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Friday, 13 September 2024
Centre for Education and Training Newsletter: Edition 31
A strong voice for industry skills needs
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Megan Lilly
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My last day at Ai Group was 6th September 2024. I have taken up the role as Deputy Commissioner – Jobs and Skills Australia. I am absolutely delighted that Dr Caroline Smith has been appointed to the role of Executive Director – Centre for Education & Training at Ai Group. Caroline brings with her to this role a broad and diverse career coupled with a deep passion for all things related to skills, training and work.
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A little known fact is that Caroline started her post-school journey as a legal clerk trainee before heading off to university. This obviously held her in good stead, because she proceeded to explore and succeed in a variety of roles.
Notably she was the inaugural Executive Director of Jobs Queensland, ensuring that it was established with a strong research and stakeholder engagement focus. Caroline also did a stint at Skills Australia. It was here that she sharpened her significant policy skills by bringing future-focused thinking to policy development through scenario planning. People still refer to these scenarios.
Covid was a curve ball to us all. During Covid times Caroline was working in a senior executive role for the Queensland Government and was deeply involved in the economic response to the pandemic and the recovery. In partnership with other government agencies, Caroline and her team led the drafting of Queensland's Covid economic recovery plan.
Not all of Caroline's work has been in Australia. When in the UK she worked in partnership with a range of stakeholders on apprenticeship policy and reform, including completions and quality. Caroline undertook her PhD in the Department of Human Resource Management at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland. She was also a Fulbright Vocational Education and Training Scholar in the United States and undertook research on industry-led workforce development.
I cannot think of anyone better to lead the Centre of Education and Training. I look forward to working with her in our respectively different capacities. Good times ahead.
Megan Lilly
Outgoing Executive Director, Ai Group Centre for Education & Training
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Australians should stick to renovating property, not the Qualifications Framework
Many experts now agree that the Australian Qualifications Framework, or AQF, is starting to look like the suburban 'renovator's delight': tired, dated, and in need of some serious work.
However, while Australians are known for our passion for renovating, it would be unwise to extend this piecemeal approach to education policy reform. Renovations don't always deliver the sort of cohesive 'resolved' finish of an architect-designed home. Sometimes it's better to think through and commit to a new, purpose-built structure.
Read the full opinion piece by Megan Lilly
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Ai Group's Megan Lilly to join Jobs and Skills Australia as Deputy Commissioner
Ai Group Chief Executive Innes Willox has congratulated Megan Lilly on her new role as Deputy Commissioner of the Federal Government's Jobs and Skills Australia.
"Several years ago, Megan established what is now the Centre for Education and Training in recognition that we had to inform and lead the policy debate to ensure our members had access to the skilled workforce they need to prosper now and into the future," Mr Willox said.
"The Centre, supported by an exceptionally capable board, is now clearly the leading think tank in its policy space."
Find out more
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Appointment of Caroline Smith as Head of the Ai Group Centre for Education and Training
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Ai Group Chief Executive Innes Willox has announced the appointment of Dr Caroline Smith as the new Executive Director of the Ai Group Centre for Education and Training.
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"Caroline commenced with us in January and has contributed in an engaging and highly collaborative manner since then," Mr Willox said. "She has an extensive background in skills and workforce development, tertiary education and employment policy."
Find out more
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National Energy Workforce (NEWS) Strategy response
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This week, the CET was pleased to participate in the development process for the National Energy Workforce Strategy (NEWS). The strategy is being tailored to address key challenges for the energy industry workforce including attracting and retaining workers and improving coordination.
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Our response highlighted the need for improved coordination to ensure that both current and future initiatives are coherent and consistently address the workforce needs of the energy industry. This involves not only monitoring implementation but also identifying any gaps. We also note that the skilling challenge for the energy sector intersects with existing shortages and unmet demand for key occupations across the Australian economy, such as construction, manufacturing and defence.
