Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier has launched a new website that provides the most comprehensive training and career information in the nation. The new Career Centre website provides users with the ability to access expert information in real time through interactive online technologies 'such as web chats', and social media communications streams including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Click here to view the new Career Centre website.

Barry Felstead, CEO of Burswood Entertainment Complex and Geoff Duncan, State Director of the ABC, were re-elected for a second term as Joint Chairmen of FutureNow at our latest Board meeting on Monday 12 December 2011.  Ken Norquay, General Manager for Racing at Racing and Wagering WA was re-elected Deputy Chairman.  This leadership team, combined with the other industry leaders on the Board, provides a tangible demonstration of the commitment and desire by them, through FutureNow, to enhance workforce development and skills training opportunities for people in the creative and leisure industries in WA. 

FutureNow has completed its Workforce Development Plan for 2011. A summary of the findings can be found in the Executive Summary which outlines the key issues, strategies, and responsibilities for the creative and leisure industries under the 5 key strategic objectives of Skilling WA, the State Workforce Development Plan. The full Creative and Leisure Industries Workforce Development Plan can be found here, while the three sector reports can be accessed via the links below:

• Tourism, Hospitality and Events Workforce Development Plan 2011
• Sport, Recreation and Racing Workforce Development Plan 2011
• Creative Industries Workforce Development Plan 2011

Version 1.3 of the SIS10 Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package Implementation Guide is now available on VETinfoNet. The Version Modification History outlines the changes and updates that have been made to the training package.

To view version 1.3 of the implementation guide, click here.

Ausdance WA held the WA Dance Awards on 30 November 2011 at  the bamBOO amphitheatre at Luxe Bar. A night of recognition of the best of Western Australian professional dancers was complemented by wonderful performances during the evening. The recent completion of the Live Performance Training Package, incorporating dance for the first time, made FutureNow's sponsorship of the award for the Outstanding Achievement in Dance Teaching even more relevant. Mal Gammon, our CEO presented the award to Jane Murray who was awarded this honour for her work in significantly expanding the dance programme at Perth College. Our congratulations also go to the other finalists and winners on the evening, in particular to Terri Charlesworth, OAM who was awarded the lifetime achievement award.

FutureNow has been a proud partner of the innovative Seed2Feed program conducted by VIP Plus @ Communicare in 2011 along with partners Curtin University and the Health Department of WA - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit.  The program has seen students from the Gosnells and Kenwick area achieve valuable education outcomes, healthy eating and cooking skills, the development of a cook book and face to face training and employment advice.  FutureNow would like to thank our industry partners Burswood Entertainment Complex, Matilda Bay Restaurant + Bar, Hospitality Group Training and Chef Extraordinaire Jeremy Fischer for helping us to provide valuable site visits, advice and cooking demonstrations.  Congratulations to VIP Plus @ Communicare and all the graduating Seed2Feed students for 2011.

The Sport and Recreation industry in Western Australia has recognised and celebrated the achievements of a number of organisations and individuals at the 2011 Sport and Recreation Industry Awards night held at Challenge Stadium on Friday 25 November. FutureNow would like to congratulate the West Australian Football Commission on winning the 'Commitment to Workforce Development Award' in recognition of their commitment to the development of their workforce.

To view all winners from the night, click here.

Congratulations to Quinlan's Hospitality & Tourism Training Centre at Challenger Institute of Technology who have won the FutureNow sponsored 'Tourism and Education Training' award at the 2011 Perth Airport Western Australian Tourism Awards. Special mention also to Academie Accor who took out Silver place, and Global Gypsies Tour Guide Training Course in Bronze place.

For further details on all category winners, click here. 

The Australian Training Awards were recently held in Brisbane and are the national awards for Vocational Education and Training (VET), recognising and rewarding organisations and individuals for their outstanding commitment and contribution to skilling Australia.  FutureNow would like to congratulate Amanda Smith, Hospitality Commercial Cookery Lecturer based at the Margaret River campus of South West Institute of Technology (pictured right) who took out the VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award.  Amanda's passion and commitment to her students and the hospitality industry made her a very worthy recipient of this prestigious Award.  Additionally we congratulate Jeanette Allen, CEO of Service Skills Australia who won the inaugural Leadership in Quality Award.  Click here for the full list of winners.

