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AE News Volume 16, Issue 14
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Upcoming Events
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PD Session: Managing Conflict with Confidence
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PD Session: African Cultural Awareness & Recruitment
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AEN Mid-Year Conference 2023 - REGISTER NOW
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This year AEN is holding its Mid-Year Conference at Hyatt Place, Essendon Fields, Melbourne.
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Over the one and half day conference, delegates will hear from special guest speakers and representatives of the Victorian Government. The Hon. Gayle Tierney Minister for Training and Skills will present on the second morning of the Conference
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This event promises to be jammed packed with a range of topics and updates and will be followed by the conference dinner.
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Tuesday 27 & Wednesday 28 June 2023
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Hyatt Place, 1 English Street, Essendon Fields Melbourne
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Day 1 Conference: 10.00am - 5.40pm
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Conference Dinner: 6.30pm - 10.30pm
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Day 2 Conference: 9am - 1.45pm
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Hear from speakers including:
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- Apprenticeships Victoria
- VRQA
- Victorian Labour Hire Authority
- Jobs Victoria
- Development Victoria – Regional Commonwealth Games
- Apprenticeships Support Australia
- Department of Education – HeadStart
- DEWR – State Update
- Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Information Service (AATIS)
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Federal Budget 2023-24
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This week the Federal Government released its 2023-24 budget. From a GTO perspective there wasn’t any new news or funding announcements that weren’t discussed earlier apart from an additional 300,000 free TAFE places. The key announcements include:
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Investing in skills and training
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The Government will provide $5.5 million in 2023–24 to continue supporting negotiations on a long-term skills funding agreement with the states and territories.
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Subject to the outcome of these negotiations, the Government has also retained $3.7 billion in the Contingency Reserve for a 5-year National Skills Agreement that will commence on 1 January 2024.
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The Government will also fund a further 300,000 TAFE and vocational education training places to become fee-free.
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The Government will provide additional funding of $54.3 million over 5 years from 2022–23 to introduce a new non-financial support model for Australian Apprenticeships from 1 July 2024.
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The model will redesign and refocus key support services currently delivered by the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network to increase apprenticeship completion rates and the diversity of the apprentice workforce.
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Grant funding of $5.0 million over 3 years from 2024–25 will be provided to organisations with appropriate expertise in supporting women in the workplace, to further support women in historically male dominated trade apprenticeships.
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This will include providing education, advice or support to increase culturally safe and inclusive workplaces, reduce the cultural barriers to women’s participation, address workplace challenges and support businesses to attract and retain women.
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The new model will also provide support to women who commence their non-traditional trade apprenticeships prior to 1 July 2024 during their transition to new service arrangements.
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Reinvigorating foundation skills programs
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Tackling gender inequality in the apprenticeship system
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The Government will abolish ParentsNext from 1 July 2024 and develop a replacement voluntary program, to provide high-quality pre-employment support.
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Other Key initiatives for our sector include:
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This Budget invests $1.9 billion over 5 years from 2022–23 to deliver sustained, practical actions to improve the lives and economic opportunities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. $150.5 million to strengthen educational outcomes and protect traditional knowledge.
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- $38.4 million for high quality, culturally appropriate education for First Nations children in remote areas
- $11 million for a new policy partnership to strengthen national Indigenous languages.
- $21.6 million for the Indigenous Boarding Providers grants program and $32.8 million for the Clontarf Foundation $193.5 million for strong economic participation.
- $46 million to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to deliver foundation skills training for First Nations people.
- $40.6 million to continue the Indigenous Ranger Biosecurity program $561.6 million for better health.
- $238.5 million to improve First Nations cancer outcomes.
- $141.2 million to expand the Tackling Indigenous Smoking program, including vaping prevention.
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Powering net zero industries and jobs
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Powering Australia Industry Growth Centre The Government is providing $14.8 million to establish the Powering Australia Industry Growth Centre, which will support Australian businesses looking to manufacture, commercialise and adopt renewable technologies.
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This is in addition to the up to $3 billion allocated to investment in low emissions technologies including green metals under the National Reconstruction Fund.
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Skills for the clean energy economy
The Government has commissioned Jobs and Skills Australia to undertake a Clean Energy Capacity Study to evaluate workforce needs and enable Australia to strategically plan for the skills needed for the transformation to a clean energy economy.