Click to read the full submission
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NAPLAN results a bad sign for the country – school funding must be resolved
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The latest NAPLAN results have painted a bleak picture for a more productive and competitive future, with the sheer number of young Australians falling behind basic and necessary foundation skills being simply unacceptable. It is incumbent upon all levels of government to arrest the slide – the funding issue must be resolved and the political blame game has to stop.
Find out more
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Retirement of Brendan O'Connor and Linda Burney
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Ai Group has paid tribute to Skills and Training Minister Brendan O'Connor and Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney, who are both retiring from federal politics. Mr O'Connor has made a "significant and enduring impact on vocational education and training", while Ms Burney "has done more than any other in terms of promoting First Nations issues".
Find out more
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Systems Engineering Apprenticeship ready to roll out in Victoria
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Ai Group CET is pleased to report that RMIT University will be accepting enrolments for the first intake of systems engineering apprentices at the start of 2025. These apprentices will graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) after their five-year training contract, and will also obtain an Advanced Diploma of Engineering.
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We are working closely with RMIT to help coordinate vacancies from companies interested in employing apprentices. Apprentices could be school leavers with appropriate levels of maths, mature aged workers looking for a career transition or even current employees who you think might be suitable. Many potential candidates have already expressed interest.
To find out more about the benefits of employing apprentices in this exciting new program contact Ross Kelly.
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Queensland Government supporting apprenticeships
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The Queensland Government has announced two programs affecting apprenticeships:
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Women in Manufacturing Apprentice Awards
Nominations have opened for Queensland’s second annual WIM Apprentice Awards. There are two awards to be bestowed: the Women in Manufacturing 'Leading Apprentice Award' and for the runner up the 'Highly Commended Apprentice Award'. Prize money is $10,000 and $5,000 respectively. Recipients will be announced at the annual International Women’s Day Women in Manufacturing Breakfast next year. Nominations close on 27 September.
Find out more
Free Tools for First Years
Apprentices in the first year of an eligible construction, plumbing, engineering or electrical apprenticeship may be eligible for a rebate of up to $1,000 to cover the cost of tools purchased for the apprenticeship. There are 35 eligible trades in fields including engineering, refrigeration and air conditioning, electrical fitting, locksmithing and all of the building trades. The eligibility period for the rebate is backdated to 25 May 2023.
Find out more
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Join the Women in STEM Careers and Entrepreneurship Masterclass this October
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If you are a STEM research student or an early to mid-career researcher, this masterclass is tailored for you. Hosted by the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute and Western Sydney University, it offers a unique opportunity to delve into Australia’s research commercialisation and innovation ecosystem. Those who have participated in an APR Internship, funded by APR’s WISE program, are especially encouraged to take advantage of available sponsorships covering accommodation and travel expenses.
Find out more and register now
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Microcredentials Pilot in Higher Education
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The Australian Government has announced the addition of new micro-credentials in IT and engineering, to help upskill and reskill workers as part of their ongoing skills development and learning journey, and to respond to industry skills needs and priorities.
Find out more
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Victorian Government Request for Information process on Victoria's Wind Worker Training Centre and Renewable Hydrogen Worker Training Centre
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The Victorian Government is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) process on Victoria's Wind Worker Training Centre and Renewable Hydrogen Worker Training Centre from August to October 2024.
The Government is requesting information on the roles or skillsets that the training centres could focus on, and the skills, credentials or training programs (like micro-credentials, apprenticeships, etc.) the centres could deliver to meet immediate gaps in the raining sector.
Complete the survey here
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Also: Save the date
Webinar – Addressing workplace literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy on Wednesday 23 October, 11am AEDT
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UPCOMING WEBINAR: 18 September
Industry's vital place in new TAFE Centres of Excellence
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TAFE Centres of Excellence are rolling out across the country after being included as a flagship model under the 2023 National Skills Agreement. Each will focus on an industry sector and will become a national network for that sector, working with partners from industry, universities and the community. Join us and our expert guest presenters as we explore the concept, how industry can benefit, and how industry and our member companies will be able to connect with the Centres.
Find out more and register now
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