Networker Newsletter WINTER - VETnetwork Australia

ISSUE 20AUTUMN 2006National Magazine of the Vocational Education and Training Network Australia Inc.networkernetworkerPASS IT ONVET CoordinatorsVET TeachersLCP StaffinsideNational OfficeArticlesIssues and NewsCase studiesProfessionaldevelopmentCareer and EnterpriseEducationProfessionalDevelopment andResourcesPrint Post Approved 424022/17471

VET networkernational office:from the chairperson’s desknational officeHello allWhat a wonderful time we havehad celebrating vocational andtechnical education. We havereceived a number of stories andphotographs from young peopleand their teachers, and have usedthese as a feature of thismagazine. On the front cover, wehave Ramon Dow. Ramon was oneof the Australian VocationalStudent Prize winners in 2005.Ramon is from Pedare ChristianCollege, Golden Grove, SouthAustralia. Read more aboutRamon and other state winners inthis edition.I was privileged to attend thePrime Minister’s Award for SkillsExcellence, in Canberra on 29March 2006, where seventeenyoung people, selected from theState/Territory winners, wereawarded national prizes. Read thewinning list in this magazine. ADiscussion Forum followed theAwards ceremony, andparticipants put forward theirviews on vocational and technicaleducation. As the VETnetworkAustralia Chair, I was asked tofacilitate this session, andthoroughly enjoyed hearing of thesuccesses, challenges andsurprises faced by these youngpeople, their parents, teachersand employers. Visitwww.dest.gov.au/pmaward forinformation on the Awards.The VETnetwork Australia NationalConference is shaping up to be,yet again, another key event notto be missed. Program andregistration details can be foundon www.vetnetwork.org.au and ahard copy of the registrationbooklet has been enclosed withVETnetwork Australia National CommitteeCarolyn LloydKaren TuanLinda BaronKate RuncimanKym WardRaelene FyshStuart HarveySuze Ellisthis magazine. Our thoughts havebeen with our professionalconference organisers who borethe brunt of the recent cyclone inCairns.Make sure you read theinformation on the VETnetworkAustralia Excellence Awards forProfessionals working with VET inSchools. This is your chance topromote the important work youare doing.Yours in education!Raelene FyshACT - ACTTIVE (ACT Teachers in Vocational Education)carolyn.lloyd@hawkerc.act.edu.au; karen.tuan@cchs.act.edu.auVIC - CEAV (Career Education Association of Victoria)ceav@netspace.net.au (Linda); careers@mgc.vic.edu.au (Kate)National ChairpersonActing PrincipalBundaberg State High SchoolBundaberg 4680Ph 07 4154 5333raelene.fysh1@eq.edu.auQLD - APCE(Q) (Association of Post Compulsory Educators Queensland)kym.ward@qed.qld.gov.au; rfysh1@eq.edu.auTAS - TasVETA (Tasmanian Vocational Education and Training Associationstuart.harvey@education.tas.gov.au; suzanne.ellis@education.tas.gov.auDavid CarneyFran van RiessenLori HockingBernie FitzsimonsTemporaryRepresentativeWA - CEAWA (Career Education Association of WA)david.carney@aquinas.wa.edu.auSA - PCETA(SA) (Post Compulsory Education and Training Association South Australia)lori.hocking@urrbraehs.sa.edu.au; bernie.fitzsimons@ceo.adl.catholic.edu.auYet to be advisedDavid DahlJanice MartynSandra KenmanExecutive Officer,VETnetwork AustraliaVETnetwork NSW (Vocational Education and Training Network NSW)david.dahl@tafensw.edu.au; janice.martyn@det.nsw.edu.auEdserve Consultantskenman@edserve.com.au; vetnetwork@bigpond.comAcknowledgments Editor: Sandra Kenman, Edserve Tel. 07 3254 1431 Email: vetnetwork@bigpond.comLayout & Printing: Gap graphics & printing Advertising Enquiries: 07 3254 1431Disclaimer The views expressed in VETnetworker are not necessarily endorsed by the Vocational Education and Training Network Australia Inc.(VETnetwork). No responsibility is accepted by VETnetwork for the accuracy of information contained in the text or advertisements.Copyright All information in this publication is Copyright © 2005 VETnetwork: Vocational learning – Enterprise – Transitions.2

