CAQA Labs – Virtual lab environment our experts are working on!

The benefits of a virtual lab for information technology and information system related subjects are many.

A virtual lab provides a simulated environment that is very close to the actual environment where the students will be working after they graduate. In other words, a virtual lab allows students to experience what it is like to work in a real-world environment before they actually enter the workforce.

It allows students to access their lab from any device, anywhere in the world. This means that students can study on their own time and at their own pace.

Physical service and equipment are not required; security is our responsibility. This frees up valuable classroom space and eliminates the need for expensive hardware and software.

It saves money. The virtual lab is more affordable than the traditional lab, and it also requires less maintenance.

Last but not least, a virtual lab enhances the learning experience by allowing students to work on real-world projects. Students are able to apply the knowledge they have learned in the classroom to actual business projects. This helps them to better understand the concepts they are learning and prepares them for the challenges they will face in the workforce. In conclusion, a virtual lab provides a number of valuable benefits that make it an excellent choice for information technology and information system related subjects.

For more information, please email us at info@caqa.com.au.

May 22, 2022 News Comments Off on CAQA Labs – Virtual lab environment our experts are working on!

Verification of trainer credentials

As an RTO business owner or manager, you understand the importance of having qualified and experienced staff. This is especially true when it comes to trainers, who play a vital role in ensuring your students are properly educated and trained.

However, verifying the credentials and experience of trainers can be a time-consuming and difficult process. Additionally, if trainer documents are not properly verified, it could lead to legal issues down the road.

Why trainer documents must be verified

There are several reasons why you need to verify the documents and experience of your trainers.

First and foremost, you need to ensure that the trainers you’re working with are qualified to do the job, their credentials are up to date and that they have the necessary experience to train effectively. This means that they have the necessary credentials and experience to provide quality training.

You need to verify trainer documents in order to protect your organisation from liability. If a trainer is found to be unqualified or doesn’t have the requisite experience, your organisation could be held liable for any damages that occur as a result of their training.

Verifying trainer documents helps to ensure the quality of training that your learners receive. If trainers aren’t properly qualified, they may not be able to deliver effective training which could impact negatively on learner outcomes.

Verifying trainer documents can help you to avoid potential reputational damage. If it’s discovered that trainers working for your organisation are unqualified or don’t have the required experience, it could damage your organisation’s reputation and make it difficult to attract new learners.

Finally, you want to be sure that they will be able to provide the required documentation if requested by an auditor.

How to verify trainer documents

There are a few different ways that you can verify the documents and work experience of your trainers.

One way is to contact the relevant qualification issuers directly and request confirmation.

Another way is to ask the trainer for copies of their qualifications and work experience documentation and then verify these yourself.

Finally, you can ask a represnentaive (depending on your role as in HR or RTO Manager) in your training provider to verify the documents and work experience of your trainers on your behalf.

Whichever method you choose, it’s important that you keep a record of the verification process and the results. This will be helpful if you are ever asked to provide evidence of trainer verification to an auditor.

You must also ensure your policies and procedures refer to exactly the same RTO practices for verifying the trainer credentials.

Who Should Verify Trainer Documents?

The responsibility for verifying trainer documents typically falls to the person responsible for managing the training function within an organisation. In some cases, this may be the head of HR or Learning and Development. However, it’s also common for organisations to appoint a dedicated Training Manager who takes on this responsibility.

If you’re unsure who is responsible for verifying trainer documents within your organisation, you should contact your HR department or Learning and Development team for clarification.

May 22, 2022 RTO Comments Off on Verification of trainer credentials

The importance of having word limits in the summative assessment resources

One of the most important aspects of VET is summative assessment. Summative assessment resources play a vital role in ensuring that students are able to demonstrate their learning and progress. However, summative assessment resources can also be a source of frustration for both students and educators if they are not well managed and written. It is widely accepted that summative assessment resources in vocational education and training (VET) should have word limits. This is because having a word limit ensures that the focus is on the key learning outcomes and not on trivial matters. It also allows for a more efficient and effective assessment process, as well as ensuring that the results of the assessment are more reliable. It is a key element in ensuring that students have the opportunity to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to complete their qualification.

There are several reasons why it is important to have word limits in summative assessments.

It provides a level playing field for all students.

It allows trainers/assessors to focus on the quality of the work rather than the quantity. It ensures that students are able to focus on the key issues and provides a level playing field for all candidates. When students know they only have a certain number of words to write, they are more likely to focus on the most important information and leave out any superfluous details. This not only makes for a more concise and well-written essay, but also helps to ensure that the student is covering all of the key points required by the assessment task.

It helps to prevent plagiarism. When students are given a large amount of material to work with, they may be tempted to copy and paste sections from various sources in order to save time. However, if they know that they only have a limited number of words to use, they are more likely to take the time to paraphrase and reference properly. This not only benefits their own learning, but also helps to ensure the academic integrity of the assessment.

In addition, word limits can also help to ensure that students are not spending too much time on one particular section of the task. If students know they only have a limited amount of words to use, they are less likely to spend an excessive amount of time on one section and neglect other important parts of the task. This can often lead to poorer overall performance, as students who spend too much time on one section may find it difficult to move on to the next.

Then, setting word limits also allows educators to more easily identify which students need extra help or support. This is because students who struggle with writing often have difficulty meeting the required word limit.

Finally, they help to ensure that assessments are fair and objective. Word-limits ensures that the assessment process is more efficient and effective. This is because it is often difficult to assess large amounts of text. Having a word limit allows the assessor to read through the resources more quickly and identify the key points. This makes the assessment process more efficient and effective, as well as ensuring that the results are more reliable.

Word limits also help to ensure that assessments are manageable for both trainers/assessors. By setting a maximum word limit, it ensures that there is less material for trainers/assessors to mark and assess, making the process more efficient.

While word limits are important, it is also important to be realistic when setting them. It is unrealistic to expect students to write a perfect essay within the confines of a few hundred words, and doing so may actually lead to poorer performance. Instead, it is important to set a word limit that is achievable, but also challenging enough to ensure that students are still required to focus on the key points.

Ultimately, setting word limits is an important part of assessment in VET. By doing so, you can help to ensure that students focus on the key points, avoid plagiarism, and don’t spend too much time on one particular section. While it is important to be realistic when setting word limits, they can ultimately benefit both the student and the assessment process as a whole. Word-limits are there to ensure that the results of the assessment are more reliable. This is because if there is too much text, it can be difficult to identify any patterns or trends. Having a word limit means that there is less text to analyse, which makes it easier to identify any patterns or trends. This in turn makes the results of the assessment more reliable.

