Apprenticeship Employment Network

AE News Volume 16, Issue 20

Friday, 23rd June 2023

Upcoming Events

June
AEN Mid-Year Conference

July
PD Session: Managing Conflict with Confidence
PD Session: African Cultural Awareness & Recruitment

International Labor Conference Adopts New Global Apprenticeship Standard

Last week the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland closed with the adoption of a new recommendation on quality apprenticeships.

Delegates also passed resolutions on a just transition and labour protection, as well as adopting the standards report and the program and budget, and a resolution on Belarus.

The new labour standard aims to support “opportunities for people of all ages to skill, reskill and upskill continuously” in rapidly changing labour markets.

It provides a clear definition of apprenticeships, specifies aspirational standards for quality apprenticeships, including rights and protection for apprentices.

The 111th International Labour Conference, was attended by around 5,000 delegates representing governments, workers and employers from the ILO’s 187 Member States.

The Conference was held from 5 – 16 June 2023, at the UN Palais des Nations in Geneva.

For further information please Visit 111th International Labour Conference.

To access the final adopted text on Quality Apprenticeships please visit International Labour Organisation.
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.

The Apprentice Exchange Program is a life-changing international experience that can take your career to new heights!

This unique program offers the chance to learn new skills and gain invaluable real-world experience through international trade training schools and workplaces.

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.

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.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to broaden your horizons and achieve your dreams. Apply now for the Apprentice Exchange Program!

Apply now for the International Apprentice Exchange Program and embark on a life-changing journey.

JSA - New First Nations Workforce Analysis Reports Released

Jobs and Skills Australia has released two reports relating to First Nations employment and educational outcomes, the First Nations Workforce Analysis, and findings from a survey of Employers’ experiences of First Nations job applicants.

First Nations Workforce Analysis
The First Nations Workforce Analysis finds that while gaps still exist for the community in employment and education, particularly in remote areas, a number of positive trends are emerging.

In the 5 years to 2022, the number of First Nations People working as Contract, Program and Project Administrators increased by 42% nationally. Other occupations which saw strong First Nations growth included Welfare Support Workers (33%), Aged and Disabled Carers (31%) and Child Carers (22%).

Public Administration was the highest employing industry, and the number of First Nations people working in it increased by 27% between February 2020 and May 2022.

This trend, along with a lower reliance on hospitality jobs, helped First Nations employment recover more quickly than non-Indigenous employment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Employers’ experiences of First Nations job applicants, findings from the Recruitment Experiences and Outlook Survey

Jobs and Skills Australia’s Recruitment Experiences and Outlook Survey (of around 1,000 employers each month) sought views about their experiences with First Nations job applicants and the kinds of strategies and programs employers typically used to assist successful First Nations applicants into the workplace.

The survey found that First Nations applicants have a 70% success rate when applying for jobs and 93% of businesses who hired a First Nations applicant said the person had adjusted well in the workplace.

The 93% success rate of job transitions cited by businesses suggests the lack of uptake of programs or subsidies is not having an impact on the successful transition of job applicants. Medium to small businesses were more likely to access a program and/or subsidy (12% and 11%, respectively) than large businesses (5%).

Even though the transitions of applicants into small business’ workplaces are good (92%), First Nations applicants are less likely to be successful in getting a job in small businesses (61% of applicants) compared to medium to large businesses (82% and 73% respectively).

To access the full report please visit, First nations People Workplace.

Updated ATO Advice For Apprentices

'Nail’ your deductions this tax time!

Not sure what deductions you can claim as an apprentice? Well, great news! The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) have shared some helpful tips and resources to make tax time easier.

‘Can I claim that?’
Check out the ATO’s tailored occupation guide for Apprentices. It helps explain which deductions you can and can’t claim this year, as well as the income you’ll need to declare, and the records you need to keep. Even better, the guide has also been translated into other languages.

Keeping your records
Your glovebox filing system is great, but there’s an easier way. Download the ATO app and use the myDeductions tool for a fast and easy way to store your receipts and keep track of your records! The ATO app is also one of the best ways to track the progress and outcome of your tax return after you’ve lodged.

Best time to lodge?
The best time to lodge is from late July, when most of your information from employers, banks and health funds has been automatically included in your tax return. All you’ll need to do is check the pre-filled information is correct, add any income that’s missing, and claim your deductions!