Issue 20 Autumn 2006VETnetworker Australia Excellence Awards forProfessionals working with VET in SchoolsThese Awards and prizes are supported by the Department of Education, Science and Training.Application forms and guidelines are included with this issue of VETnetworker and will soon be emailedto all members, placed on websites and mailed to all Principals.If you (or people you know) are doing outstanding work in the VET in Schools areas please considernominating for the awards. Applicants need to be members of VETnetwork Australia and will need toattach a supporting statement from a colleague to their application. The state and territory winners areexpected to be at the VETnetwork Australia National Conference in Cairns, 11-13 October 2006, where thenational winner will be announced.Each of the eight state and territory winners will receive return airfares to the national conference;registration; up to 3 nights accommodation, a conference dinner ticket; industry tour; framed certificate;and one years membership to VETnetwork Australia. The national winner will also receive $1,000 and anextra four years membership to VETnetwork Australia.Thank you to DEST and the Australian Government for supporting these Awards and recognising the workof our VET in Schools achievers.Belinda Tyrrell (DEST); Sandra Kenman (EO); Raelene Fysh (Chair) atthe Prime Minister’s Award for Skills Excellence in Canberra,29 March 2006.national officeCommunity Cabinet held at Bundaberg State High School, March 20063

VET networkerVET MYTH BUSTERSTeachers and TAA40104 Certificate IV in Trainingand Assessment (TAA)MYTH ONEI have a Bachelor of Education - this is all I need to teach VET.BUSTEDarticlesDid your Education studies include an understanding of training packages, competency-based training andcompetency-based assessment? If you have answered “yes” then your RTO may deem that you can demonstrateequivalence to Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and that your academic transcript can be mapped to therequirements of the competencies in TAA. Your degree alone is insufficient - you need evidence in relation to yourknowledge of competency-based delivery and assessment and your ability to work effectively in vocationaleducation and training.Standard 7.3/7.4 of the Australian Quality Training Framework, 2005 (AQTF) states that the RTO must ensure staffinvolved in training and assessment in VET must have one of the following:• BSZ40198 Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training or demonstrated equivalence prior to23 November, 2005 or• TAA40104 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or demonstrated equivalence.If a teacher does not have the necessary assessment competencies or their equivalence then they must work withsomeone who does meet the requirements. In order to deliver VET, teachers need Certificate IV or its equivalenceor work under the direct supervision of a person who does meet the requirements. Direct supervision is achievedwhen the person delivering the training has regular guidance, support and direction from the designated person.The designated person is accountable for delivery and must monitor delivery.Equivalence to TAA40104 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment could be demonstrated by using the IBSAversion of the Self Assessment tool www.ibsa.org.au or the Queensland Studies Authority Self Assessment toolwww.qsa.qld.edu.auDemonstration of equivalent competence is where an RTO accepts that you have broadly achieved the outcomesand standard of performance of a unit of competency as a result of other courses, qualifications, experiences. It isnot a formal assessment process so you do not achieve a Statement of Attainment or a qualification. If an RTOaccepts that a person has demonstrated equivalence then documentary evidence such as a self assessment toolshould be filed and retained by the RTO for AQTF compliance purposes.4

Issue 20 Autumn 2006MYTH TWOI completed a Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training (BSZ40198) in 2002 and havebeen told that I need to upgrade to TAA as my qualification is no longer current.BUSTEDThe AQTF standard referred to above clearly states that the BSZ qualification is acceptable. However, ifyou decide to upgrade, then units from your Certificate IV are considered equivalent to the followingunits of competency from TAA -• TAADES402A - Design and develop learning programs• TAADEL301A - Provide training through instruction and demonstration of work skills• TAADEL401A - Plan and organise group-based delivery• TAADEL402A -Facilitate group-based learning• TAAASS401A - Plan and organise assessment• TAAASS402A - Assess competenceTherefore you would have eight units to complete your TAA qualification.MYTH THREEI have been teaching VET since 2000 and have sufficient knowledge to meet the requirements ofStandard 7BUSTEDIf you have been teaching VET since 2000 then you would have recorded the activities you haveundertaken which are equivalent to BSZ40198 Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training since2000. Such evidence would be documented, dated and attached to your staff profile. Documentationwould include:• Attendance at VET induction and/or VET meetings• Attendance at workshops related to competency-based assessment• Development of Learning and Assessment plans and assessment tools• Participation in internal reviews and/or auditsarticlesThe reality is however, that many teachers failed to map their activities to the Certificate IV because theydid not know what evidence they needed to document.MYTH FOURMy school has timetabled me to teach Certificate I in Work Education to Year 10 students and statedthat delivery of this certificate does not require me to meet the requirements of Standard 7.BUSTEDEven though Work Education is not a Training Package it is still a vocational qualification and teachersmust be able to demonstrate that they meet the requirements of Standard 7.5