The AQF Council is undertaking a review of the Graduate and Vocational Graduate Certificate and Diploma qualification types. During the consultations in 2009 and 2010 on strengthening the AQF, stakeholders identified that a review of these qualification types was required. Following approval of the revisions to the AQF in March 2011 and the commencement of implementation on 1 July 2011, the AQF Council is now inviting written submissions from stakeholders. 

To view the consultation paper, click on the following link: AQF Council Review of Graduate and Vocational Graduate Certificates and Diplomas in the Australian Qualifications Framework November 2011. 

Written responses should be sent to the AQF Council by close of business on Friday 24 February 2012 by email at aqfc@deewr.gov.au.

The Hon Peter Collier, Minister for Training and Workforce Development has approved the Western Australian State Training Plan 2012-2015. The State Training Plan is a key strategic initiative that will support Western Australia to develop a skilled workforce to meet the needs of an expanding economy and to ensure that all Western Australians have the opportunity to participate in the State's future prosperity.

Click here to view the Plan.

In a review conducted by the Department of Training and Workforce Development in July 2011 stakeholders (including FutureNow) indicated significant support for the return of the Trade Certificate. Accordingly, Dr Ruth Shean, Director General of the Department of Training and Workforce Development has recently announced that effective immediately the Department will issue a Trade Certificate to any person who has successfully completed a qualification with a training type of apprenticeship e.g. Chef, Patissier, Farriers, Graphic Pre-Press, Print Machinist, Screen Printing Stencil Preparation, and Binding and Finishing as defined in the Public Register of Vocational and Training Qualifications.  FutureNow welcomes this decision which will be retrospective. The Department will be notifying people who commenced an apprenticeship on or after 10 June 2009 and have since completed their qualification accordingly.

Coordinated by the Australian Hotels Association (WA), the 2011 AHA-Aon Hotel and Hospitality Awards for Excellence were attended by over 1100 guests and were held in November at Burswood Entertainment Complex.  The awards recognised the hotels, accommodation properties, employees, dining and entertainment venues that exemplify excellence within the hospitality industry.  FutureNow was a proud sponsor of the inaugural School/Community Partnership Training Award which was won by Burswood Entertainment Complex (Andrew Hill of Burswood and Michelle Sidebottom pictured right).  FutureNow Project Manager for Tourism and Hospitality, Michelle Sidebottom was also a member of the Awards judging panel. Click here for a full list of winners and photos.

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) recently released a summary of key issues impacting on student visas over the next twelve months. The summary provides details of implementation dates for a number of recommendations arising from the Knight Review, which had discriminated significantly against TAFE and the VET sector.  DIAC has also released a fact sheet on Genuine Temporary Entrant Criteria.  From 5 November 2011, all applicants for student visas will be subject to an assessment of what DIAC has termed their 'genuineness'.  The new criteria will apply to all student visa categories and assessment levels and place significant responsibility on DIAC officers to apply the criteria equitably and transparently.

FutureNow - Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council and Mal Gammon, CEO recently celebrated 21 years of service in the Training Council arena at a Sundowner function at Matilda Bay Restaurant + Bar. Formerly named the 'WA Arts Industry Training Council', the 'WA Arts, Sport and Recreation Industry Training Council' and 'FutureNow - Learning for Life', the organisation evolved and extended its industry portfolio to become FutureNow - Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council in 2009. Over 100 guests enjoyed the celebration including a long list of industry VIPs, State Government representatives and other special guests.

Click here to view a slideshow of photos from the night.

Apprentice Jockey Kyra Yuill has won the Racing and Wagering Western Australia Best All Round Apprentice Jockey at the RWWA Awards Night held at the South of Perth Yacht Club, and attended by FutureNow CEO, Mal Gammon. Kyra had an outstanding season, with her race riding results seeing her win the leading Metropolitan Apprentice award and also the leading Regional Apprentice award. Kyra commenced her apprenticeship as a School Based Trainee in June 2007, attending Bunbury Catholic College whilst developing the skills and knowledge to ride racehorses and prepare for race riding. Upon completion, she commenced riding in races in December 2008 and has never looked back, culminating with the outstanding season last year.

