Apprenticeship Employment Network

AE News Volume 12, Issue 23

Friday, 28th June 2019
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Upcoming Events


16 July - OHS Network Meeting
25 July - Brain Training Workshop
22-23 August - Field Officer Conference
Click here for all upcoming events.

NAIDOC Week 7- 14 July 2019

NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC week is fast approaching again and will be held between 7 – 14 July this week.

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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.

NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’.

This years theme is – Voice, Treaty Truth.

To find out what local events are planned in your area or to access free resources and further information please visit NAIDOC 2019.

Field Officers Conference – Registrations Open

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Online registrations for our upcoming field officers conference are open.

This year’s conference is being held on 22 & 23 August at the Oaks in Melbourne.

The event will showcase a range of speakers and interactive workshops that will assist field officers in their complex day-to-day activities.

Presentations will include:
  • 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.

Register for the conference at the AEN website.

Victorian Governor Term Extended

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has accepted the advice of the Premier Daniel Andrews, to extend the term of the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC, for a further three years.

The Governor will remain in her role until 30 June 2023.

This will enable Her Excellency, supported by her husband Mr Anthony Howard AM QC, to continue her important and much valued work serving the people of Victoria locally and internationally.

The Governor and Mr Howard play significant roles in celebrating the diversity and achievements of the Victorian community through hosting events at Government House, lending their support to major events across the state, and by touring regional communities.

The extension of the term of Governor Dessau will provide constitutional certainty in the lead up to and following the next Victorian State election, due in November 2022.

Safe Work Australia Invites Feedback on the Recommendations of the Review of the Model WHS Laws

The model WHS laws were reviewed in 2018. The Review of the model WHS laws: Final report was released in February 2019 and includes 34 recommendations.

A Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) on these recommendations is now open. Submissions are open until 5 August 2019 and can be made online.

Feedback and comments are being sought from all stakeholders who may be impacted by the recommendations.

Safe Work Australia is particularly interested in feedback on the recommendations that may have the greatest impact on workers, business and the community, including:
  • introducing regulations dealing with psychological health
  • new arrangements for health and safety representatives (HSR) and work groups in small businesses
  • clarifying workplace entry of HSR assistants and WHS entry permit holders
  • providing HSRs with choice of training course
  • providing a process for resolving disputes about WHS issues
  • including gross negligence as an element of the Category 1 offence, and
  • introducing an industrial manslaughter offence.
Safe Work Australia has set up a consultation page with information and details on how you can participate.

Mental Health Support for Vulnerable Workers

Thousands of Victorian workers whose jobs put them at increased risk of mental injury will benefit from new knowledge sharing networks set up under a WorkSafe initiative.

The WorkSafe WorkWell Learning Networks will connect mental health experts with employers and workers to share the latest thinking on the best ways to boost mental health and safety at work.

Seven organisations have received initial funding from the $5 million program to develop plans for the networks, which will link more than 2000 workplaces to collaborate on practical steps to prevent mental injury.

WorkSafe Health and Safety Executive Director Julie Nielsen said the networks would help create new ways to improve the lives of thousands of working Victorians.

"Learning Networks will bring workers, experts and industry groups together to build workplaces that promote positive mental health and safety for all workers but especially those who are most vulnerable," Ms Nielsen said.

"The networks are a brilliant opportunity to embed the latest thinking about mental health into industries and workplaces to improve workplace health and safety outcomes across the state."

The selected organisations will become Network Chairs, supporting workplaces in their industry as they adopt changes to cultures, policies, systems and behaviours to protect and promote mental health.

Each Network Chair was selected for its ability to reach and influence vulnerable worker groups including young workers, ageing workers, frontline workers and those in industries in transition.

The successful applicants have been given three months to provide a detailed program management plans in order to secure funding for the remainder of the two year scheme.

The selected organisations are:
  • Emergency Services Foundation
  • CGU Workers Compensation Victoria
  • Give Where You Live
  • Australian Retailers Association
  • Housing Industry Association
  • Australian Hotels Association
  • CommuniCorp
The $50 million WorkSafe WorkWell initiative was launched in 2017 to fund projects that improve mental health outcomes for vulnerable groups of workers.

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.

Career Development Association of Victoria will be offering Free Resume Checking, Career Counselling and free career Workshops.

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.

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.

For a Free E-Ticket or exhibiting opportunities please visit Melbourne Career Expo or contact Bill Lennox on 03 9620 9920 or via bill@careerexpo.com.au.

Australia’s Largest VET & Apprentice Student Survey

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Managed by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), the 2019 National Student Outcomes Survey opened on Friday 31 May for VET students who completed a training qualification or subject during 2018.

Between May and August this year, more than 800,000 people will be contacted to collect information on employment outcomes, training satisfaction, and the benefits and relevance of their training.

The results of the annual survey will help students to make informed decisions about training via the My Skills website, and assist governments and training providers in administering, planning and monitoring the VET system.

We would greatly appreciate your support in actively promoting the survey to your former students and encouraging them to take part, which will improve the quality of the data.

If enough of your students complete the survey, you may be eligible to receive a free report specific to your students’ satisfaction and training outcomes, alongside national comparisons.

Take advantage of the free kit provided by NCVER to help promote the survey to your former students.

Apprentices and trainees who completed or left their training in 2018, will also be contacted for their views and training outcomes as part of their own specific Apprentice and Trainee Experience and Destinations Survey, which was last conducted during 2010.

This survey collects information about people’s reasons for doing an apprenticeship or traineeship, their employment outcomes, satisfaction with on-the-job and off-the-job training, and factors related to completion and non-completion.

Visit the NCVER Portal for more information and frequently asked questions about the National Student Outcomes Survey and the Apprentice and Trainee Experience and Destinations Survey.

Cancer Council Fundraising

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Victorian Group Training are supporting their General Manger Lochlan Veale to raise funds for the Cancer Council's Do it For Cancer program. Lochlan will be shaving his head - after letting his hair grow out - in March 2020.

To help with this great cause please donate at Lochlan's fundraiser page - his goal is to raise $2000.

Upcoming AEN Events

Over the coming months we have arranged a number of professional development workshops designed to assist GTOs.

Brain Training – Thursday 25 July
Closing the Generation Gap – Wednesday 7 August
Managing Competency Based Training – Wednesday 4th September
Health and Wellness at Work – Tuesday 24th September

These workshops are free for members to attend. To find out further details and to register please visit our event calendar.

Victorian Labour Hire Scheme Registrations

Labour hire providers have six months to obtain a licence or else face significant penalties.

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.

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.

The Authority has held more than 30 information sessions since March to help providers understand their obligations.

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.

A further public information campaign to inform both contractors and the host businesses who use labour hire workers will begin this week.

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.

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.

To operate legally in Victoria from 30 October 2019, labour hire providers must have applied for, or have a labour hire licence.

For more information and to apply for a licence today visit the Labour Hire Authority.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

AEN Executive Officers will also provide a “State of the States” update and members will have the opportunity to participate in Q&A.

More information on the conference is available on the National Apprentice Employment Network website.

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.

  • 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?
  • Apply for Powerpass on the website
  • Fill in the details and submit
What to do, once you've signed up
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.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.

For further information and details please visit Bunnings Trade Powerpass.

Thanks to our Industry Partners

AustralianSuper
EML
Marsh
SafetyFirst
VicSuper
WorkSight
AustralianApprenticeshipsPathways
ApprenticeshipSupportAustralia
aatis
VictorianChamberOfCommerceAndIndustry

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