VET networkerMYTH FIVEI have not taught VET before and do not have any knowledge of competency-based delivery andassessment. The school has provided me with a VET induction and have ensured that they willsupervise and support me.BUSTEDStandard 7 states that you can be under the supervision of a person who has the required competenciesor work with someone who does have them. Adequate and appropriate supervision and support mayprove to be a myth.Ensure that a process is put in place that nominates a mentor and enables you to gain knowledge andevidence towards TAA equivalence. Your mentor may document a series of meeting times on a calendarwith pre-determined topics for discussion, or they may develop a logbook or provide you with a selfassessment tool which documents the evidence needed to demonstrate equivalence.articlesEvidence could include -• Teaching qualifications and other certificates• Learning and Assessment Plans you have developed• Examples of facilitating individual learning• Self evaluation, student evaluation and analysis of student feedback• Competency- based assessment items which you have developed, implemented,reviewed and adjusted• Participation in internal reviews and/or audits• Records maintained in relation to student assessment• Minutes of meetings, professional development and in-service with your mentor• Staff profile showing skills, knowledge, industry currency, membership of associations• VET induction checklistMYTH SIXI am a Hospitality teacher who holds the Certificate IV TAA and I have been told I have to mentorteachers in the Information Technology, Music and Live Production areas who do not have CertificateIV TAA or its equivalence.BUSTEDIt is possible for you to mentor these staff as the mentoring role is in relation to a knowledge ofcompetency-based delivery and assessment; not a knowledge of IT, Music or Live Production. You do notneed the TAA certificate to be a mentor but you are being asked to assist teachers to gather evidencetowards TAA equivalence (a qualification which you do not have) and therefore, you will need to gain aknowledge of this qualification to mentor effectively. The units of competency can be downloaded fromwww.ntis.gov.au or a training package purchased.However, you cannot be “made” to mentor and your school administration need to appreciate the timeand preparation required of you to effectively mentor. It is not just a matter of “ticking off” someevidence to meet audit requirements but about ensuring that all staff at your school have a sharedunderstanding of competency-based training and assessment.Your Principal will be required to “sign-off” that staff members have provided sufficient evidence to bedeemed equivalent to TAA requirements. The Principal therefore needs to be aware of requirements, thepurpose of mentoring and to ensure that a credible process is in place; a process which ensures “real”outcomes for the teachers involved. You may recommend that the teachers undertake some professionaldevelopment or join in the activities of some professional association or network in your region.S D HarringtonMarch, 20066

Issue 20 Autumn 2006Been anywhere interesting lately?Heard the news?Need to promote trades?Check out the great website www.natinfo.com.au to find concise summaries of apprenticeships and therequisite Certificates. This site will also link to a number of other sites to learn about wages; careeradvice; RTOs and lots more. Information can be printed and duplicated. Great for careers, parent andemployer events.NTIS site revampDon’t be alarmed if you go to the www.ntis.gov.au site and it looks different. The site has a new lookand different search functions. This site is a must for keeping up to date with Training Packages andtraining generally.Local Community PartnershipsCongratulations to the organisations now appointed to be LCPs. DEST has organised a number offorums for management and staff to gather information and share future strategies.LCP Forum: Ruth Jones (CITA HumanResources Ltd), Kaye Walton (SWLCP)and Karen Ticehurst (SWLCP).VETnetwork Australia is keen to workwith Local Community Partnerships. Ifyou have ideas on how this mightwork, contact the national office oryour state/territory representativeslisted on page 2. One example in theSCIPS LCP helping VETnetworkAustralia find industry representativeand employers to take part in AQTFvalidation meetings. Teachers andtrainers will share assessmentinstruments and learning plans togain up to date industry contexts,language and ideas.issues and newsLCP Forum: Patricia Simmons (EducationQueensland), Jackie Robertson and DeborahDoulis (Southern Downs Industry Association).7

