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AE News Volume 16, Issue 15
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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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Be a Voice for Generations #NRW2023
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National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
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The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023, Be a Voice for Generations, encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.
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For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, let’s choose to create a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all.
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What is National Reconciliation Week?
The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June.
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These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
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Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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Everyone has a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.
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From printable posters to social tiles, we have the resources to help you spread the word about NRW 2023 and Be a Voice for Generations.
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Changes to Victorian Workcover
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The Victorian Government is helping Victorians get healthy and back to work after injury, building a modern WorkCover scheme that gives security to Victorian workers and businesses.
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WorkCover is fundamentally broken with a number of changes announced this week – with Workcover currently no longer meeting the modern needs of those it was designed to assist more than 30 years ago.
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Since 2010, WorkCover’s claims liability has tripled, mainly driven by the increased cost of weekly income support and many workers staying on the scheme long-term.
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The increase is partially driven by mental injury claims – now representing 16 per cent of new claims – which was never envisaged when the scheme was designed.
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That’s why the Government is creating Return to Work Victoria, to help people get back into the workforce as part of new reforms to ensure Victoria’s WorkCover scheme is sustainable and fit-for-purpose.
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Return to Work Victoria, with input from employers, unions, mental health and occupational health experts, will pilot supports for injured Victorians and those experiencing work related mental stress to return to work or training pathways.
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Health outcomes for workers are worse the longer they remain on WorkCover, and can lead to prolonged injury and unemployment – the longer a person is away from work, the less likely they are to ever return.
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To align with other states and territories, WorkSafe will update the test for workers receiving WorkCover weekly payments beyond two-and-a-half years by introducing a Whole Person Impairment test of greater than 20 per cent – to more objectively measure the degree of physical and mental impairment.
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Additionally, workers who experience stress and burnout will no longer be able to access weekly benefits from WorkCover – instead, they will be eligible for provisional payments for 13 weeks to cover medical treatment, while enhanced psychosocial supports will be provided to help them return to work or explore training pathways.
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WorkSafe will continue to focus on preventing workplace injuries and to support workers who make claims for physical injuries, and mental injuries arising from workplace harassment, bullying and traumatic events such as those experienced by frontline workers.
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Planned eligibility changes will come into effect in 2024 and will only apply prospectively. Victorians already receiving WorkCover who have passed the two-and-a-half-year mark will continue under the current scheme, will continue to receive payments, and will also benefit from the services of Return to Work Victoria to help them get better and back into the workforce.
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A legislated review will take place no earlier than three years after the changes come into effect, to review their operation and assess their financial impact and to ensure the scheme is working as it should and workers are getting the support they need.
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Premiums paid by organisations will move to an average of 1.8 per cent of remuneration, bringing Victoria in line with other states and territories and ensuring that WorkCover can continue to support workers and businesses into the future.
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When WorkCover returns to financial sustainability, additional capital will not be repatriated to the state budget – meaning any savings will go back into the scheme to ensure better outcomes for workers, or lower premiums.
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Boosted assistance to help workers get back to their job, or find a new position, is good for workers and businesses – helping avoid the negative health impacts of long-term unemployment and helping keep business premiums lower.
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The changes come after extensive consultation with worker and employer groups, and the Government will move to introduce legislation later in 2023.
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Join The Jots The Role Of Apprenticeship Intermediaries In England
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A New report from the UK indicates that Apprenticeships have the potential to make a transformative difference to the lives of learners and to the skills and productivity of businesses, but this potential is not currently being realised.
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Barriers cited by businesses include a lack of high-quality information and practical support, and challenges navigating apprenticeship funding and accessing suitable provision, as well as the caps on non-levy apprenticeships imposed by government until April 2023.
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In this context, an organic network of intermediary support has grown up in England, which reflects the central role this support plays in other apprenticeship systems across the world.
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In this context, an organic network of intermediary support has grown up in England, which reflects the central role this support plays in other apprenticeship systems across the world.