Service Skills Australia are requesting nominations from sport and recreation representatives to engage in 'Think Tanks' which will focus on improving the Sport and Sport & Recreation qualifications within the new SIS10 Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package. Players, coaches, administrators, managers and officials are all invited to submit a nomination.

Click here for further information.

The team at FutureNow would like to welcome our new Project Officer Tourism and Hospitality, Jo Chapman. Jo will be responsible for coordinating the FutureNow Hospitality Ambassador Project and will assist Project Manager Michelle Sidebottom with other tourism, hospitality and events projects over the next twelve months. Jo has a strong projects and research background, a Bachelor of Arts in Education and has previously worked for local and Federal members of Government, ABC Radio Bunbury, TVW 7, GWN and the Australian Hotels Association (WA).

WorldSkills promotes and builds a skills culture by inspiring young people, celebrating skills excellence and providing them with an opportunity to showcase their trade and skill talent through competitions held on a regional, national and international level. FutureNow Project Manager Michelle Sidebottom was the Chief Judge at the recent WorldSkills Regional Tourism Competition held at La Salle College, Midland. Winners included: Gold Medal - Caitlin McCracken, Silver Medal - Diane Tadi and Bronze Medal - Jackie Matthews. Caitlin will go on to represent WA at the national WorldSkills Competition in 2012. Hospitality and cookery competitions were also held (results out soon). Click here for more WorldSkills Australia updates.

The Department of Training and Workforce Development has endorsed the 2012 list of Pre-Apprenticeships in Schools including the new Pre-Apprenticeship - Commerical Cookery/Patiesserie (TAFE ID: WA87 / National ID: SIT20307), leading to a Certificate II in Hospitality (Kitchen Operations) qualification. The new hospitality pre-apprenticeship program will replace the School Apprenticeship Link (SAL) Food Family of Trades Program. Thank you to all who provided FutureNow with valuable feedback during the consultation period for this new development in schools. Click here to view the program overview.

A national consultation workshop for the nationally accredited SIT07 Tourism, Hospitality and Events Training Package has been scheduled by Service Skills Australia and FutureNow in Perth for Tuesday 15th November 2011. Phase two of the national consultation process will incorporate the Hospitality Qualifications Review.  Click here to view The Hospitality Review Scoping Paper that summarises the key issues being considered in the review.  More details of the WA workshop to be released soon.  All enquiries to FutureNow Project Manager Tourism and Hospitality, Michelle Sidebottom at email: msidebottom@futurenow.org.au

The Pacific Worker Pilot Scheme has been expanded to help tourism operators in Broome meet the challenge of finding enough workers in peak periods. In addition to inviting Nauru, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu to join the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme, the Australian Government will also trial a new seasonal labour mobility arrangement under the pilot to offer workers from East Timor the opportunity to undertake seasonal work in the tourism sector in Broome. Workers from East Timor will have the opportunity to be paid to train and work in Broome for four to six months in tourism enterprises who show they cannot source sufficient labour locally to meet seasonal demands. By gaining skills in Australia, workers will be encouraged to take their expertise back to East Timor to help boost tourism and employment. For more information about the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme click here.

VIP Plus @ Communicare  is currently partnering with FutureNow, Curtin University and Healthway to roll out the Seed2Feed Project where students will create a garden and maintain a market garden full of seasonal fruit and vegetables to be used in hospitality / cooking classes and shared lunches.  Students will complete hospitality and general qualifications throughout the program and will create a cook book called iCook@VIP.  The project aims to promote healthy eating, a sustainable approach to nutrition and the environment, and to link participants to further training, traineeships/apprenticeships or employment in the hospitality industry.  FutureNow is currently appealing to industry operators who would like to participate in the program as a presenter, host field trip or cookery demonstrator during October / November.  All enquiries to Michelle Sidebottom at msidebottom@futurenow.org.au or P: 9285 8555.  Click here for more information.