VET networkerAustralian Vocational Student PrizesFollowing are some snapshots of students around Australia who won prizes at State and Territory levels.Congratulations to these young people and best wishes for successful futures. Thank you to the teachersand coordinators who contributed this information. The stories of the winners provide great 'casestudies' on successful VET in Schools initiatives.case studiesRamon DowRamon is featured on our front cover. Ramon attended Pedare Christian College, Golden Grove,South Australia. He received his award for outstanding achievement in Certificate II in Transport andDistribution (Road Transport) TDT20202. Raman chose his subjects at school to complement the SchoolBased Traineeship in Transport and Distribution. In Year 11, Raman studied two subjects embedding VETwithin the College curriculum, being Office Skills for which he achieved Certificate 1 in BusinessBSB10101 and Customer Service which incorporated the competency Communicate in the RetailWorkplace WRRCS.1B. In addition to the competencies studied for these subjects, Raman achievedexcellent results for the course work and was the top student for these subjects. He is currently studyingMathematical Applications and Business Studies, both of which have a practical focus that will helpequip him for the business world.Despite missing lessons due to his work and external study commitments, Raman has successfullymanaged his time to enable him to fulfil the requirements of the SACE to the best of his abilityand actively participate in the life of Pedare Christian College. He has developed excellentemployability skills.Ramon came to Australia at the age of 11 with minimal English and a completely different culturalbackground to his peers, but through his determination and the loving support of his family, Raman hasovercome adversity to be an outstanding member of the community.Debbie Hollister, VET & Pathways CoordinatorMourinaMourina chose Certificate II in Music Industry (Foundation) while a student at Heatley SecondaryCollege, Townsville, Queensland.This course allows me to express my point of view through music. It’s a lotof hard work, but if you’re passionate about the music industry and hope tomake it one day, you need to learn how to set up P.A. system, how to createadvertisements and understand the business behind the music industry.After Year 12 I would love to work in any job in the music industry. Everydayyou are learning something new about something you love. You engagewith people and exchange ideas on a subject the class is equally passionateabout. I find it is a very special thing that’s hard to come by.Mourina’s work placement supervisor highly commended her work in the role of production assistantwith the Thuringowa City Council 2005 River Festival event. Mourina has developed skills and produced8

Issue 20 Autumn 2006outstanding outcomes across a wide range of music industry employment opportunities as a composer,a musician, a recording engineer, a production manager and as a mentor.Mourina has been part of a production crew, represented her work in media interviews, and she speaksvery effectively through both her lyric and music ideas. She has been the vocalist and guitar player witha school-based rock group, 'The Riffs', performing to the community on more than twenty occasionsduring 2004-2005.Mourina has learnt the procedure for use of a digital recorder using a technical manual without guidance.She is a prolific songwriter (Mourina's music has been played on Triple J national radio) and is a memberof APRA (Australian Performing Rights Association). She has developed comprehensive skills across avariety of musical instruments (piano, guitar, drums, bass and voice) as well as being able to programand record music using state of the art hardware/software devices. These achievements are oftenbeyond the requirements of her course.Mourina has demonstrated an infectious spirit for adapting and learning new skills which will increaseher capacity for finding and generating her own work in the future.Bjarne Ohlin, Mourina’s teacher, and Helena Peever, VET HOD, Heatley Secondary College, TownsvilleChristopher KeatsFor the past three years Christopher Keats, Kirwan State High School, Queensland, has receivedExcellence Awards in the Metal Manufacturing, and Building Construction areas and an IndustryAward for English Communication. These awards are significant as the school has a population of1,980 students.By taking the knowledge acquired in the classroom environment Christopher has undertaken several projectsincluding construction of outdoor furniture and coffee tables and the complete reconstruction of his car.These projects required not only construction, but also the drawing up of plans and budgeting for andsourcing of materials and equipment. The resulting benefit of this work has not only been the improvementof workmanship, but also financial as he has been commissioned to construct items for other people.case studiesChristopher utilises allotted time effectively to produce exceptional projects. Christopher has taken thetheoretical and practical knowledge gained at school and has applied this to many voluntary projectsincluding construction of wooden and wood/ steel lunch tables, paving of pathways, and constructingfences. Christopher has also been involved in constructing and selling large Cubby houses and toy boxesfor pre-schools and kindergartens around Townsville.Daniel KnightDaniel Knight, Kirwan State High School received his Award for Outstanding Achievement in InformationTechnology at Certificate III level.Major projects include creating a Multimedia Web Page for Kirwan State High School's Canteen, SeniorYear Book CD, A Peer-to-Peer Network and A Web Page for a number of Primary Schools in Townsville andThuringowa incorporating Microsoft FrontPage and Access. Daniel is also currently creating the School'sSenior CD which involves skills in Movie Editing. Daniel has been invited to attend a five day workshop atJames Cook University in Computer programming.9