In conclusion, it is clear that there are several advantages to having word limits in summative assessment resources in VET. These advantages include the fact that it allows the assessor to focus on the key learning outcomes, makes the assessment process more efficient and effective, and helps to ensure that the results of the assessment are more reliable. As such, it is clear that summative assessment resources should have word limits.

May 22, 2022 Training and Assessment, VET Sector Comments Off on The importance of having word limits in the summative assessment resources

Scholarships for international students to study in Western Australia.

It’s possible that in the near future, international students may be able to study in Australia without having to pay full or partial tuition fees. According to a report from the Times of India, the state government of Western Australia (WA) is planning to invest 41.2 million Australian dollars in an effort to strengthen the state’s foreign education sector. The state provides assistance in the form of scholarships and bursaries, which are intended to cover the recipients’ educational expenses in Australia by either waiving all or part of their tuition fees.

The investment, which is estimated to be in the multi-million dollar range, is the result of the most recent modification to the state budget for the fiscal year 2022-23, which has the stated objective of “building a pipeline of future onshore international education students.”

According to David Templeman, the Minister of International Education for the state of Western Australia, the state acknowledges the significance of international education because it is a significant contribution to the economy of the state. He noted that the McGowan Government is fully dedicated to assisting the industry as it continues to reconnect with foreign partners in order to assure the continuation of this programme. This will ensure that the initiative will continue.

The government of Western Australia has just established two new scholarship programs. Among these are the Premier’s University Scholarships, which have a total value of A$2 million and are awarded over a period of four years. This will cover the cost of funding for ten overseas students, who will each receive a scholarship for one year at a value of AU$50,000 per year.

An additional type of monetary assistance in the form of a bursary will be awarded to fifty students who have graduated from one of Western Australia’s worldwide premier schools with a Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE). The bursary, which is predicted to consume A$4 million from the State Budget over the course of four years, is planned to provide financial assistance in the amount of A$20,000 per year for each student who is selected.

There are also bursaries available for students enrolling in English language programmes. The international student accommodation on subsidy programme and the English-language courses (ELICOS) Bursary will both get a continued funding commitment of 6.8 million Australian dollars from the Western Australian government.

A ten million dollar incentive package will be made available to support overseas education agents who successfully enrol international students in a Western Australian institution. The package’s secondary goal is to raise awareness of Western Australia’s international education sector through the agent network.

Other initiatives to be funded include:

  • AU$1 million for the provision of a familiarisation program for key offshore stakeholders to visit and experience WA
  • AU$6.8 million for the continuation of the ELICOS Bursary and the International Student Accommodation Subsidy to attract international students to WA
  • AU$400,000 for the creation of a school support program to encourage international students studying within the schools sector to continue their student journey with a WA education provider
  • AU$3 million for the WA Technical and Vocational Education and Training Consortium to support the development of offshore opportunities and student pipeline creation
  • AU$4.5 million boost to StudyPerth, which ensures international students are welcomed and supported while studying in WA
  • AU$1.5 million to extend the global international education marketing campaign
  • AU$8 million over four years for onshore and offshore staffing to implement the new initiatives
May 22, 2022 Education Comments Off on Scholarships for international students to study in Western Australia.

A draft model for self-assurance for training organisations

ASQA has developed a draft model for self-assurance for training organisations. The purpose of this model is to provide a framework within which training organisations can develop and operate their own quality assurance systems.

The model sets out the key elements of an effective quality assurance system and includes guidance on how these elements can be implemented.

The model is designed to be flexible and allow training organisations to tailor their quality assurance systems to meet their individual needs and circumstances. ASQA will continue to consult with the sector on the development of this model, and welcomes feedback from training organisations and other stakeholders.

Principles for the model

  • flexible to be appropriate for all providers regardless of size, type, operating context and self-assurance maturity
  • aligned with RTO standards and supporting other requirements including State/Territory where possible
  • focused on continuous improvement rather than merely compliance
  • simple and easy to understand for providers
  • encouraging and supporting providers to fully integrate self-assurance into their business (‘organic’ to operations)
  • reinforced and validated by other regulatory activities including ASQA’s performance assessments and risk analysis
  • valuable to providers and linked to a reduction in regulatory burden
  • backed by effective support, guidance and education by ASQA

A model should avoid:

  • being overly prescriptive
  • encouraging providers to just ‘tick the box’ / achieve the minimum requirements
  • causing self-assurance to become an additional business process for providers
  • duplicating existing requirements of providers

During Phase 3, ASQA will:

  • develop and refine the level of detail for the overall model and each element, including an overall explanation about its purpose
  • explore guidance and information requirements by model element/sub-element
  • identify providers’ expectations about and capacity to provide evidence of self-assurance by model element
  • identify expectations about ASQA’s and others’ role in the provision of education
  • identify additional tools or resources required, based on further model development.

You can provide feedback in a number of ways:

  • have your say on the Phase 3 model (survey open until 8 June 2022)
  • email the project team at StrategicReviews@asqa.gov.au
May 22, 2022 ASQA Comments Off on A draft model for self-assurance for training organisations

Why should you invest time doing an assessment of your training organisation?

Investing time in assessing your training organisation can be extremely beneficial. It can help you to identify areas that need improvement, as well as any potential areas of growth. Additionally, conducting an assessment can help to ensure that your organisation is providing the best possible training experience for its students. Ultimately, this can lead to improved student satisfaction and productivity levels.

It’s essential to periodically assess your training organisation to ensure that it is effective and efficient. There are many benefits to conducting an assessment, including:

  1. Identifying areas for improvement – An assessment can help you identify areas where your training organisation could be more effective. This information can then be used to make changes and improvements.
  2. Measuring progress – An assessment can also be used to measure the progress of your organisation over time. This information can be used to gauge the effectiveness of new initiatives or policies.
  3. Demonstrating accountability – An assessment can help you demonstrate accountability to stakeholders and funders. It can show that you are committed to continuously improving your organisation and its services.
  4. Generating feedback – An assessment can generate valuable feedback from students, clients, and other stakeholders. This feedback can be used to improve the quality of your organisation’s services.
  5. Building capacity – An assessment can help you build capacity within your organisation. It can identify training and development needs, as well as potential areas for organisational expansion.
  6. Facilitating change – An assessment can be a catalyst for positive change within your organisation. It can help you implement new policies or procedures, or make other changes that will improve the effectiveness of your organisation.
  7. Improving communication – An assessment can improve communication between students, managers, and other stakeholders. It can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and aware of the organisation’s goals and objectives.
  8. Creating a common language – An assessment can help create a common language within your organisation. This can be helpful in promoting a positive culture and facilitating organizational change.
  9. Encouraging reflection – An assessment can encourage students to reflect on their own performance and the performance of the organisation as a whole. This reflection can be used to improve future performance.
  10. Building relationships – An assessment can help build relationships between students, managers, and other stakeholders. These relationships can improve communication and cooperation, and ultimately lead to a more effective and compliant organisation.