FutureNow Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council informs the State Government by preparing workforce development strategies for the creative and leisure industries, and advising it on critical areas of skills shortages and future training needs.  

Last year's workforce development plan led to improvements for our industries in areas such as skilled migration, apprenticeships/traineeships, vocational education and training priority funding, indigenous participation, and project grants for tourism & hospitality and sport & recreation.  

We are now updating the plan and in addition to our ongoing industry consultations, research and projects, we now wish to test the intelligence we have built up through the conduct of an industry survey.  We would appreciate your views on a range of issues to firm up our recommendations to the State Government to improve industry's access to, and development of a skilled workforce.

The survey should only take 10 minutes to complete. Each individual survey response will go into the draw to win a $400 voucher which can be used for accommodation, dining or shopping at Burswood Entertainment Complex during the next 12 months. The closing date for responses is COB Friday 14 October 2011.

Click here to begin the survey

The first ever national study of the value of live music has found that in 2009/10 the Australian live music industry injected $1.21 billion into the national economy, with total profits and wages of $652 million and supporting almost 15,000 full-time jobs.  The outcomes of this study were released in a report by Ernst & Young called, "The economic contribution of the venue-based live music industry in Australia".   The study was commissioned by APRA|AMCOS in conjunction with the Australia Council for the Arts, Arts Victoria, Arts NSW and Live Performance Australia.  Click here to view or down load the research paper and other interesting report publications via the APRA / AMCOS website.

Skills Australia is seeking stakeholder input and evidence to help with its annual update of the Skilled Occupations List (SOL) which is used for independent general skilled migration purposes. All submissions are due by 9 December. Click here for the submissions template. For each occupation listed on the SOL, a summary sheet of the analysis against the specialised occupations criteria and labour market data is available. They will be refreshed using the most recent data as part of the 2012 update. The summary sheets are available here.  The 2011 SOL came into operation on 1 July 2011 after a review of existing and new data sources as well as consultation with stakeholders. The 2012 SOL is likely to be published on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website on 1 July 2012.

The inaugural FutureNow Young Indigenous Achiever's Award and Scholarship 2011 was announced at the recent National Indigenous Tourism Conference held at Burswood Entertainment Complex. FutureNow established the Award and Scholarship in partnership with the WA Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC) to recognise outstanding achievements by young Indigenous people in the Western Australian tourism and hospitality industries.  Runner-Up: Kamisah Jade Bin Demin, Sales & Marketing Assistant at cultural and retail tourism company, Magabala Books, Broome. Winner: James Spurgeon, Visitor Services Officer, Department of Environment and Conservation, Yanchep National Park.  James has received a scholarship for vocational education and training / professional development to the value of $2,500, access to professional mentors, and has become the Indigenous Tourism Ambassador of FutureNow Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council for 2011-2012.

A new workforce agency will target pressure points in Australia's economy by training and retraining workers for new jobs in growing industries and higher skilled roles. Minister for Skills and Jobs, Senator Chris Evans, today announced the Government will bring forward the work of the National Workforce and Productivity Agency to advise on how best to meet the continuing demand for skilled workers and support industries and workers affected by structural adjustment.

Click here to read more.

FutureNow in partnership with the WA Indigenous Tour Operators Council (WAITOC) are proud to announce the finalists for the inaugural FutureNow Indigenous Young Achiever's Award and Scholarship 2011.

• James Spurgeon, Visitor Services Officer - Department of Environment and Conservation, Yanchep National Park
• Kamisah Jade Bin Demin, Sales and Marketing Assistant - Magabala Books, Broome

The Award and Scholarship sponsored by FutureNow recognises outstanding achievements by young Indigenous people in the Western Australian tourism and hospitality industries. The winner will be announced at the gala ball being held during the National Indigenous Tourism Conference at Burswood Entertainment Complex on Thursday evening 22nd September 2011.