VET networkerMary PeachMary Peach, Kirwan State High School, won her award for achievement in Laboratory Skills at CertificateIII level. Mary was named the North Queensland Finalist in the Queensland Training Awards SchoolBased Apprentice/ Trainee of the Year in 2005. She worked with two other Laboratory technicians inproviding scientific support and safety measures for 1980 students and 29 science staff through theprovision of practical experiments, and the maintenance of the nine laboratories. Mary has exceptionalskills in maintaining complex and delicate scientific apparatus.case studiesThe traineeship requires Mary to work autonomously with limited support from the RTO because ofthe distance involved. Despite potential disadvantages, Mary is making excellent progress in hertraining program.Elena HawkinsHOD VET, Kirwan State High School, QueenslandLaura OsentonLaura Osenton, Redlands College, Wellington Point, Queensland, has maximised the opportunitiespresented to her to fulfil her career goal of becoming a Hairdresser. Despite there being no traineeshipsavailable in this field at the start of her Year 11 course, Laura was offered and accepted a School-basedNew Apprenticeship in Retail with Best and Less (Capalaba) as her employer and First ImpressionsResources (Brisbane) providing her training. Through determination and hard work, Laura successfullycompleted her Retail traineeship by the end of 2004. In addition to this training, Laura was enrolled in aCertificate II course in Hairdressing at Moreton Institute of TAFE and throughout 2004, she continued todevelop her knowledge and skills in Hairdressing and was able to combine this with her Retailexperience to become a valuable employee.Laura’s ability was acknowledged in 2005, when she successfully gained a School-based NewApprenticeship in Hairdressing at Harbour Day Spa in Cleveland. Her new training provider, MoretonInstitute of TAFE, acknowledged her previous training and Laura continued to gain the necessarycompetencies required within her training plan. Again, through a strong work ethic and commitment tosucceed in all areas of her learning, Laura completed the first stage of her Apprenticeship by the end ofYear 12.Laura has always continued to produce outstanding results in her school programme which included thecompletion of a Certificate II in Business (Administration). This, coupled with a Certificate 11 inWorkplace Practices has provided Laura with an exceptional suite of achievements with which to enterthe workforce and see her career aspirations fulfilled.Joshua FlemmingThroughout his training programme, Joshua Flemming, Redlands College, Wellington Point, Queensland,has demonstrated an outstanding level of achievement in Electro Technology and EngineeringProduction. Joshua’s commitment to his training (provided by Moreton Institute of TAFE), saw himcomplete his first traineeship in 2004. He then continued to expand on his qualifications andexperiences by being accepted into his present Electro Technology apprenticeship, which is recognisedas being both technically and academically demanding.10

Issue 20 Autumn 2006Joshua also completed Certificate 11 in Workplace Practices and Certificate 11 in Business(Administration) as part of his school programme. These additional areas significantly enhanced hiscareer opportunities when he entered the workplace full-time.Joshua was commended for the ongoing effort he demonstrated in completing all training competencies,in addition to fulfilling the requirements placed upon him through his Senior studies at school. Joshua isone of the few School based New Apprentices within the State, to be given special approval from the ITAB(Queensland Utilities and Services Industry Training Advisory Board) to undertake this training whilst stillat school.Joshua is passionate about this career and having been given the opportunity to access so much of hisapprenticeship during his final years at school, Joshua’s future has been incredibly enhanced. Withoutthis provision, Joshua’s future would have been significantly different and it is doubtful whether he wouldhave remained at school beyond the post-compulsory phase. This foundation has now provided Joshuawith the determination and commitment to fulfil his desired goal to succeed in owning his own business.Chris KleeRedlands CollegeJoel Frasercase studiesJoel Fraser, a recipient of the Inaugural Australian Vocational Student Award, received his award for his workin Automotive Certificate III. Joel completed his year 12 doing a School Based Apprenticeship in AutomotiveIII (Heavy Vehicles) with the Murweh Shire Council. On completion of Year 12 Joel has continued working withthe Murweh Shire Council and his School Based Apprenticeship has now become a Full Time Apprenticeship.Joel was also a national winner as the Highest Achieving Student in the Manufacturing Industry.Kaye WaltonCoordinator, LCP, SW District, Queensland11