An assessment of your training organisation can be a valuable tool for continuous improvement. It can help you identify areas for improvement, measure progress, demonstrate accountability, generate feedback, build capacity, facilitate change, improve communication, create a common language, encourage reflection, and build relationships. By periodically conducting an assessment, you can ensure that your organisation is effective and efficient.

May 22, 2022 Education Comments Off on Why should you invest time doing an assessment of your training organisation?

Why the excessive bureaucracy of the government is bad for education and training industry.

If you are in the business of education and training, then you know that bureaucracy can be a real pain. It seems like every time you turn around, there is another government regulation or requirement that you have to deal with. And each one of these regulations comes with its own set of paperwork and red tape.

It is no secret that the government bureaucracy can be a major hindrance to businesses. This is especially true for businesses in the education and training industry, where bureaucratic red tape can make it difficult to get things done.

Businesses are required to comply with a growing number of regulations, and this compliance costs money. This cost is passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. As a result, businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to compete, and many are forced to scale back or even close their doors.

This regulatory burden also makes it harder for new businesses to enter the market, as they have to overcome a higher barrier to entry. The excessive bureaucracy of the government also hampers innovation and creativity in the education and training sector. This is because businesses are often required to follow rigid rules and regulations, which stifle their ability to experiment and try new things. In addition, the government’s bureaucracy can also make it difficult for new businesses to enter the education and training market, as they may not have the resources or knowledge to navigate the system. Businesses are hamstrung by red tape and regulations, while students are deprived of innovative and creative educational experiences.

What’s more, the government bureaucracy can also make it very difficult for education and training businesses to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. This is because they often have to go through a lot of red tape in order to implement new and better ideas.

When educators and trainers have to spend so much time dealing with paperwork and bureaucracy, they have less time to actually focus on their students and providing them with a quality education. This can lead to lower standards and a decline in the overall quality of education and training.

So why does the government continue to add more and more bureaucracy to the education and training business? The answer is simple: because it’s easy. It’s much easier to add another layer of bureaucracy than it is to actually fix the underlying problems in the education and training system.

The result is that businesses are forced to waste time and money on complying with all the new rules and regulations, instead of focusing on providing quality education and training.

The government needs to streamline its bureaucracy so that educators and trainers can focus on their core mission: providing quality education and training services. Otherwise, the education and training business will continue to suffer, and the quality of our workforce will decline.

There are a number of other reasons why the excessive bureaucracy of the government is bad for the education and training business.

It can make it difficult to get approvals for new programs or courses. The government’s bureaucratic procedures often result in delays and bottlenecks, which can disrupt the delivery of educational services. As a result, businesses may be forced to cut corners or scale back their operations, which can impact the quality of their services.

It can delay the implementation of new programs or courses.

It can increase the costs of running a business in the education and training industry.

The government should streamline its regulatory regime to make it more business-friendly. This would reduce costs for businesses, and ultimately lead to lower prices for consumers. It would also promote competition and innovation, and give consumers more choice.

The bottom line is that the excessive bureaucracy of the government can have a negative impact on businesses in the education and training industry. It is important for businesses in this industry to work with government officials to try to reduce the amount of bureaucratic red tape. Otherwise, they may find it difficult to compete in the marketplace.

May 22, 2022 Education Comments Off on Why the excessive bureaucracy of the government is bad for education and training industry.

Compliance is not one person’s responsibility in a training organisation

In a training organisation, compliance is not just one person’s job. Compliance is the responsibility of everyone in the organisation, from the CEO down to the entry-level staff member. Sure, there may be someone whose job it is to oversee compliance related matters, but that doesn’t mean that they are the only one responsible for ensuring that the organisation complies with all applicable laws and regulations. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring compliance. Everyone in the organisation must ensure that the organisation complies with all relevant laws and regulations.

There are many compliance risks associated with running a training organisation. These include risks related to health and safety, financial reporting, data protection and equal opportunity laws.

Training organisations need to have systems and processes in place to manage these risks. But more importantly, they need to ensure that all employees are aware of their responsibilities and are held accountable for complying with the organisation’s policies and procedures. RTO Management need to provide adequate training to staff on their obligations under the law. The compliance function should be overseen by a board or senior management team, and there should be clear lines of communication between the compliance team and other parts of the organisation. The compliance team should have the authority to carry out investigations and take disciplinary action where necessary.

Compliance is a complex issue, and organisations need to make sure that they have adequate resources in place to deal with it. Compliance officers can play an important role in helping to ensure that organisations meet their obligations, but they cannot do everything themselves. Everyone in the organisation needs to be aware of their responsibilities and play their part in ensuring compliance.

There are a number of compliance risks associated with training organisations, and it is important that these are identified and managed effectively. Some of the most common risks include:

Not complying with mandatory training requirements – This can lead to serious consequences such as fines or even closure of the organisation.

Delivering training that is not up to standard – This can result in complaints from clients or customers, and can damage the reputation of the organisation.

Failing to keep accurate records of training – This can make it difficult to prove that training has been delivered, and can lead to problems with regulator audits.

There are a number of steps that training organisations can take to ensure compliance.

Firstly, they should establish clear policies and procedures relating to compliance. These should be regularly reviewed and updated as necessary.

Secondly, training organisations should appoint a designated compliance officer. This person should be responsible for monitoring compliance and for investigating any breaches.

Thirdly, training organisations should ensure that all staff are aware of their compliance obligations. This can be done through regular training and communication.

Finally, training organisations should have systems in place to deal with complaints or concerns about compliance. These should be dealt with promptly and appropriately. The following are some key elements of an effective compliance management system:

Policies and procedures – There should be clear policies and procedures in place that cover all aspects of compliance. These should be communicated to all employees, and regularly reviewed and updated.

Training – Employees should receive regular training on compliance related topics. This will help them to understand their responsibilities, and ensure that they are up-to-date with the latest requirements.

Monitoring – Compliance should be monitored on an ongoing basis, and any problems should be promptly addressed.

Reporting – There should be a system in place for reporting compliance issues, so that they can be quickly rectified.

Hacing a compliance strategy in place – Organisations need to have a compliance strategy in place to ensure that all employees receive the training they need to stay compliant with company policy and legal requirements. This strategy should be designed to meet the specific needs of the organisation and its employees. It is important to note that compliance is not one person’s job in a training organisation; rather, it should be seen as an ongoing process that involves everyone in the organisation.