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In this report, we recommend that intermediaries should become an integral part of the policy solution, ensuring that all SMEs are able to access high-quality support.
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This will better enable apprenticeships to drive the skills improvements needed, to address regional inequalities, and to improve business productivity in the sectors which matter most for communities.
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14 September RUOK Day 2023
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R U OK? is calling on young apprentices to 'Be a mate, it's worth it' because when we're going through tough times, it's mates who are best placed to understand and lend support.
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These free resources encourage trainees and apprentices to foster supportive friendships by regularly checking in with their mates and paying attention to any signs that might indicate a mate is struggling.
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When we make the time to build strong friendships it creates a foundation to rely on as we move through life to help everyone feel more connected and supported.
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The posters feature three scenarios that demonstrate when a mate might be struggling and needing a little extra support.
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There is also an A4 conversation starter poster, to help you know what to say if someone tells you they are not OK, and a poster of support services people can go for help.
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2023 WorkSafe Awards Nomination's Open
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Businesses and individuals going above and beyond to improve workplace health and safety are being urged to share their stories as part of this year’s WorkSafe Awards.
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Now in their 34th year, nominations are open for the 2023 awards, which will again celebrate and honour the achievements of those who have made a significant contribution to reducing workplace harm and/or improving outcomes for injured workers.
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A key focus of the awards is to recognise the efforts of employers who have implemented leading return to work practices, as well as injured workers who have overcome significant barriers in their quest to return to work.
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The Commitment to Workplace Health and Safety on a Farm category forms part of WorkSafe’s efforts in tackling the overrepresentation of the agricultural industry in workplace deaths and injuries.
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The valuable work of health and safety representatives will again be highlighted in the Health and Safety Representative of the Year category.
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WorkSafe Chief Executive Colin Radford said the awards had long been an important opportunity for Victorian-based employers and workers to showcase their workplace safety efforts and share best practice solutions to often complex health and safety risks.
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"The WorkSafe Awards has a long history of celebrating those who put workplace health and safety at the top of their agenda," Mr Radford said.
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"I encourage businesses large and small, and individuals regardless of what industry they work in, to nominate."
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"In addition to hearing the inspirational stories of finalists, one of the most satisfying aspects of last year’s awards was the diverse range of industries that were represented, including construction, education, health, maritime, retail, racing and agriculture."
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Nominations are open to all Victorian-based employers and workers, and entrants can nominate themselves or another person.
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Entries close 16 June 2023.
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The categories for this year’s awards are:
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- Commitment to Prevention of Mental Injury in the Workplace
- Commitment to Workplace Health and Safety on a Farm
- Health and Safety Representative of the Year
- Leading Return to Work Practice
- OHS Leadership/Achievement
- Worker Return to Work Achievement Award
- Workplace Health and Safety Solution of the Year
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Building Reforms To Protect Victorians
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The Victorian Government is delivering a package of reforms for the construction sector – providing stronger protections to Victorians building or renovating their homes.
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After the liquidation of Porter Davis exposed a concerning practice of builders not taking out the required insurance when accepting deposits, the Government will reform the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 and strengthen domestic building insurance requirements.
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Victoria’s building regulators will have more powers to monitor whether builders are meeting their obligations under the law to take out domestic building insurance prior to taking a deposit, with tough new penalties for failing to comply with these requirements.
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The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) will audit builders regarding collection of deposit and purchase of domestic building insurance.
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Builders are currently experiencing significant global economic challenges, including rising supply chain costs – and after consultation with the sector, the Government will consider providing an extended transition for some new National Construction Code requirements that are currently scheduled to commence in October.
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The reform package will also provide opportunities to review the role of all regulators and improve the information provided to consumers about a builder’s obligation to take out domestic building insurance.
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These initiatives will form part of the ongoing building reform program that is reshaping the Victorian building system and helping deliver safe, compliant and durable buildings.
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The introduction of any further reforms will be staged to allow strong consultation with the building industry.
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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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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.
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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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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!
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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