VET networkerNational WinnersFor more information visit www.dest.gov.au/pmawardHighest Achievers in eachnominated areaHighest Achievers in eachState/Territorycase studiesJoel FrazerCharleville State High School, Charleville, QLDHighest Achieving Student in theManufacturing IndustryCraig FolkerHelensvale State High School, Helensvale, QLDHighest Achieving Student in theElectrocomms and Energy Utilities IndustryJoshua Li DonniBentleigh Secondary College,East Bentleigh, VICHighest Achieving Student in theServices IndustryGjai HoolihanNarrabundah College, Narrabundah, ACTHighest Achieving Indigenous StudentPaul MarinosCannon Hill Anglican College, Carina, QLDHighest Achieving Student in the Constructionand Property Services IndustryLeigh RitchieJJ Cahill Memorial High School, Botany, NSWHighest Achieving Student in the Businessand Innovation IndustrySally GolebySt Clare’s Collete, Gowrie, ACTHighest Achieving Student in theAustralian Capital TerritoryAmanda ColliWA College of Agriculture, Chidlow, WAHighest Achieving Student in Western AustraliaBen SweeneyBenalla College, Benalla, VICHighest Achieving Student in VictoriaGeraldine DixonMarrara Christian School, Wagaman, NTHighest Achieving Student in theNorthern TerritoryJulie-Ann MarkeyPeterborough High School, Peterborough, SAHighest Achieving Student in South AustraliaMichael SmithElizabeth College, Glenorchy, TASHighest Achieving Student in TasmaniaLuke DickensIsis District High School, Howard, QLDHighest Achieving Student in theAgri-Food IndustryMarianne van SchieStella Maris Collegte, Cromer, NSWHighest Achieving Student in New South WalesJessica GardHeathmont College, Boronia, VICHighest Achieving Student in theCommunity Services and Health IndustryKatherine Van der MeerNorth Rockhampton SHS,North Rockhampton, QLDHighest Achieving Student in QueenslandGeorgia LyonsRavenswood School for Girls, St Ives,NSWHighest Achieving Student in theTransport & Infrastructure Industry12

Issue 20 Autumn 2006New South WalesNursing our Students FuturesFor some time there has been a gap between opportunities to undertake Nursing in a workplace learningsetting and commencing studies in the field. Interested students in secondary schools in NSW expressed adesire to pursue nursing in Years 11 and 12, but opportunities were limited and difficult to put in place.The development of a locally designed course in Sydney has allowed students to pursue their interest in acareer as a Registered Nurse as a component of their HSC studies.A partnership between St George Hospital, the Department of Education and Training, Georges RiverCollege Oatley Senior Campus, NSW TAFE and Australian Catholic University has worked collaboratively todevelop “Nursing Studies” a 2 Unit Higher School Certificate (HSC) NSW Board of Studies endorsedcourse. This course is fully supported by the NSW Nurses Association and the Nurses and Midwives Board.Stage 1 (Year 11) is aligned to TAFE study with students gaining an Australian Qualification FrameworkStatement of Attainment. Stage 2 (Year 12) was developed by Australian Catholic University and includestheoretical and practical units attracting advanced standing in Year 1 Bachelor of Nursing.“Nursing Studies” was launched in 2005 by the Premier of NSW with 18 very enthusiastic students fromthe Sydney region. With 100%retention, 17 students entered Stage 2 in 2006 and one into the TraineeEnrolled Nurse program. Another 18 students commenced Stage 1 in 2006.The course is designed to allow students a number of entry points into a ‘health’ career and to fullyinvestigate the career of nursing along the way. The support of St George Hospital allows students accessto supervised clinical placement and to gain a first hand knowledge of the skills and attributes required tofollow this profession.Yvonne Brugmans Nurse Educator, St George Hospital, Kate McRae Head Teacher VET, Careers Adviser,Georges River College and Wendy Winton Vocational Education Consultant, NSW DET will discuss thedevelopment and application of this course and the partnerships forged during the session Healthy Futures–Addressing the Health Skills Shortage at the VETnetwork conference in October.Wendy Winton wendy.winton@det.nsw.edu.auVictoriastate newsCareers in Transport - a new apprenticeship project“Where are the young people and how are we going to attract them to our industry?” In response to thisquestion often asked by Transport Industry people, Robyn Stepnell, owner of Banksia Consulting has setup an Integrated School Based New Apprenticeship program, Transporting Your Future to provide accessto the industry for young people starting out in their careers. Transporting Your Future showcases thediversity of the transport industry to young people, giving students the education and experience theyseek without prematurely locking them into a specific occupation.The program introduces the Transport industry and its career choices to schools and students, and givesemployers the opportunity to bring capable young people into the profession who might otherwise haveoverlooked its many occupations and diverse career opportunities. Transport companies employ people inrisk management, financial operations, human resources, sales, warehousing, customer service,accounting, fleet control, administration, legal, occupational therapy, marketing, depot management,security, business analysis, information technology, data entry, reception and much more. Transportcompanies are generally national therefore providing employees with the opportunity to work anywhere inAustralia and sometimes other parts of the world.The inaugural Transporting Your Future program commenced in July 2005 in Geelong with 6 Geelongemployers and 7 students from 4 local secondary schools, Belmont High School, Bellarine SecondaryCollege, Geelong High School, and Corio Bay Senior College. In February 2006 the second programcommenced in the Altona/Laverton areas with 15 students from Hoppers Crossing Secondary College,Thomas Carr College, Laverton Secondary College, Essendon Keilor College and Werribee Community13