When designing a compliance strategy, organisations should consider the following factors:

  • The type of training required (e.g. online, classroom-based, on-the-job)
  • The frequency of training (e.g. annual, biennial, quarterly)
  • The delivery method (e.g. e-learning, instructor-led training)
  • The target audience (e.g. all employees, certain departments or job roles)
  • The budget available for compliance training

Organisations should also put in place a system for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of their compliance strategy. This will help to ensure that employees are receiving the training they need and that the organisation is meeting its compliance obligations.

Compliance is an important part of running a successful training organisation. By taking steps to ensure that the organisation complies with all relevant laws and regulations, organisations can minimise their exposure to risk and protect their reputation.

May 22, 2022 Education, RTO Comments Off on Compliance is not one person’s responsibility in a training organisation

The key stakeholders involved in the Australian vocational education and training sector

The education and training sector is vital to the success of any economy. It is responsible for providing the skills and knowledge necessary for people to participate in the workforce. The sector is also important for ensuring that individuals have the opportunity to develop their skills and abilities throughout their careers.

There are many different stakeholders who should be involved in the education and training sector. These include government agencies, educational institutions, businesses, and community groups among others. Each of these groups has a different role to play in ensuring that the sector is effective and efficient.

Government agencies play a vital role in setting policy and regulating the sector. In many countries, the ministry of education is responsible for overseeing all aspects of education and training. In others, there may be separate ministries or departments for higher education, vocational education, and adult education.

Government officials play a critical role in the education and training sector by setting policy and providing funding for programs. They also work to ensure that the sector is able to meet the needs of the workforce. In addition, they also oversee the accreditation of educational institutions and ensure that they meet quality standards.

State and territory governments play a large role in VET in Australia, with many of them responsible for funding and regulating their own RTOs. They also often have their own specific policies and programs in place to support the development of the VET sector in their jurisdiction. They work closely with employers, employees, unions, training providers and students to ensure that VET meets the needs of businesses and industries in their state.

The Australian Apprenticeship System provides opportunities for people to combine work with structured training to gain a nationally recognised qualification. Apprenticeships and traineeships are available in a wide range of occupations, and can be undertaken full-time, part-time or via school-based arrangements.

Trade unions represent workers in the education and training sector. They negotiate with employers on behalf of workers, and also provide support and advice to individual members.

Training providers offer a range of courses and programs designed to upskill individuals. They work with employers to ensure that their programs meet the needs of the workforce. They also play a role in conducting research and developing new teaching methods. Private providers offer a range of services, including tutoring, distance learning, and vocational training. RTOs must be registered with the relevant state or territory government in order to operate, and must meet a number of quality standards. There are over 4,000 RTOs operating in Australia.

Industry associations represent the interests of specific industries or groups of industries. They often work closely with RTOs to develop training that meets the needs of their members, and may also offer industry-specific qualifications.

Employers play a vital role in the education and training sector. They provide funding for training and development programs, and offer opportunities for on-the-job learning.

Parents play an important role in their children’s education. They provide support and guidance, and help instill values that will last a lifetime.

Trainers and assessors are responsible for designing and delivering programs that provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the workforce.

Staff members of RTOs are responsible for ensuring compliance with regulatory and legal requirements unrelated to training and assessing students.

Employers provide opportunities for individuals to gain experience and skills through internships, apprenticeships, and other on-the-job training programs.

Workforce development organisations help connect individuals with education and training programs that fit their needs.

Professional organisations offer certification and continuing education programs to help members stay up-to-date on industry trends.

Community organisations play an important role in the VET sector, providing training and support to people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Industry bodies also play a key role, working with government and providers to ensure courses are up-to-date and relevant to industry needs.

Ultimately, it is up to individuals to take advantage of the opportunities available to them in the education and training sector. Individuals must be willing to invest in their own development if they want to progress in their careers.

The sector employs millions of people around the world, and its output is estimated to be worth billions of dollars each year. The education and training sector is therefore a vital part of the economy, and it is important that all of the key players are working together to ensure that it is able to meet the needs of the workforce. By collaborating and working towards common goals, the sector can ensure that it is providing individuals with the skills they need to be successful in the workforce.

May 22, 2022 Education, VET Sector Comments Off on The key stakeholders involved in the Australian vocational education and training sector

Why not being prepared in the vocational education and training industry is dangerous

If a training organisation is not prepared to either research, prepare, deliver, or evaluate the training program, it could be putting both itself and its students at risk.

For example, imagine you’re a trainer who’s been asked to deliver a new program on short notice. If you’re not prepared, you may not be able to deliver the program effectively, which could jeopardise the success of the whole training initiative.

Or, imagine you’re responsible for evaluating a training program. If you’re not prepared, you may not be able to properly assess the program’s effectiveness and make recommendations for improvements.

In both cases, being unprepared can have serious implications for the quality of training and, ultimately, for the success of the organisation. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared in the vocational education and training industry.

Being unprepared can lead to a number of problems, including:

Many people are unaware of the expectations and requirements of the VET industry. This can lead to them feeling overwhelmed and unprepared, which can in turn lead to sub-par performance and results.

The skills required to be successful in the VET industry are often underestimated by those who are new to the field. This can lead to frustration and disappointment when they find themselves struggling to keep up with their peers.

Poor quality training – If an organisation is not properly prepared, the quality of the training it delivers will suffer. This could jeopardise the safety of both students and staff.

Financial loss – Unpreparedness can also lead to financial losses for a training organisation. This could happen if, for example, materials or equipment are not ordered in time and have to be rushed at the last minute, which can end up costing more money.

Student disengagement – If students feel that their training organisation is not properly prepared, they may become disengaged from their studies. This could lead to them dropping out of the course altogether, which would be a waste of both time and money.

Employers not getting employees with the right skills

The VET organisation’s reputation being damaged

Wasting time and resources

Putting participants at risk

The more unprepared you are, the more stressed you’ll likely feel. This can lead to burnout and a general feeling of dissatisfaction with your career.

Stress can also take a toll on your physical health, leading to headaches, insomnia, and other health issues.

Unpreparedness can lead to a decrease in job satisfaction, as you’ll feel like you’re not meeting your full potential. This can lead to a negative spiral of decreased productivity and engagement with your work.

Regulatory and compliance issues might lead to RTO registration concerns.

It is therefore essential that training organisations are prepared before offering any vocational education and training courses. By taking the time to research, prepare, deliver, and evaluate their programs, they can ensure that both they and their students benefit from a high-quality learning experience.

So, how can you make sure you’re prepared? First, it’s important to stay up-to-date on trends, compliance requirements and developments in the vocational education and training industry. This will help you anticipate change and be ready to adapt your programs and evaluations accordingly.