The WA Training Awards were recently held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre to recognise and reward outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees and vocational students, and the contribution to training made by trainers, training organisations and employers. FutureNow would like to send out a big congratulations to Amanda Smith, Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) Lecturer at the South West Institute of Technology's Margaret River Education Campus who took out the coveted WA Trainer of the Year 2011 Award. Amanda will go on to represent Western Australia in the National Training Awards to be held in Brisbane on the 25th November and we wish her all the best. Click here for the full list of Award Winners.

FutureNow members Hospitality Group Training (HGT) recently held their Annual Awards presentation at the Perth Concert Hall providing an opportunity for industry professionals and industry bodies to come together to support and recognise outstanding work by the current HGT apprentices and trainees.  The annual event formally rewards excellence and celebrates the achievements and successes, of HGT's top apprentices, trainees and host employers. The prestigious John Cox Memorial Trophy for the Most Outstanding Apprentice 2011 was won by Ryan Larsen, Apprentice Chef at The Boulevard in Floreat.   Click here for a full list of Award Winners.

The Creative Innovation 2011 Conference will be held in Melbourne from 16 - 18 November 2011. The theme of the conference will be "The challenges and opportunities of a super-connected world". The conference will provide delegates with the opportunity to learn, think, connect and share ideas with some of the world's most influential thinkers under one roof. Inspire yourleadership and achieve business success.

For further details about the conference click here. The registration form for the conference is available here.

FutureNow recognises the importance of encouraging young people into training and encouraging the leaders of tomorrow.The Printing Industries Craftsmanship Award's for 2011 showcased the industry and the achievements of organisations and individuals within it. Held at Burswood on Saturday 27th of August the night was a great success.   With the support of long term partner Heidelberg ANZ, the Lithographic Institute of Australia (LIA) conducts annual Graduate of the Year Awards in each State.  Mal Gammon, Chief Executive Office of FutureNow was proud to recognise Corey Hunter who is employed by Fairplay Print Ltd as the most outstanding apprentice and offer financial support for further training in his chosen field as FutureNow's contribution to this award.

IBSA in conjunction with C & L Communications Consultants will be running an Industry Information Session and RTO Professional Development workshop for interested stakeholders in Perth on Friday 2nd December 2011 for the new CUA11 Live Performance (Dance) training package.

Click here for further details

FutureNow members, The Fraser's Group (encompassing Fraser's Kings Park, The Old Brewery, Bluewater, Indiana and the Botanical Café) recently held a careers day to promote hospitality careers, training and employment across their various properties. The group is currently offering staff the ability to receive a formal qualification and has partnered with West Coast Institute of Training to provide traineeships and skills training for all staff.  This proactive approach will provide flexible working and training opportunities for those completing tertiary, VET or higher studies, mature-aged employees, stay at home parents and those wanting to get back into the workforce with as little as 1 shift per week.  FutureNow congratulates the Fraser's Group on their innovative approach to attract new entrants to hospitality and professionally develop their staff in this vibrant industry sector.

The Fraser's Group (encompassing Fraser's Kings Park, The Old Brewery, Bluewater, Indiana and the Botanical Café) is holding a careers day on Saturday 10th September at Fraser's Kings Park from 10am to 1pm.  The group is currently offering staff the ability to receive a formal qualification and to work in award winning restaurants and venues across Perth.  Fraser's Function Centre is working in conjunction with West Coast Institute of Training to provide traineeships and skills training for all staff.  This proactive approach will provide flexible working and training opportunities for those completing tertiary studies, mature-aged employees, stay at home parents and those wanting to get back into the workforce with as little as 1 shift per week.  FutureNow congratulates the Fraser's Group on their innovative approach to attract new entrants to hospitality and professionally develop their staff in this vibrant industry sector.  Click here for more.

Elaborate headdresses, horror masks and life-size scenery backdrops are just some of the items that students from the WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) are producing in their new $5 million Scenery and Props Construction Workshop on the Mount Lawley Campus, officially opened by Minister for Training and Workforce Development Peter Collier.

Click here to read more.