VET networkerCentre. Banksia has worked with various stakeholders to establish the programs, including Adam Burkefrom the Smart Geelong Region Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN), Peter McKenzie fromBelmont High School and Jocelyn Kurrle from the Wyn Bay LLEN. Banksia Consulting is currently workingwith assistance from Simon Rickard of the South Eastern Local Learning and Employment Network toestablish a program in the Dandenong area and more programs are being planned for regional centresBallarat, Bendigo, Mildura and Wodonga later in 2006.One student who participated in the Altona/Laverton taster program so impressed their host company thatshe was immediately offered a job and is now being trained through the business with a view toOccupational Heath & Safety or Risk Management. She is currently undertaking a Certificate III in Transport& Distribution (Administration).case studiesBoth the students and employers are selected by Banksia Consulting Pty Ltd for participation in theprogram. The aim is to promote Transport & Logistics as an industry of career choice. Therefore studentswho participate have the opportunity to experience a variety of roles. Participants complete the programwith a qualification, two years of valuable work and industry experience and a broad range of skills andknowledge that will aid them in their future occupations. With a total of 22 students currently participatingin the two programs, Transporting Your Future has been so highly successful that Banksia Consultingintends to launch programs in all regions of Victoria in the future. Current employers involved in theprogramme are Transwest Haulage, Josie’s Transport, Devlin Bros Transport, Toll Ipec, WettenhallsInterstate Transport, Chalmers Industries, Toll in2store, Toll Tasmania, Toll SPD, Toll Contract Logistics, TollNQX, Toll Liquid Distribution, Blackneys TransportFor further information on the program, and how your school can become involved please contact RobynStepnell from Banksia Consulting 03 9348 9144 or robyn@banksiaconsulting.com.au.Jocelyn Kurrle, School Pathways Coordinator, Wyn Bay LLENQueenslandQueensland Skills PlanOn 7 March 2006, the Premier and the Minister for Employment and Training launched the skills reformwhite paper, Queensland Skills Plan. The Skills Plan provides for a major revitalisation of the TAFE network,the establishment of new apprenticeship expected durations to complement the full implementation ofcompetency based training, more training places across the state in trades and associate professionalprograms, as well as a range of new programs and services.http://www.trainandemploy.qld.gov.au/skillsplanNext Step SurveyThe Queensland Government will again be conducting its statewide annual destination survey of allstudents who completed Year 12 or equivalent in 2005. The Next Step destination survey is a briefconfidential survey which aims to gain a comprehensive picture of the employment, study and life choicesmade by Queensland school leavers. The Next Step Survey will be conducted between March and May2006. For more information visit: http://education.qld.gov.au/nextstep/Secondary Schools CompetitionYear 10 students who creatively demonstrate what “living, learning and working” means to them can winprizes of $5,000. The competition is part of Careers Week (May 29 to June 4) and is supported by theDepartment of Employment and Training. www.careers.com.au14