It’s important to have a good understanding of your learner’s and organisation’s specific needs. This will ensure that you’re able to tailor your programs and evaluations to meet those needs.

And finally, it’s important to build a network of colleagues and compliance experts who you can turn to for advice and support. This will give you a valuable resource to draw on when you’re feeling uncertain or challenged.

So, don’t be caught unprepared in the vocational education and training industry – make sure you’re always stay up-to-date, understand your organisation’s needs, and build a strong network of support.

May 22, 2022 Education, VET Sector Comments Off on Why not being prepared in the vocational education and training industry is dangerous

Some lessons learned from working in the vocational education and training industry

The vocational education and training (VET) sector has a lot to offer students, employees and employers alike. It can provide pathways into careers, as well as upgrade existing skills and knowledge. There is a growing demand for VET courses, both in Australia and overseas. This means that there are plenty of opportunities for people who want to work in the VET sector.

There are many reasons why someone might decide to enter the VET sector. Perhaps they’re looking for a change of pace after years in the corporate world, or maybe they’re keen to make a difference in their local community. Whatever the reason, there are some important lessons to be learned from working in this rewarding sector.

Here are just a few:

Be prepared to work hard

The VET sector is notoriously fast-paced and demanding. Employees need to be able to think on their feet and juggle multiple tasks at once. There’s no room for complacency – if you want to succeed, you need to be prepared to work hard.

Be patient

Working with students can be challenging at times. They may not always be motivated or engaged in their studies. It’s important to remember that everyone learns at a different pace, and it can take time for some students to come around. Patience is a virtue in this line of work.

Be flexible

The VET sector is constantly evolving, and employees need to be able to adapt to change. Whether it’s new government regulations or changes to the curriculum, being flexible is key to success in this line of work.

Be a team player

Working in the VET sector is often a team effort. From educators to support staff, everyone needs to pull their weight in order to ensure the smooth running of operations. It’s important to be a team player and be willing to lend a hand when needed.

Be passionate

Passion is what drives most people in the VET sector. After all, it’s not just a job – it’s a calling. If you want to succeed in this sector, you need to be passionate about making a difference in the lives of others.

You need to be qualified

If you want to work in the VET sector, you will need to have appropriate qualifications and current industry experience. Many VET providers require their employees to hold a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (or equivalent). This qualification ensures that you have the skills and knowledge needed to deliver quality training.

You will need to stay up-to-date

The VET sector is constantly changing, and new technologies and approaches are constantly being introduced. As a VET professional, you will need to keep up-to-date with these changes so that you can provide the best possible service to your students.

You will need to be organised

VET courses can be complex, with many different elements that need to be delivered in a specific order. As a VET professional, you will need to be well-organised so that you can deliver the course content effectively.

You will need to be able to promote VET

Working in the VET sector is not just about teaching courses – it’s also about promoting the benefits of VET to potential students and employers. As a VET professional, you will need to be able to market the courses your training organisation offer so that more people are aware of the benefits of undertaking VET training.

Understand the industry and VET sector properly

One of the most important lessons is that you need to have a good understanding of the industry you are teaching in. The VET sector covers a wide range of industries, so it is important that you have a good understanding of the industry you are teaching in. This will allow you to better understand the needs of your students and tailor your teaching accordingly.

These are but a few of the lessons that can be gained through working in the VET industry. If preparing students to realise their potential is your objective, this sector may be ideal for you. With dedication and hard work, you can have a rewarding career in this growing industry.

May 22, 2022 Education, VET Sector Comments Off on Some lessons learned from working in the vocational education and training industry

Why should you trust CAQA Resources as your RTO training resource provider

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you need to ensure that the training resources you use are of the highest quality. CAQA Resources is an Australian provider of quality-assured training materials, so you can be confident that our products will meet your needs. We offer a wide range of online and offline training materials, including manuals, workbooks, slideshows, e-learning modules, assessment tools and more.

CAQA Resources has been providing RTO training resources for over 10 years, and our team of experts have a wealth of experience in the VET sector. We understand the unique requirements of RTOs, and we’re dedicated to providing high-quality resources that will help your organisation deliver outstanding training. CAQA Resources has a strong reputation in the RTO sector as a trusted and reliable partner. We have worked with many of the leading RTOs in Australia, and we are proud to be able to say that we have helped them to achieve their training goals.

All of our RTO training resources are developed by qualified subject matter experts, and they undergo a rigorous quality assurance process to ensure they meet the highest standards. We also offer a range of flexible delivery options, so you can choose the format that best suits your needs. CAQA Resources is committed to providing RTOs with the resources they need to succeed. We offer a money-back satisfaction guarantee on all of our products, so you can be sure you’re getting the best value for your investment.

When you choose CAQA Resources as your RTO training resource provider, you can be confident that you are making the best decision for your business. We will work with you to ensure that your training is delivered in a way that is most effective for your organisation, and we will always be available to offer advice and support when needed.

When you are looking for high quality, engaging and realistic training resources for your RTO, CAQA Resources should be your first port of call. Here’s why:

  1. We have an excellent track record in providing quality training resources that meet the needs of RTOs across Australia. CAQA Resources has been providing training resources to RTOs for over 10 years, and we have a proven track record of delivering high quality, engaging and effective resources. Our team has extensive experience in developing eLearning, mLearning and offline courses, simulations and other types of training materials, and we are always up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the respective industries.
  2. Our team of experienced instructional designers and educationalists are passionate about creating content that is engaging and realistic, yet easy to use and understand.
  3. Our extensive range of vocational and work-placement booklets are second to none, and provide students with all the information they need to succeed in their chosen field.
  4. Our SCORM compliant files make it easy to integrate our resources into your existing learning management system.
  5. Our customer service team is always on hand to answer any queries you may have, and our prices are extremely competitive.
  6. We are an Australian-owned and operated company with a commitment to providing the best possible service to our RTO clients.
  7. Our resources are realistic, engaging and up-to-date. We provide comprehensive support to our RTO clients, including regular updates and advice on changes to the vocational education and training (VET) sector.
  8. CAQA Resources offers a complete solution for RTOs, from initial consultation and needs analysis through to course development, delivery and evaluation. We will work with you to understand your specific needs and requirements, and we will develop a bespoke solution that meets your exact requirements.
  9. CAQA Resources always uses the latest technologies and approaches in the development of our training resources. This means that your students will have access to the most modern and up-to-date learning materials, and you can be confident that they are using the best possible resources to gain the skills and knowledge they need.
  10. As an RTO, you have specific training needs that must be met in order to comply with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015. CAQA Resources has a deep understanding of the RTO sector and we know what it takes to develop high quality training resources that meet the requirements of the Standards.

