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AE News Volume 12, Issue 22
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Upcoming Events
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16 July - OHS Network Meeting
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22-23 August - Field Officer Conference
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Revealing the True Size of Australia’s Gig Workforce
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The Victorian Government is helping shine more light on Australia’s gig economy, with new research released this week showing that 7 per cent of working Australians have used a digital platform over the past twelve months to access work.
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A survey jointly conducted by Queensland University of Technology, the University of Adelaide and University of Technology Sydney is Australia’s largest ever published survey regarding the on-demand economy.
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The survey of more than 14,000 people was commissioned by the Victorian Government to support the Victorian Inquiry into the On-Demand Workforce.
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While there has been much debate about the gig economy and how it is regulated, until now little has been known about its size or the characteristics of the workforce.
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The findings provide insight into the size of the gig economy and the people working within it, including:
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- That 7.1 per cent of respondents use a digital platform for work, or have done so in the past 12 months
- Many platform workers rely on income from gig work – 15.5 per cent consider it “essential for meeting their basic needs”. A further 24.3 per cent say it is an “important part of overall income, but not essential”.
- Younger people and males are working through digital platforms in higher proportions than other demographic groups. Women are half as likely as men to work on digital platforms.
- Respondents in regional areas are less likely to have done platform work than respondents in a major city.
- A wide variety of people seek work through digital platforms, including people who are living with a disability, temporary residents, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- Platform workers surveyed were highly satisfied with the flexibility of gig work but were less satisfied that the income they received was fair.
Chaired by Natalie James, the Victorian Inquiry into the On-Demand Workforce was announced in September 2018 to address concerns about the gig economy.
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Field Officers Conference – Registrations Open
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This week the AEN opened online registrations for our upcoming field officers conference.
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This year’s conference is being held on 22 & 23 August at the Oaks in Melbourne.
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The event will showcase a range of speakers and interactive workshops that will assist field officers in their complex day-to-day activities.
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Presentations will include:
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- Carl Walsh - GTO Update
- Department of Employment - Job Market Update
- GTO Forum on Managing Difficult Situations & Day to Day Challenges
- Mental Health & Wellbeing Workshop
- Women in Trades Workshop
- AATIS
- AEN & SafetyFirst Update
Early bird registrations close on 31 July.
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Solar Homes Rolling Out to Even More Victorians
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Premier Daniel Andrews this week joined Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio and Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous in Northcote to announce that the next phase of rebates for solar panels, batteries and hot water systems would kick off from 1 July 2019.
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The Government’s $1.3 billion Solar Homes program will see 770,000 Victorian households take advantage of solar power over the next decade, with 5,500 new jobs created as we drive down energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.
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Building on the 32,000 domestic solar rebates already delivered since August, the program in 2019/20 will:
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- support the installation of 40,000 rooftop solar systems on private homes and community-owned housing
- deliver 2,000 solar panel systems on rental properties
- fund 6,000 households to get solar hot water systems installed and;
- deliver solar battery rebates for 1,000 households which already have rooftop solar in targeted areas
The program has been designed to give consumers and industry certainty about how many rebates will be available this year - releasing a set number each month to ensure the 10-year program is delivered effectively.
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We’ll also support families who already have solar, with storage batteries offered for the first time in targeted growth areas with high solar installations rates, helping to feed solar power back into the network.
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The simplified rebate application process will make it even easier for households to apply, with the rebate now applied by the retailer at the point of sale, instead of putting the onus on the customer.
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To ensure the highest safety standards, solar panel systems can only be installed by accredited solar installers using approved products. As part of this, and to help train the workforce of the future, there will be an additional $9 million to boost the skills of solar installers and train new apprentices.
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WorkSafe and Energy Safe Victoria will also undertake increased auditing – both during installation and post-installation – to ensure the program is as safe as possible.
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For more information about the Solar Homes program and how to apply visit Solar Victoria.
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NAIDOC Week 7- 14 July 2019
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NAIDOC week is fast approaching again and will be held between 7 – 14 July this week.
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NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
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NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’.
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This years theme is – Voice, Treaty Truth
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To find out what local events are planned in your area, or to access free resources and further information please visit NAIDOC 2019.
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The Demand Driven University System: A Mixed Report Card
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The Australian Government Productivity Commission released a report this week - a review into the demand driven university system.
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The study explores what happened to young Australians during the demand driven system using administrative, population and longitudinal survey data.
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The study addresses two research questions:
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- Who are the 'additional students' who enrolled in university under the demand driven system who would not have had the opportunity in earlier periods, and what are the academic and labour market outcomes they achieved?
- To what extent was the demand driven system more accessible to people from under-represented 'equity groups'? And what factors predict the under-representation of these groups?
Overall, the demand driven system succeeded in increasing the number of students and made progress in improving equity of access. However, many are entering university ill-prepared and struggling academically.
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This study suggests some areas for further policy consideration:
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- The school system has arguably not adapted to the role needed of it to prepare more young people to succeed at university, or more broadly to meet the growing demand in the Australian economy for complex and adaptable skills. Average literacy and numeracy of school children needs to rise to fill this role, reversing the sharp falls since 2003.
