonwealth Scholarships Program for Young Australians offers 400 scholarships to unemployed youth residing in any of the 10 listed regional locations to undertake Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, including workplace-based internships with local businesses.
  • Grafton
  • Gosford
  • Wanneroo
  • Armadale
  • Shepparton
  • Townsville
  • Maryborough
  • Port Pirie
  • Burnie
  • Alice Springs
Priority is given to the following applicants:
  • have exited the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in the previous 2 years, regardless of age
  • Indigenous young Australians
  • young Australians with a disability; and
  • young Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
To find out further information and to access the grant website please visit Grant Connect.

Victorian Training Awards - Nominations are Open

2020-Victorian-Training-Awards-Tile
Eligible trainees or apprentices in the Victorian TAFE and training sector who deserve recognition for their achievements can now apply for this year’s Victorian Training Awards.

The Awards recognise and reward the achievements of apprentices, students, teachers, employers, and training providers across 15 general categories, People’s Choice Awards, and the Lynne Kosky Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement. Winners will also have the opportunity to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards at the end of the year in Brisbane.

The AEN and GAN Australia are once again proudly supporting the Awards as a Principal Partner for the second year running.

Entries close midnight Friday 5 June, so make sure you submit your nomination before then.

For more information, visit the Victorian Training Awards.

Scholarships of up to $5,000 for Current and Aspiring Female Leaders

Scholarships of $1,000 to $5,000 are currently available to women working in training and development to help support their participation in a range of online career building leadership development programs.

The initiative is providing junior teachers, school administrators and senior principals with scholarships to support their growth and development via participation in one of three flagship courses. Participants will benefit from course content such as Elements of a Successful Team, Team Dynamics, Purpose Priorities and Professional Development, Empowering Teams, and Evolving Strategic Change.

Expressions of Interest

Find out more and register your interest by completing the Expression of Interest form prior to Friday, May 15 2020.

AATIS Launches Social Media Hubs to Support Apprentices, Trainees and the Industry

aatis-active-industry-banner
The Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Information Service (AATIS) has expanded their support of Australian Apprentices with their new online initiative Active AATIS.

Active AATIS has launched two Facebook groups that will provide individuals with resources, job opportunities, networking opportunities and general support throughout the Covid-19 2020 economic decline.

Active Apprentices will support Australian Apprentices or Trainees, displaced Australian Apprentices or Trainees or individuals interested in commencing an Australian Apprenticeships or Traineeships.

Active Industry will support individuals working in the Australian Apprenticeship and Vocational Education and Training (VET) industries.

The key aims of these hubs are to:
  • Promote accurate information about covid-19 and what this means for apprentices and the industry
  • Promote the activities of key organisations in the Australian Apprenticeships system, including AASNs, GTOs, RTOs, and governments
  • Answer questions from group members, in a similar manner to the enquiry service
  • Allow for social connections with peers during times of isolation
“These hubs have been designed to keep individuals engaged whilst working from home, or during times of joblessness,” Dr Peta Skujins, AATIS Director, said.

“We know that the next few months are going to be a critical time for the skills and apprenticeship sector, and we want to ensure that when the upturn occurs, we have an engaged community ready to hit the ground running.” she said.

Visit the AATIS COVID information page for more details.

AustralianSuper's Latest Online Resources to Help Educate Employees

Upcoming Public Holidays

Sat 25 April Anzac Day

Mon 8 June Queen's Birthday
Holiday
GAN Subscribe to Newsletter
Do you want to be kept up to date with everything that’s happening with GAN Australia and the wider VET sector?

Head on over to GAN Australia and subscribe now.

Bunnings Apprentice Trade PowerPass

powerpass-accounts-960x356-header-v2-min
Don't miss a world of opportunities! As a Bunnings PowerPass Apprentice member, you can benefit from a huge range of exclusive deals.
  • ABN free applications for trade-related apprentices
  • Access to PowerPass prices and offers on a wide range of trade products
  • Invitations to exclusive trade events
  • Offers tailored to apprentice’s needs
  • Bunnings Trade merchandise
For further information and details on how to sign up please visit Bunnings Trade PowerPass.

Thanks to our Industry Partners

aatis
ApprenticeshipSupportAustralia
AustralianApprenticeshipsPathways
AustralianSuper
Bunnings-Warehouse-Logo-Small
EML
GAN Australia Logo
Marsh
SafetyFirst
VicSuper
VictorianChamberOfCommerceAndIndustry
WorkSight

Follow us

facebook twitter youtube linkedin 
newsletter-footer