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JSA is engaging with key stakeholders to inform a final report by mid-2023
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Modernising our industrial base
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Ensuring strategic industries have a future made in Australia
National Reconstruction Fund.
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The Government has committed $15 billion to the National Reconstruction Fund.
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The new $392.4 million Industry Growth Program will support Australian small to medium-sized enterprises and startups to commercialise their ideas and grow their operations.
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This recognises the important contribution small and medium-sized enterprises make, and the role they play in transforming the Australian economy and creating new, high skill jobs. Support will be targeted towards businesses operating in the priority areas of the National Reconstruction Fund.
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The Buy Australian Plan is a comprehensive program that will improve our approach to Government procurement and use the Government’s buying power to help industry grow by competing for and winning more government contracts, provide more diversity in our supply chains, and invite innovation.
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The Budget builds on the creation of the Future Made in Australia Office by providing $18.1 million to increase engagement with businesses, improve AusTender and procurement capability across the Australian Public Service.
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The Government is investing $23.4 million to help small businesses build their resilience to cyber security attacks by training 50,000+ in-house cyber wardens over 3 years.
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Protecting Australians against scams and data breaches -the Government is allocating $86.5 million to establish a National Anti-Scam Centre, boost the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s work to disrupt investment scam websites, and establish Australia’s first SMS Sender ID Registry to prevent scammers imitating trusted brand names.
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Growing critical technology industries
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The Government is providing $44.3 million to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner to take appropriate regulatory action, enhance its data and analytics capability, and support a standalone Privacy Commissioner.
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Growing critical technology industries The Government has allocated $101.2 million over 5 years to support the development and uptake of technologies that are enabling capabilities across Australian industries - commencing in quantum and artificial intelligence.
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It will support a Critical Technologies Challenge Program beginning with a focus on quantum. It will also extend the National AI Centre and its role supporting responsible AI usage and will create an Australian Centre for Quantum Growth to connect and amplify Australia's quantum ecosystem.
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Education p98
Employment & Workplace relations p104
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The Government will provide $5.5 million in 2023–24 to continue supporting negotiations on a long-term skills funding agreement with the states and territories. Subject to the outcome of these negotiations, the Government has also retained $3.7 billion in the Contingency Reserve for a 5-year National Skills Agreement that will commence on 1 January 2024.
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$1.0 million in 2023–24 to maintain the National Microcredentials Marketplace, which enables users to find and compare registered microcredential courses offered by tertiary education providers.
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The Government will provide $10.0 million over 4 years from 2023–24 (and $1.9 million per year ongoing) to address the rise of silicosis in workers and develop a national strategy for the prevention of silicosis and silica-related diseases.
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- $4.7 million over 4 years from 2023–24 (and $0.8 million per year ongoing) to establish a dedicated occupational lung diseases team to oversee implementation and investigate long-term reforms for an improved national framework for occupational lung diseases
The Government will provide $8.6 million over 4 years from 2023–24 (and $1.5 million per year ongoing) to implement the Australian Skills Guarantee, ensuring one in 10 workers on major Australian Government-funded projects is an apprentice, trainee or paid cadet. The Australian Skills Guarantee will apply from 1 July 2024 to projects with contracts valued at $10.0 million or more in the construction and information and communications technology sectors and will include sub-targets for women. More ambitious targets will be set for flagship construction projects with contracts valued at $100.0 million or more. For information and communications technology projects, initial targets for apprentices, trainees, paid cadets, and the targets for women will be negotiated with suppliers on a project-by-project basis, with targets based on workforce information provided during the tender process
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The Government will provide $26.3 million over 5 years from 2022–23 to boost employment services for young Australians in the care economy, continue pre-employment services for First Nations people who are incarcerated, trial a new regional employment service approach and support workers and communities through enhancements to the Local Jobs Program. Funding includes:
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- $15.2 million over two years from 2022–23 to support the establishment of the Y Careers Agency to provide young people with employment opportunities in the care economy, including the early childhood education and care, disability and aged care sectors
- $5.7 million over two years from 2022–23 to extend the Time to Work Employment Services program (non-remote) for 12 months to provide continued pre-employment services for First Nations people who are incarcerated
The Government will provide additional funding of $5.1 million in 2023–24 to continue functions of the National Careers Institute and to evaluate its role in supporting Australians to access careers information. Funding will ensure the Your Career website is based on the latest labour market data and will continue the delivery of the School Leavers Information Kit to enable young people to make informed decisions about their education, employment, and training pathways.