- Children growing up in regional or remote areas with the same academic ability as their metropolitan peers continue to be much less likely to attend university.
- The growing risk of students dropping out of university requires attention. On average, the additional students need greater academic support to succeed. While universities had strong incentives to expand student numbers, the incentives for remedial support are weak.
- University will not be the best option for many. Viable alternatives in employment and vocational education and training will ensure more young people succeed.
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Melbourne Career Expo – 26-28 July
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The Melbourne Career Expo is the most comprehensive and exciting Careers event in Victoria. Running for 18 years it is also one of the longest, most successful expos in Melbourne.
This is a great opportunity to get face to face with more than 17,000 students, graduates, job seekers and those in the job change market. Showcasing over 130 exhibitors ranging from Universities, TAFE’s, Registered Training Organisations, Apprenticeship Employers, Government Departments and large employers, this is an event not to be missed.
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Career Development Association of Victoria will be offering Free Resume Checking, Career Counselling and free career Workshops.
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Career Expo pride themselves on running an interactive event where visitors not only receive information about future study, training or employment options, but also get to see some of these exciting vocations in real practice.
The exhibitors will showcase a range of their information through free stage performances, interactive stand demonstrations, free seminars and hands on skill areas, so you can reinforce your organisation's brand through a visual or informative exhibit.
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The expo has large vehicles, machinery and simulators on display, interactive trade skills, hospitality tastings, makeup and hair demonstrations, visual and performing arts performances and fitness demonstrations, so attendees enjoy their time at the event and get to visualise their chosen profession. This is what makes the Melbourne Career Expo stand out from the rest.
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Upcoming AEN Events
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Over the coming months we have arranged a number of professional development workshops designed to assist GTOs.
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Brain Training – Thursday 25 July
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Closing the Generation Gap – Wednesday 7 August
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Managing Competency Based Training – Wednesday 4th September
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Health and Wellness at Work – Tuesday 24th September
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These workshops are free for members to attend. To find out further details and to register please visit our event calendar.
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Victorian Labour Hire Scheme Registrations
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Labour hire providers have six months to obtain a licence or else face significant penalties.
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The Victorian Government is implementing the scheme to bring a new level of integrity and scrutiny to the labour hire industry and keep workers safe and free from exploitation.
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The independent Victorian Inquiry into the Labour Hire Industry and Insecure Work – a key election promise – uncovered widespread abuse, underpayment and exploitation in the sector, which includes commercial cleaners, fruit pickers and meat workers.
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The Authority has held more than 30 information sessions since March to help providers understand their obligations.
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The sessions have involved industries such as security, cleaning, meat processing, fruit and vegetable harvesting and processing, vocational training, finance, consulting and IT, healthcare, manufacturing, accommodation, construction and transport.
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A further public information campaign to inform both contractors and the host businesses who use labour hire workers will begin this week.
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To obtain a licence, contractors including GTOs will be required to pass a “fit and proper person test” and show compliance with workplace laws, labour hire laws and minimum accommodation standards. They will also need to report annually on their activities.
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Host employers that use unlicensed providers face maximum fines of more than $500,000.
Also please note the registrations are annual and will need to be renewed at the date of initial registration approval.
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To operate legally in Victoria from 30 October 2019, labour hire providers must have applied for, or have a labour hire licence.
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National Group Training Conference – 31 July – 2 August Gold Coast
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The National Apprentice Employment Network’s national conference, “Beyond 2020”, will be held in the Gold Coast from 31 July to 2 Aug at the Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise.
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The conference is focussed on practical themes to support Group Training Organisations across Australia, and to also engage industry stakeholders who are invested in improving employment opportunities and outcomes for future apprentices and trainees.
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The “Beyond 2020” theme responds to shifts in federal government policies, a stronger political spotlight on employment through apprenticeships and traineeships, and the VET system under review.
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Members of AEN in Victoria can access the benefits of NAEN members’ registration, including a reduced registration rate and an invitation to register for our members only luncheon.
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The members only luncheon will be held on July 31 from 1pm at Kurrawa Surf Club. Members will have join in facilitated engagement with Stephen Koukoulas, Economist (keynote speaker Aug 1), and a Branch Head from the Department of Employment, Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business.
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AEN Executive Officers will also provide a “State of the States” update and members will have the opportunity to participate in Q&A.
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Bunnings Apprentice Trade PowerPass
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Don't miss a world of opportunities! As a Bunnings PowerPass Apprentice member, you can benefit from a huge range of exclusive deals.
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- 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
How do you Sign up for a Bunnings Powerpass Apprentice Membership?
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- Apply for Powerpass on the website
- Fill in the details and submit
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What to do, once you've signed up
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The first thing to know is that there is no plastic card issued for a Bunning’s Power Pass member. Your membership is always with you, as the ID card lives on your phone.
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- After you've filled in the application and it’s been processed you will receive an email asking you to confirm your email address, so it’s imperative that we get your email address right.
- After we have verified your email address, you will receive a new email with your CARD NUMBER and a link to download the Bunnings PowerPass App for your phone.
4. Load the App, enter your card number and you’re good to go.
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Thanks to our Industry Partners
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