Issue 20 Autumn 2006The Local Community Partnership,IN-Step, based in Townsville has developed a series of Making itWork booklets to assist parties who participate in structuredwork placements or School Based New Apprenticeships.Although generic materials are available, the LCP believed therewas a need for individualised material to encourage and supportthose working in this area. The resources were the result of workdone by the LCP Chair, Rodney Girran; Danielle Watson, the LCPCoordinator, the Townsville Chamber of Commerce, EducationQueensland, TORGAS, James Cook University and the IN-Stepteam. Consultation with industry resulted in quality and relevantinformation for the resources.For more information contact in-step@bigpond.comNCVER research publicationsHave school vocational education and training programs been successful?This report investigates whether these programs provide successful outcomes for participants, in terms ofretention to Year 12 (or its vocational equivalent) and full-time engagement with employment or learning.The report finds that participation in school VET programs has a small negative impact on retention fromYear 10 to Year 12 overall but that there is a positive impact on Year 10 to Year 11 retention. There is a clearand positive impact on post-school outcomes for students who participate in school VET programs in Year11 but do not go on to complete Year 12. Finally, the report looks at whether school VET programs havebeen successful in establishing post-school VET pathways. The results show that these programs provide aclear pathway for some students, particularly for boys studying in the areas of building and engineering.For most students, however, the pathway is not so direct.'What makes vocational training programs in schools work: A study of New SouthWales and Queensland schools’ may be of interest to you. This report investigates stakeholders'views on school-based vocational programs in New South Wales and Queensland schools from 2000 to2002. It examines the objectives and expected outcomes for students, school VET coordinators, trainersand employers. The research finds considerable diversity in implementation at the local level, while at thebroad level the two main objectives of facilitating transition between school and work and providing ahighly skilled workforce are common for all stakeholders. Challenges facing the implementation of aschool-based VET program are summarised and solutions offered.resourcesFrom school to work: The role of traineeshipsThis study analyses the role of traineeships in the transition from school to work, using data from asample of a group of young Australians who were in Year 9 in 1995. This group of young people has beensurveyed each year from 1995 to 2002. The characteristics associated with participation in a traineeshipare examined, as are the labour market outcomes. It was found that young people who undertaketraineeships between the ages of 15 and 21 years do better in the labour market than those who leaveschool and do not undertake any post-school education and training.Reports can be downloaded, free of charge, or purchased fromhttp://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/1631.htmlAnna Payton, Marketing Officer, NCVERVETnetwork AustraliaExploring transitions and opportunities: A Topical ConferenceWednesday 11-13 October Cairns Convention CentreAll details on www.vetnetwork.org.auVETnetwork Australia thanks their major sponsors:The Australian Government - DESTThe Queensland Government - State Development; Education Qld; Employment and Training.15

network AustraliaVocational Education and Training Network Australia Inc.ABN 94 619 317 099 Tel: 07 3254 1431 Fax: 07 3358 5881www.vetnetwork.org.au vetnetwork@vetnetwork.org.au2006 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION & TAX INVOICEMembers Receive:• 4 x Vetnetworker Magazines • Conference registration discounts• Email news • Membership of a national peak bodyPlease tick NEW MEMBER RENEWING MEMBERMembership Categories (all rates include GST)Student Currently enrolled full-time students $50Individual Receive single copies of all publications $99Corporate Receive 5 copies of publications & advertising discounts $420Membership will be in the name of: the individual the organisationFirst Name Last Name Mr/Mrs/MsPositionOrganisation Is this part of the mailing address Yes NoPostal AddressPostcodeEmailPhoneFaxSignature ................................................................................ Date ......./......../......Cheques should be made payable to VETnetwork Australia and mailed with the application to:VETnetwork Australia - PO Box 1029, New Farm QLD 4005Bankcard Mastercard VisaCard NumberCardholder’s NameExpiry DateSignaturePlease include a stamped, self-addressed envelope if a receipt is required.Feedback/ideas for future editionsDo you have suggestions for future editions? Themes…conferencenews…resources…websites…case studies…state news…Fax your ideas to VETnetwork Australia 07 3358 5881 or email vetnetwork@bigpond.com✄16