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The Government will provide $27.4 million over 4 years from 2023–24 (and $1.1 million per year ongoing) to improve the safety and fairness of workplaces and continue detailed consultation with key industries. Funding includes:
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- $20.0 million over two years from 2023–24 to increase to the Productivity, Education and Training Fund, to support engagement and practical activities of worker and employer representatives with workplace reforms as they progress and the implementation of the Government’s Workplace Relations agenda
- $4.4 million over 4 years from 2023–24 (and $1.1 million per year ongoing) to establish the National Construction Industry Forum including representatives from key employer groups, unions and government to provide advice on major challenges facing the building and construction industry including workplace relations, industry culture, skills and training, safety, gender equality and productivity
- $2.0 million over two years from 2023–24 to develop a targeted training package on workplace psychosocial hazards, to be provided to organisations that train health and safety representatives in the Commonwealth jurisdiction
The Government will achieve savings of $212.9 million over 5 years from 2022–23 (and $41.4 million per year ongoing) across the Employment and Workplace Relations portfolio which will be redirected to fund other portfolio policy priorities. Savings include:
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- $111.6 million over 4 years from 2023–24 by reducing place allocations for the Self-Employment Assistance Small Business Coaching program to more accurately reflect utilisation of places.
- $27.5 million over 4 years from 2023–24 by temporarily reducing uncommitted Industry Workforce Training program funding.
- $22.8 million over 4 years from 2023–24 by ceasing the Entrepreneurship Facilitators Program from 1 July 2023.
- $20.0 million over 4 years from 2023–24 by temporarily reducing uncommitted funding to support Job and Skills Councils.
- $15.8 million over 4 years from 2023–24 by reducing the departmental operating funding of the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman by 2.5 per cent.
- $10.4 million over two years from 2022–23 by not proceeding with the Accelerating Australian Apprenticeships Pilot program.
- $3.9 million over two years from 2022–23 by rescoping the Skills Assessments Pilots to align with current demand trends.
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National Careers Week 15-21 May
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Next week is National Careers Week. NCW is an initiative of the Career Industry Council of Australia and aims to celebrate careers, career development, career development services, and career development practitioners and to promote the economic, social and personal benefits of career development.
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Career development is a process of managing learning, work and leisure to progress through life.
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It includes gaining and using the skills and knowledge needed to plan and make informed decisions about education, training, and work.
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Everyday decisions and priorities affect career development.
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Ultimately, career development is about much more than jobs – it is about how to live your life.
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The objectives of National Careers Week are to
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- Develop community awareness of the concept, benefit, and value of career development.
- Raise aspirations, challenge stereotypes, and broaden horizons about careers.
- Highlight the need for ongoing reskilling and upskilling to support careers throughout life.
- Identify the changing nature of work and its impact on all Australians.
- Showcase industries and the career opportunities available in them.
- Provide opportunities to partner with key stakeholders.
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Victoria supporting Manufacturing week – May 9-12.
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The Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2023) was held this week at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre with Minister Ben Carrol launching the weeks activities.
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Organised by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), AMW2023 will occupy more than 10,000 square metres of exhibition space at the MCEC in Melbourne, with over 360 leading industry exhibitors taking stands to showcase the latest manufacturing technologies, processes, and support services.
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AMW2023 will have on display some of the biggest machine tool systems in the world.
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While at the same time, bringing nanotech and additive manufacturing into focus with demonstrations of the very latest research prototypes.
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Women & Leadership Australia scholarships
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Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) would like to acknowledge the tremendous response to the recent announcement regarding scholarship funding for women in the Education, Training and Development Sector.
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For those who missed the announcement WLA is currently offering professional development scholarships for women across all areas of the training and development sector, including Group Training Association of Victoria staff and members.
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Scholarships of $1000-$5000 per person are available for women in the training and development sector.
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To encourage more women to increase their impact at work and step into leadership roles across the training and development sector, WLA is offering scholarships for four leadership development courses. Apply by 9 June
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AEN & GAN Australia – Apprentice Exchange Program
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The Global Apprenticeship Network Australia with support from GAN New Zealand, EJTC Canada and GTEXpro are offering current Australian 2nd ,3rd and 4th year apprentices over the age of 18 the opportunity to participate in a 4-week exchange program to Canada, New Zealand or Switzerland to broaden your trade knowledge, skills and experience.
