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AE News Volume 16, Issue 18
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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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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: 9.30am – 5.10pm
Conference Dinner: 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Day 2 Conference: 9am – 2.00pm
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| Dress Code: |
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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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National Wage Review
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Last week the Fair Work Commission announced its decision on the National Minimum Wage.
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The FWC determined that several relevant factors need to be taken into consideration when determining the increase for minimum wages and modern awards including:
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- Only a small number of employees, about 0.7 per cent of Australian employees are paid the National Minimum Wage.
- Approximately 20.5 per cent of Australian employees are paid in accordance with minimum wage rates in modern awards. There are 121 modern awards which apply to employees in the national industrial relations system in various industries and occupations.
The Commission handed down the following increases:
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- 5.75% increase to all Modern Award rates including C10 (Trade Rate)
- The decision will lift the National Minimum Wage from $812.60 to $882.80 a week and from $21.38 to $23.23 an hour.
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VRQA - Compliance and Enforcement Framework for Apprenticeships and Traineeships
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The VRQA compliance and enforcement framework for regulating apprenticeships and traineeships seeks to eliminate harm, or the risk of harm, to apprentices and trainees.
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The framework puts minimising the harms identified in the November 2022 Ministerial Statement of Expectations (SOE) for VRQA at the centre of our compliance model.
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Harms identified in the SOE and our understanding of the sector include:
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- injury or death
- poor quality workplace experiences
- exploitation and mistreatment
- insufficient learning opportunities and progress.
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The framework outlines our strategy for regulating apprenticeships and traineeships to influence maximum engagement and voluntary compliance from employers.
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Our initial approach is education and support for employers to achieve compliance. However, where necessary, we will use our regulatory powers and tools, including cancelling an employer's approval to employ apprentices and trainees.
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Ultimately the framework aims to protect the safety of apprentices and trainees.
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The VRQA has now exercised its power under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 to revoke the approval of the approximately 57,000 inactive employers who did not respond to this request, or indicated they no longer wished to employ apprentices or trainees.
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On an annual basis we will write to employers who have not employed an apprentice or trainee for at least 5 years to determine if they should still be an approved employer.
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This will strengthen existing protections for apprentices and trainees, who are among the youngest and most vulnerable workers.
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There is no barrier for revoked employers to reapply to employ apprentices and trainees if their circumstances change.
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The VRQA supports approved employers to meet their training contract obligations. Further information will be made available as we continue our work to mitigate the risk of harm to Victorian apprentices and trainees.
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New AEN Animated Resources
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AEN have recently developed four new animations to complement our 30+ short animations that are used to assist apprentices improve their awareness of many of the issues around health and safety.
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In Australia, as we observe World Day Against Child Labour on June 12, 2023, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to not experience the issue of child labour to the same extent as many other parts of the world.
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The theme for this year, "Social Justice for All. End Child Labour!", highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of child labour to achieve social justice.
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Over the past three decades, our collective global efforts have shown that child labour can be eliminated when we come together with determination and will.
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It is crucial for us to contribute to finding solutions to the daily struggles faced by people, and child labour stands as one of the most visible problems that require urgent attention.
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While the world has made significant progress in reducing child labour since 2000, recent conflicts, crises, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have pushed more families into poverty, forcing millions of children into labour.
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Despite the progress made, approximately 160 million children worldwide, almost one in ten, are still engaged in child labour. Africa and Asia-Pacific regions account for the highest number of children in child labour, with 72 million and 62 million children respectively. Low-income countries have the highest percentage of children in child labour, but middle-income countries have larger absolute numbers, with 84 million children in child labour residing in these countries.
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In Australia, we must recognise and appreciate the efforts made to protect our children from the harsh reality of child labour. However, this also places a responsibility on us to support global initiatives that aim to eradicate child labour.
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This World Day Against Child Labour serves as a reminder that change can be achieved when we prioritise the well-being of children and work collectively to address the underlying causes of child labour. By advocating for social justice and supporting international conventions on child labour, we contribute to a brighter future for all children, regardless of their geographic location.
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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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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 1,048 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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