If you’re looking for quality training resources to help your RTO deliver the best possible training programs, look no further than CAQA Resources. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.

May 22, 2022 CAQA Resources Comments Off on Why should you trust CAQA Resources as your RTO training resource provider

CAQA Resources

This month new training and assessment resources:

Coming soon:

Please email us at info@caqa.com.au for more information.

May 22, 2022 CAQA Resources Comments Off on CAQA Resources

Edu Learning – Your door to professional development opportunities

We would love to have you join our professional development retainer agreement services or individual professional development opportunities through Edu Learning. Our organisation works with the aim to help you grow your skills in a fun and interactive way. The benefits of joining our organisation are numerous, from getting tips from VET experts and industry leaders to building a network of peers, who can help you move forward in your career.

Intellectually stimulating and engaging content is what we excel at. We offer training programs that will provide your staff with the practical skills and strategies that they need to be successful in their careers in this competitive market – whether it’s in marketing, finance or RTO operations.

The benefits of being part of our professional development group include:

  • Developing a better understanding of the role of a VET professional
  • Getting in-depth training in different RTO sector skill sets that meet your and your organisation’s needs and requirements.

In partnership with Edu Learning and CAQA Skills, CAQA provides a variety of professional and personal development opportunities. We may also tailor the training to meet your specific requirements and skill level as well. For additional details, please contact us right away at info@caqa.com.au.

 

May 22, 2022 News Comments Off on Edu Learning – Your door to professional development opportunities

CAQA Systems Services

CAQA Systems provides technology services and support, and works in partnership with its customers.

We collaborate with innovative organisations and service providers, assisting them in maximising the efficiency and effectiveness of their technology investments.

We specialise in network administration, software systems and development, hardware and software support, software system and development, cybersecurity, information technology-related issues and matters.

We provide support to the education, medical, government, marketing, retail, hospitality, food, non-profit organisations, financial, and transportation industries.
Get in touch with us to discuss how we can assist you with your requirements.

For additional details, please contact us right away at info@caqa.com.au.

May 22, 2022 News Comments Off on CAQA Systems Services

CAQA Recruitment

Are you looking for staff?

At CAQA Recruitment we help employers find talent for their organisation. We understand that hiring is a complex and sometimes costly process. However, it can be simplified and made easy on a budget by opting for our services. Our recruitment platform receives a huge number of interest from applicants who are seeking new opportunities in the VET sector. Best of all your first ad is FREE

For more information, please click here.

Looking for a new opportunity?

Whether you are a jobseeker, seeking additional hours, or not satisfied with your current job, you can find a new opportunity that suits your skills and experience through CAQA Recruitment. New vacancies are posted regularly. The process is simple! Register with us, upload your resume and begin your search.You decide how much or how little information you want to display. So what are you waiting for? Register today and let employers find you.

For more information, please click here.

May 22, 2022 News Comments Off on CAQA Recruitment

Online Media Solutions (OMS) Services

Over the past two decades, Online Media Solutions (OMS) has provided assistance to clients worldwide. OMS merged into the CAQA and Career Calling brands in 2013.

Services offered by Online Media Solutions include: website design and development; website security; web hosting; domains marketplace; development of iOS and Android applications; software development; graphics design including logos, website graphics; social media graphics; marketing graphics; brand identity; stationery design; SEO; marketing services; website support; data entry; database management; and data entry and database management services

We have been working on hundreds of SCORM-compliant files and are making investments in virtual reality, gamification, artificial intelligence, and other cutting-edge technologies in order to meet new and developing training and assessment needs.

Call us on 1800 961 980 or email info@careercalling.com.au to find out more on how we can assist.

May 22, 2022 News Comments Off on Online Media Solutions (OMS) Services

Best selling resources of May month

These are our top 10 best selling resources of this month:

  1. HLT54121 Diploma Of Nursing
  2. ICT40120 Certificate IV In Information Technology
  3. BSB40820 Certificate IV In Marketing And Communication
  4. BSB30120 Certificate III In Business
  5. BSB80320 Graduate Diploma Of Strategic Leadership
  6. 22483VIC Course In EAL
  7. CHC43315 Certificate IV In Mental Health
  8. HLT33115 Certificate III In Health Services Assistance
  9. CHC53315 Diploma Of Mental Health
  10. HLT43015 Certificate IV In Allied Health Assistance
May 22, 2022 CAQA Resources Comments Off on Best selling resources of May month

CAQA Recruitment – The current job vacancies

Resource writers

CAQA Resources is looking for qualified instructional writers and subject matter experts to develop training materials for the community services and health services industries. If you are interested, email your resume and cover letter to info@caqarecruitment.com.au

Marketing Manager

This role is responsible for setting and applying the strategic direction and for the day to day management of our organisation’s marketing, communications, digital innovation, and community activities. Reporting to the CEO, this position will also play a pivotal role as a member of the management team of CAQA. The position will suit a person who wants to work from home.

Duties

  • Oversee the development, implementation and ongoing evaluation of CAQA’s strategic marketing and communications strategies covering brand, products, services and sales promotions;
  • Assess and provide recommendations on potential digital projects, including but not limited to the evolution of CAQA’s websites, lead generation platforms, customer communication opportunities;
  • Manage social media profiles, create ongoing content and encourage engagement;
  • Oversight of all communication activities to achieve communications objectives, maintaining consistency in message and presentation;
  • Manage relationships with external agencies and suppliers in relation to marketing, communication and business development initiatives;
  • Management and control of the marketing budget;
  • Create and monitor insightful reporting across marketing activities, including campaigns and website.

Preferred Experience

  • Experience in marketing, and/or product management roles required
  • Interest in the Vocational Education and Training environment
  • Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite
  • Experience using a website CMS
  • Experience using marketing software
  • Experience with Pipedrive CRM, or similar

For more information, contact info@caqarecruitment.com.au

Customer Service/Administrator

CAQA Resources is growing and we are now looking for a Customer Service/Administrator person to join our team. To be successful in this role you will need exceptional attention to detail and great English language skills. You will need to know your way around Microsoft Office and you must be able to work both as part of a team and manage your own workload. Location is irrelevant as the position will suit a person who wants to work from home.

Our customers are High Schools, RTOs and TAFEs. They mainly approach us by email, but we also receive a number of calls and requests for additional information. You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

We are looking for someone who will stay with us long term, has the ability to grow with the role, and who is interested in learning about compliance and the VET sector. Previous VET experience will be helpful but is not essential.