Remember, most tax returns lodged online take about two weeks to be processed.

Your tax assessment
The ATO is reminding people that the low and middle income tax offset has ended and you may get a lower refund this year, or you may get a bill.

A list of this and other reasons that may affect your tax refund are available on the Australian Tax Office.

2023 WorkSafe Awards Nomination's Closing

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.

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.

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.

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.

The valuable work of health and safety representatives will again be highlighted in the Health and Safety Representative of the Year category.

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.

"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.

"I encourage businesses large and small, and individuals regardless of what industry they work in, to nominate."

"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."

Nominations are open to all Victorian-based employers and workers, and entrants can nominate themselves or another person.

Entries close 23rd June 2023.

For further information please visit 2023 WorkSafe Awards Victoria.

New Assistant Employment Minister for DEWR

On 31 May 2023, Dr Andrew Leigh MP was sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, known as Assistant Minister for Employment.

Dr Leigh will continue as the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, and ACT Federal Member for Fenner.

Dr Leigh’s appointment will support the government’s significant employment priorities which are being delivered by DEWR.
The National NAIDOC Committee is proud to announce that the 2023 National NAIDOC Week Theme is For Our Elders . National NAIDOC Week will be celebrated from Sunday 2 July – Sunday 9 July 2023, and the National NAIDOC Week Awards Ceremony will be held in Meanjin (Brisbane) on Saturday 1 July 2023.

To view the list of achievements and 2023 NAIDOC finalists please visit 2023 National NAIDOC Week Award Finalist.

SuniTAFE Announce Appointment of New CEO

SuniTAFE recently announced the appointment of a new CEO, Brett Millington currently the CEO of Mildura Regional Development.

Brett has served at senior levels in the utilities sector, including as Program Director with Intelligent Water Networks and is a member of the Mallee Regional Partnership, the Mallee Regional Innovation Centre Strategic Advisory Panel, the Mallee Hydrogen Technology Cluster and the Northern Mallee Leaders Community Leadership Program Board of Management.

Brett replaces retiring CEO, Geoff Dea, who leaves on June 30 after seven years.

Fr further information Please visit, SunTAFE CEO Announcement.

Refreshed SA Skills Commission to Address Skills Shortages

The State Government has appointed a new South Australian Skills Commissioner. It follows a nationwide recruitment process for the role.

Cameron Baker has been appointed for a five-year term and will take up the leading role in the state’s skills system from July.

Mr Baker has been appointed to the role after the inaugural commissioner Renee Hindmarsh stepped down to relocate interstate due to family reasons.

He has an extensive background in senior executive and advisory positions in higher education and the skills sector in Victoria and nationally.

Currently, Mr Baker is a senior consultant in skills and labour for the National Transport Commission.

Prior to this, he established Apprenticeships Victoria and led a team focused on getting more people into apprenticeships and traineeship, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Mr Baker also previously served as the Director and Acting Skills Commissioner of the Victorian Skills Commission.

The SA Skills Commission was established in 2021 to ensure the state's skills system is more flexible, easier to navigate and geared towards workforce needs with strong industry engagement.

The Commission advises on how the skills sector is performing and engages directly with industry and employers to deliver the skills they need for future jobs in South Australia.

For further information please visit, Refreshed SA Skills Commission.

New AEN Animated Resources

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.

These are all freely available to use and can be accessed on AEN YouTube Channel.

Upcoming AEN Professional Development

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.

Date: Wednesday 5 July 2023
Time:10am – 1.30pm
Delivery: In Person

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.

Date: Wednesday 11 July 2023
Time: 9.30am - 1.30pm
Delivery: In Person

Registrations:
For information about these PD Session's and to register, please go to AEN Events Calendar
and select the event. All prices include GST.

AEN Members:
Please login to the members area prior to purchasing tickets to access the members rate or to RSVP for a free event.
Retrenched Apprentices and Trainees Program Logo
Out of Trade Banner
Since the program commenced in May 2020, a total of 1,048 participants have been supported to date.
  • 84% Male
  • 16% Female
For Individuals
Apprentices and trainees who have lost employment are encouraged to register.

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.
For Businesses
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.

For further information or to register for the program, please visit Apprenticeship Employment Network.
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Thanks to our Industry Partners

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