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Apprentice Exchange Program is a life-changing international experience that can take your career to new heights!
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This unique program offers the chance to learn new skills and gain invaluable real-world experience through international trade training schools and workplaces.
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By participating in this program, you’ll have the opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, explore new subjects, and deepen your understanding of familiar skills.
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This experience will give you a competitive edge in your future career and help you make lifelong connections with fellow apprentices from around the world.
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Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to broaden your horizons and achieve your dreams. Apply now for the Apprentice Exchange Program!
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As a participant in our Apprentice Exchange Program, you’ll have the opportunity to travel overseas and gain invaluable real-world experience!
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While you won’t be paid during the exchange program (due to international visa requirements stating it as a “study tour”), your employer and/or GAN Australia will cover expenses, including travel, accommodation, insurance, and training, up to an estimated value of $10,000 per exchange.
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In exchange for this incredible opportunity, we do ask that you take annual leave or leave without pay to participate overseas, and that you share your experiences with others both during and after the exchange.
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Please note that the exact itinerary for your Apprentice Exchange Program must be finalised prior to your departure from Australia.
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The activities and schedule will vary depending on the location, trade industry, and timing of the exchange program.
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Our team will work with you to create a personalised itinerary that maximizes your learning experience and provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the trade industry in your host country.
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Jobs and Skills Australia – March 2023 Skills Shortage Report
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The Skills Shortage Quarterly presents quarterly analysis on occupation shortage pressures. Data underpinning the analysis is drawn from the Survey of Employers who Recently Advertised.
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Key findings in the March 2023 report include:
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- Recent rising fill rates point to a potential labour market softening.
- Fill rates have been consistently low in some occupations including for Health Professionals, Construction Trades Workers and Sports and Personal Service Workers.
- There is a persistent gap between the average number of qualified and suitable applicants which can be viewed as an indicator that formal qualifications alone are not sufficient to meet employer needs.
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Victorian Training Awards - Nominations Extended!!
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Nominations have been extended until Sunday 28 May 11.59pm.
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Be recognised for your hard work in 2023!
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There is just one week to go until nominations for the 2023 Victorian Training Awards close, at midnight on Sunday 28 May.
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There will be no extensions beyond this date.
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As a key stakeholder of Victoria’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, you are aware of the history of these prestigious awards.
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In 2023, the Victorian Training Awards mark their 69th year of celebrating the outstanding achievements of apprentices, students, teachers, employers and training providers in the VET sector.
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Last year’s awards honoured the achievements of many outstanding organisations and individuals, with six Victorian representatives going on to achieve national success at the Australian Training Awards.
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You may want to nominate yourself, your students, your organisation, or someone else you know.
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Winners in select categories will also have the opportunity to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards in Tasmania in November.
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Australian Training Awards Nominations Close 31 May
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The Australian Training Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements in the vocational education and training sector.
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This year's Awards will be held in Hobart, Tasmania in November 2023.
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16 Awards categories will be presented at the Awards – eight categories are individual achievements and eight for businesses and registered training organisations.
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Individuals, businesses and registered training organisations can nominate directly to the Australian Training Awards for the following Direct Entry categories:
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- Outstanding Achievement in the VET and Skills Sector Award
- Innovation in VET Award
- Australian Apprenticeships Employer Award
- School Pathways to VET Award
- Excellence in Language, Literacy and Numeracy Practice Award
Nominations close 31 May 2023.
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Upcoming AEN Professional Development
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Managing Conflict with Confidence
Positive relationships and win/win outcomes are critical success contributors, and a range of conflicts can easily interrupt this. We must acquire the expertise and confidence to manage our emotional state effectively while in the heat of the moment to avoid negative effects on our wellbeing, morale and productivity.
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Date: Wednesday 5 July 2023
Time:10am – 1.30pm
Delivery: In Person
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African Cultural Awareness & Recruitment
Participants will gain an understanding of African beliefs, values, work/family values and how to work with African communities. Gain insight into the importance of cultural inclusion throughout the recruitment process along with strategies to develop, retain and support African apprentices/trainees.
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Date: Wednesday 11 July 2023
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and select the event. All prices include GST.
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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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Retrenched Apprentices and Trainees Program
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Since the program commenced in May 2020, a total of 963 participants have been supported to date.
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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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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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Do you want 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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