For more information, contact info@caqarecruitment.com.au

May 22, 2022 News Comments Off on CAQA Recruitment – The current job vacancies

The VET Sector News- May 2022

Griffith TAFE is encouraging those seeking new jobs to get in touch about upcoming courses

Griffith TAFE is encouraging those looking for new opportunities to come in and have a chat about possible futures and enrolment for semester two, just in time for National Careers Week.

National Careers Week this year comes on May 16, just after a new report revealed 24 per cent of workers are actively pursuing new careers.

For more information, please click here.

TAFE eyes new debt collector to chase students

TAFE SA is searching for a new debt collection agency to recover more than $200,000 a month in unpaid fees by tracking down students, visiting their homes and making “phone demands” to pay up. TAFE SA has released a tender calling for expressions of interest for the provision of “Debt Recovery Services” from an “external third-party debt collection agency”.

The tender outlines that the winning contractor would be expected to handle roughly 320 TAFE SA debtors a month, accounting for an “average monthly debt value” of $220,000.

“TAFE SA has a need for debt recovery services both domestic and international for the recovery of unpaid student fees and corporate accounts,” the tender states.

For more information, please click here.

The value of volunteering: volunteering in education and productivity at work

The Education and Employers charity has been supporting people from the world of work to volunteer in schools and colleges since 2009, publishing peer-reviewed research on the benefits for young people’s confidence, career aspirations, attainment and employment outcomes. This latest research reveals the ‘mirror benefits’ for volunteers, drawing on a survey of 1,026 volunteers, detailed volunteer case studies and the broader empirical literature.

For more information, please click here.

Teaching digital skills: implications for VET educators – good practice guide

The rise of Industry 4.0 and the digital economy has highlighted the need for the general workforce to hold digital skills. But what are the implications for vocational education and training (VET) educators in ensuring the workforce is appropriately skilled?

This guide highlights the implications for VET educators of the increasing need to include digital skills in VET delivery. A forum convened by NCVER in late 2019, VET’s response to Industry 4.0 and the digital economy: what works, has helped shape this guide. Participants at the forum included representatives from Skills Service Organisations, members of the Education IRC, industry, provider and practitioner-related bodies, policy-makers, and relevant researchers. A companion ‘good practice guide’ has been developed for VET provider and policy makers focusing on the incorporation of digital skills into VET delivery.

A companion good practice guide – Incorporating digital skills into VET delivery is also available.

For more information, please click here.

Incorporating digital skills into VET delivery: good practice guide

Given its ties to industry, vocational education and training (VET) has a crucial role in ensuring the workforce possesses the skills for responding to Industry 4.0, with advanced technologies now entering workplaces and transforming how businesses operate.

This good practice guide is intended to provide advice on incorporating digital skills into VET delivery for VET providers and policy-makers. A forum convened by NCVER in late 2019, VET’s response to Industry 4.0 and the digital economy: what works, has helped shape this guide. Participants at the forum included representatives from Skills Service Organisations; members of the Education IRC; industry, provider and practitioner-related bodies; policy-makers; and relevant researchers. A companion good practice guide has been developed focused on the implications for VET educators of the increasing need to include digital skills in VET delivery.

A companion good practice guide – Teaching digital skills: implications for VET educators is also available.

For more information, please click here.

Skilling the Australian workforce for the digital economy

This study explored the current digital skills demand and supply situation in Australia’s workforce. The research investigated the skills impact of digitalisation on two industry sectors—transport and logistics, and public safety and correctional services—as well as the wider workforce. The research culminated in a proposed Australian workplace digital skills framework to help identify digital skills gaps among Australian industries and workforces to enable the development of appropriate training programs.

For more information, please click here.

Why Universities Should Prioritize Student Success in IT Decision-Making

Students make up the backbone of every higher education institution. These inquisitive minds are the reason colleges and universities exist in the first place, so it stands to reason that the institution’s decisions should be made with the goal of supporting learners and their diverse needs.

This philosophy should extend to the IT department. Every technology investment a university makes should affect the students in some way. Making technology accessible, preparing students with the digital fluency to succeed in school and in the workforce, and promoting equitable digital access is up to the university.

For more information, please click here.

Industry welcomes Labor’s commitment to hospitality skills training

Australia’s Labor Party has announced a $48 million tourism and travel package which includes a $10 million injection in training and skills development for the hospitality and accommodation sectors.

Industry groups the Accommodation Association, Australian Hotels Association and Tourism Accommodation Australia, who have long called for additional funding for training, have welcomed the commitment.

“As one of the safest and most exciting destinations in the world, it is vital our accommodation and hospitality workforce has the necessary skills and training to provide wonderful customer service and experiences,” Accommodation Association President, and incoming Accommodation Australia President, Leanne Harwood, said.

“The statistics speak for themselves – we need to attract, educate and re-train 100,000 staff into hospitality after more than 40 per cent of our workforce was lost nationally during COVID.

“This funding will help us work with all training organisations to bring staff back into our resilient sector and help us build for a brighter future.”

Australian Hotels Association CEO, Stephen Ferguson, said the grant would support the industry to hire young and old, and retain strong talent.

For more information, please click here.

Without foreign students and workers, retail sector calls for pensioners to fill staffing gaps

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has called on new government policy to unlock pensioner participation in a sector that is facing its tightest labour market in half a century, exacerbated by a lower inflow of international students and working holiday makers.

The peak retail body is supporting calls to allow employment income to be exempt from the Age Pension income test, which would help pensioners supplement their incomes and alleviate longstanding staff shortages.

ARA CEO Paul Zahra says there are now more than 29,000 job vacancies in the retail industry nationwide.

“We are in the tightest labour market in more than 50 years and without the usual numbers of overseas workers and students, these gaps won’t be filled using traditional recruitment methods,” Zahra says.

“Retail has always been a powerfully diverse employment sector and we need to think more creatively about how we can mobilise new segments of our Australian workforce such as mature age workers and pensioners.

“We would like to see this as a priority for the Federal government immediately following the election. Should the new government enact this considered change, a new workforce of pensioners can be unlocked and able to choose work that suits them in an economy that desperately needs their efforts.”

For more information, please click here.

International students are still being routinely exploited

Over the decade leading up to COVID, the exploitation of international students became systemic across the Australian economy.

Multiple reports bemoaned the rampant wage theft from international students, especially from migrant employers of the same nationality.

For example, the 2016 Senate Committee report, A National Disgrace: The Exploitation of Temporary Work Visa Holders, noted that international students “were consistently reported to suffer widespread exploitation in the Australian workforce”, and that “a large portion of the hours that international students worked was undocumented (and unpaid)”.