Australians of all ages are being encouraged to up-skill or re-skill as part of the Gillard Government's $3 billion Building Australia's Future Workforce initiative which will include the delivery of 130 000 high quality training places through direct partnerships with industry.

Click here to read more.

Sportspeople has been conducting research into the sport, fitness and aquatic sector since 1996 and over this time has published a number of hallmark industry reports on issues such as workplace trends and remuneration. The data Sportspeople collects is freely available on their website and is widely used by job seekers, employers, Government Agencies and researchers.

Sportspeople are now undertaking the 2011 Sportspeople Salary Survey, which has been designed to collect data on salary levels across the sport, fitness and aquatic sector.  The survey information can be found by clicking here.

Minister for Skills and Jobs, Senator Chris Evans, has announced the establishment of the new standards setting body for the vocational education and training(VET) sector which will improve quality and consistency of VET regulation throughout the nation.

Federal Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, has launched a new phase of the Winemakers' Federation of Australia's National Wine Tourism Strategy, to help create world's best-practice to wine tourism experiences across Australia.  The Winemakers' Federation of Australia received $226,500 from the TQUAL Grants program under the 2009 round of funding.  The Strategy aims to position Australia as being one of the world's must-visit wine and food destinations by 2020. Click here for more.

FutureNow recently attended the Royalties for Regions Briefing 2011-2012 from the WA Department of Regional Development and Lands were it was announced the fourth round of funding for 2011-2012 will include a focus on arts and culture, sport and recreation and tourism. Successful tenders will include those submitting applications for an investment in transformational projects providing long term benefits for regional communities e.g. improved economic, community infrastructure and services, training and employment outcomes.  Click here to view the latest media release and successful projects from the third round Regional Grants Scheme.

Applications close 2^nd September 2011!  FutureNow in partnership with the Western Australian Indigenous Tour Operators Council (WAITOC), invites you to apply for the 'FutureNow Indigenous Young Achiever's Award and Scholarship 2011'.   The tourism / hospitality industry Award Winner will receive a scholarship for vocational education and training or professional development to the value of $2,500, a commemorative trophy, access to professional mentors, and will become the Indigenous Tourism Ambassador of FutureNow - Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council for 2011.  Click here to apply.

Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier has today launched the South West Aboriginal Workforce Development Centre - the fifth such site to be opened in Western Australia, as part of the State Government's response to the Aboriginal workforce development strategy, Training together-working together.

Click here to read more.

A Sport and Recreation Industry Award is the premier accolade for any organisation in the industry. Held every two years, the Awards recognise innovation and exceptional achievement across of areas of sport and recreation in Western Australia. This year the gala dinner and presentation evening will be held at Challenge Stadium on Friday 25 November 2011.

For nomination information and further details about the awards, click here. 

More than 15,000 people are this month expected to attend the Skills West Expo - the biggest careers event in Western Australia, focusing on occupations in industry sectors experiencing rapid growth. Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier said this year's Skills West Expo - presented for the second year by the State Government and The West Australian newspaper - would highlight WA's skills demand. The expo runs from August 19-21 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. Come and visit the FutureNow staff for information on creative and leisure industries training and career information at Stand Y5.

Senator Evans, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations has launched a $558m National Workforce Development Fund. $23m has been released to support enterprise needs across all industries. The 11 National Industry Skills Councils will administer this $23m through an online application and selection process. An additional $450m is available supporting the priority sectors of construction and aged care.  For further information including links to the DEEWR application information, click here.

FutureNow recently attended a tourism industry function held by Tourism Council WA where the Tourism Minister and Deputy Premier, Dr Kim Hames updated key industry representatives on the State Government's key focus areas for the tourism industry.  International markets; caravan and camping; land / tourism developments; and events were high on the agenda.  The Minister spoke of the current review of tourism and hospitality training lead by Andrea Mitchell MLA, provided an insight to the status of the Perth Waterfront and Perth Arena projects, and announced a range of exciting sporting events for athletics in Perth and basketball in Broome.