The 2018 book, The Wage Crisis in Australia similarly noted that international students are vulnerable to exploitation as they “see themselves as involved in a project of ‘staggered’ or ‘multi-step’ migration”. The book’s analysis claimed around two-thirds of international students were paid below the minimum wage, with one-quarter earning $12/hour or less and 43% of students earning $15/hour or less.

And in 2019, the Report of the Migrant Workers’ Taskforce found that about one-quarter of international students were paid around half the legal minimum wage, with exploitation of international students labelled “endemic”.

It seems the pandemic has done little to stem the exploitation, with international students continuing to report widespread wage theft:

For more information, please click here.

Major milestone for fee-free training in NSW

NSW is enjoying a fee-free training boom with more than 200,000 enrolments recorded under JobTrainer, a program helping people get skilled for in-demand jobs.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government’s strong economic management means we can deliver programs such as JobTrainer to equip people with the skills they need to get their first job, a new job or a better job.

“The NSW Government is turbocharging the take-up of vocational education and training to create a strong pipeline of skilled and qualified workers, which is helping secure a brighter future for NSW families,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Our record infrastructure program is creating enormous demand for jobs and our investment in fee-free training is helping meet that demand so we can continue to build what matters to make daily life better.

“The success of the JobTrainer program is helping strengthen our economy, which means more money for services, community amenity and less pressure on households.”
Training under the program is fee-free and fully funded for eligible people wanting to upskill or reskill.

The NSW Government has expanded the eligibility criteria for the program to target more in-demand industries, including construction, manufacturing, transport, logistics, aged care, disability care, childcare and digital skills.

JobTrainer has also supported more than 5,000 women into construction-related courses through the Built for Women initiative.

For more information, please click here.

How Chinese young people embrace vocational education

China has attached great importance to the development of vocational education in recent years. Find out how Chinese young people embrace skills training at vocational schools.

For more information, please click here.

Training the key to skills shortage

THE automotive industry is facing the most serious skills shortage in its history, ravaged by diminished apprentice intake, COVID and business contraction.

In its manifesto that highlighted the needs of industry from a new federal government, the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) said there was a skilled labour deficit of 31,143 positions across the industry that is forecast to rise to 38,700 positions during 2022/23.

For more information, please click here.

Students “in limbo” during two-year wait for Australia visas

These students say they are “in limbo” as Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, which oversees immigration, refuses to provide a clear timeline of when students can expect to hear the outcome of their applications.

Alokita, an Indian student, received an offer to study aerospace engineering at UNSW Canberra in September 2020 and was due to begin her PhD in February 2021. Her visa has been “under assessment” since she submitted the application at the beginning of October 2020 and she says when she asks for updates from the DHA, she only ever receives “generic” responses.

Alokita says the university has been “very supportive” and has already let her defer her place five times due to the delay, but it will not allow any further deferments – if her visa is not accepted by June, she will lose her scholarship and PhD place.

“Every day I wake up in a hope to get a conclusion, a direction, and a fixed course of action but every day I am faced with the same uncertainties,” Alokita said, adding that the last two years have been “filled with insane amounts of stress”.

UNSW Canberra did not respond to requests for comment.

For more information, please click here.

What are the challenges facing Australia’s medical workforce crisis?

The health and welfare workforces deliver various services through Australia’s private and public organisations. However, there is an imbalance in the system as the extent of services delivered is way lesser than what is actually needed, primarily due to workforce crisis.

The accurate picture of the healthcare workforce crisis in Australia was revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the period, the biggest challenge was not the supply of medicine or equipment but the availability of a skilled workforce.

However, the bitter truth is that the workforce crisis has not been caused by the pandemic; it has merely been exposed and worsened by COVID-19 onslaught.

For more information, please click here.

Vocational education: Change negative mindset

There is a narrative that has been around for a while tagging technical/vocational education as a last resort after one fails to advance in formal education. The other was that it’s the cheaper option if one failed to raise the tuition for instance to finish high school or to join university or if one had dropped out of school. This type of education has often been categorised as an option for intellectually inferior students and associated with “unpopular” blue-collar employment. The perception has been deeply ingrained in people that parents regarded their children as failures and in disappointment ‘dumped’ them into the technical/vocational schools.

For more information, please click here.

International students continue to shun Australia

Late last year, the Morrison Government announced reforms to visa arrangements to ensure a “rapid return of international students”.

The reforms included:

  • granting a two year Temporary Graduate visa to Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector graduates; and
  • extending the temporary graduate visa from two to three years for masters by coursework graduates.

According to the latest arrivals data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), released yesterday, student arrivals have failed to rebound, with only 28,290 arriving in the three months to March 2022.

For more information, please click here.

NZ brings forward reopening to students, changes post-study work rights

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed that from July 31st all visitors will be able to enter the country, and that international students will be able to apply for visas.

She said the reopening was part of a package of measures to support economic recovery and to fill labour shortages in the country.

Working holiday visas have been open since March and the country opened to fully vaccinated visitors from visa waiver countries at the beginning of this month. A special cohort of 5,000 international students who will be able to enter earlier than full reopening is underway. As recently reported, Education New Zealand advised agencies that some places in the cohort are still available for English language and private tertiary education.

The latest announcement from the Prime Minister means that the international education sector will be fully reopen from July 31st.

Commenting on the recommencement of student visa processing, Grant McPherson, Chief Executive of Education New Zealand , said in a statement that it was a “welcome step forward and sends a strong signal that New Zealand is fully reopening to the world”.

“This announcement brings much-needed certainty for our existing and prospective international students after an anxious and stressful two years stranded outside the country because of border restrictions,” said Universities New Zealand – Te Pōkai Tara Chief Executive Chris Whelan.

For more information, please click here.

London universities plan “leading” international strategy

“Where London leads; I have no doubt the rest of the country will follow,” was the message from Chris Skidmore, former minister of state for universities, speaking to representatives from 25 of London’s higher education institutions at a roundtable event in Westminster this week.

The event, organised by London Higher and Oxford International Education Group, included insight from IDP Connect and Nous Group and signalled the start of a renewed effort from stakeholders in the English capital to re-establish “brand London” in the face of strong global competition from the US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Skidmore, speaking via video link from Brussels as part of a UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, warned against the UK standing still in setting new international recruitment targets.
“Last year, the Department published an update to the international education strategy, reaffirming a commitment to reaching the milestones mentioned; yet it lacked any new ambitions or policy innovations,” he said.

The UK national target of 600,000 international students attending British universities (and generating an annual education export market of £35 billion) was reached 10 years ahead of schedule, due, in part, to the reinstated policy lever of a post-study work visa in 2021, but also due to border closures and travel disruption for competitor destinations during the pandemic.

For more information, please click here.

May 22, 2022 VET Industry News Comments Off on The VET Sector News- May 2022
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