FutureNow is currently looking for a 'Project Officer Tourism and Hospitality' to head up the new FutureNow Hospitality Ambassador Pilot Program and to work in partnership with existing Project Managers at FutureNow across the tourism, hospitality and events industry sectors. This exciting new position is: part-time (approx. 24 hrs per week); a 12 month fixed term contract (with the possibility of extension); open to flexible working arrangements; based in Mt Claremont; and will work within a small team environment. 

For the full position description and salary details click here.  Applications close 5pm Friday 26th August 2011.  For enquiries, please contact Michelle Sidebottom, Project Manager Tourism and Hospitality on phone: 0419 904 691 or email: msidebottom@futurenow.org.au

Replacing the old National Training Information Service (NTIS) website, the new streamlined Training.gov.au (TGA) website is now online.  TGA is the official National Register of vocational education and training information and enables users to perform basic and advanced searches and view details about: Registered Training Organisations; Nationally Recognised Training (training packages, qualifications, accredited courses, skill sets and units of competency); and RTOs that are registered to deliver a particular nationally registered training product.  To visit the site, go to www.training.gov.au  

The Visitor Centre Association of Western Australia (VCAWA) has proudly announced the finalists in the prestigious GWN7 Top Tourism Awards.  Finalists include Armadale VC, Broome VC (Winner 2010), Busselton VC, Kalgoorlie VC, Kununurra VC and Margaret River VC.  In the 5,000 or less population category, finalists include Augusta VC, Bridgetown VC (Winner 2010), Derby VC, Kalbarri VC and Northampton VC.  It is important to acknowledge the vital role Visitor Centres play in the ongoing sustainability of our tourism industry here in WA - Congratulations go out to all finalists!  Winners will be announced at the GWN7 Top Tourism Awards Gala Dinner on the 20th October to be held as part of the Annual Visitor Servicing Conference.

FutureNow plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the creative and leisure industries are better placed to meet future workforce and skilling needs. We are seeking like-minded industry leaders to support our efforts and contribute to the development, growth and the collective success of the industries by becoming financial members of FutureNow.

Click here to view the FutureNow membership letter from joint chairmen Barry Felstead and Geoff Duncan. To download a membership application form, click here.

The new ICA11 Information and Communications Technology Training Package was endorsed on 9 May 2011 and is now available for purchase from the IBSA online store.

To purchase the ICA11 Training Package online, click here.

To download an order form, click here.

Innovation and Business Skills Australia (IBSA), our national counterparts invite you to attend their annual Environmental Scan workshop. The aim of this consultation is to receive an insight into current and emerging skills needs and demands for occupations in:

• business services
• cultural and creative industries
• financial services
• information and communications technologies
• printing and graphic arts, and
• training and education.

The consultation will take place on Wednesday 17 August 2011 from 7.30am - 10.00am at The Parmelia Hilton, 14 Mill Street, Perth. Click here to register.

FutureNow Project Manager Tourism and Hospitality, Michelle Sidebottom has just returned from a regional visit to Kununurra and Broome.  Michelle visited industry operators, government agencies and public and private registered training organisations delivering a range of creative and leisure industry qualifications.  A big thanks goes out for some wonderful Kimberly hospitality provided by Kimberley TAFE (Broome & Kununurra); Home Valley Station; Pinctada Kimberley Grande; Sandalwood Factory Kununurra; Broome Helicopter Services; Eco Beach Broome; Sandalwood Gallery Broome; Pinctada Cable Beach Spa Resort;  Broome Beach Polo Festival coordinators (Pinctada); Magabala Books; Cable Beachside Villas; Djaringo; and Broome Visitor Centre.  Michelle also undertook site visits for the WA Tourism Awards as a member of this year's judging panel.

FutureNow Information, Art and Design Project Manager Paul Muenchow is participating in a National Project Reference Group working closely with IBSA, the Industry Skills Council on a scoping review into Indigenous Visual Arts. The aim of the project is to identify the training requirements and delivery options to enable more accessible training in visual arts to Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders.

For further details on the project, contact Paul via pmuenchow@futurenow.org.au or click here.

FutureNow congratulates all finalists in the 2011 WA Training Awards, with special mention of the two representatives from the creative and leisure industries: Kelsey Cross in WA Trainee of the Year category; and Christine Hendroff in WA Vocational Student of the Year category. FutureNow Project Managers were involved in the shortlisting and mentoring of the applicants from the creative and leisure industries and look forward to the announcement of the winners at a Presentation Dinner to be held on 16 September . For further details about the awards, click here.

FutureNow Sport, Recreation and Entertainment Project Manager Rachael Davidson recently attended the launch of ScreenWest's Strategic Plan for 2011 - 2016 at the Art Gallery Theatrette. The Plan 2011 - 2016 will provide a strategic, concise and practical guide to ScreenWest operations and inform how the agency will support the Western Australian industry over the next five years.

Click here to download a copy.

Dr Ruth Shean, the Director General of the Department of Training and Workforce Development attended the twelfth meeting of the Board of FutureNow on Monday 25 July and provided a comprehensive update on the progress of, and the implementation of Skilling WA.  The Board engaged in discussion with Dr Shean on a number of issues raised in her presentation, including; where career changers could get retraining information; responsive trade training; the Skills Priority Occupation List (SPOL) and WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL)  and industry specific challenges including cross industry collaboration and industry RTO partnerships.

Click here to view the presentation.

A national review of the Tourism Sector qualifications in the SIT07 Training Package was completed in May 2011 and the results are now available for further review and feedback in a Tourism Review Validation Draft.  The Validation Draft should be read in conjunction with the Review Guide for the Tourism Review Validation Draft, both of which can be downloaded from the Service Skills Australia project webpage: www.serviceskills.com.au/tourism-hospitality-and-events-continuous-improvement.  Feedback on the Validation Draft should be submitted to tma@serviceskills.com.au by Friday 12 August 2011.

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron has announced more than $6million in grants to State sporting associations (SSAs). The grants are the key part of the Department of Sport and Recreation's Organisational Sustainability Program (OSP). The OSP is aimed at ensuring SSAs are provided with the resources to manage their sports throughout the State. 

Click here to read more.

The Small Business Development Commission is delivering an exciting new tourism workshop program throughout WA from August 2011 to December 2011.  Three 1.5 - 2 hour workshops will be available to tourism operators including: 'Understanding the tourism industry'; 'How to make your business stand out from the crowd'; and 'Succeeding online'.  Individual Sessions are $20 per person.  Small Business Smart Business Voucher subsidies may also be available to eligible small businesses. 

For workshop dates and further information, click here, email: tourism@smallbusiness.wa.gov.au or phone: 131 BIZ (131 249)

The Young Australians Tourism Association (YATA) is currently looking for a new Chairperson to lead the Association. The outgoing Chair, Kylie Adams is stepping off the committee after 4 years taking the next step in her career and moving to London to work for the State Government and Perth Convention Bureau as a Business Development Manager.  A prospective Chair would be 35 years of ages or under with enough industry experience and contacts to help YATA grow and have continued industry support.  This voluntary role would require the Chairperson to attend monthly Committee Meetings, and provide guidance and direction via email to the Committee as required. Whilst the YATA Committee consists of 7-8 young people in the industry, the Chair would be what holds this committee together.  FutureNow Project Manager Tourism and Hospitality sits on the external Advisory Committee for YATA which also provide guidance and support to the Association.   Please contact Erica Mueller, YATA Secretary on info@yata.com.au for more information or visit the YATA website at www.yata.com.au

Indigenous Tourism enterprises in Australia will have the opportunity to learn and improve their business practices.  Minister for Tourism Martin Ferguson and Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development Mark Arbib has announced an expansion of the Indigenous Tourism Champions Program.  The initiative provides expert assistance to successful Indigenous Australian tourism enterprises and provides access to the lucrative international tourism market. 

Click here for more...

Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier has launched a new tool that will help employers boost their workforce. The Skilled Migration Portal is a comprehensive guide about attracting overseas workers to supplement employers' local labour force.

The Skilled Migration Portal can be accessed by clicking here.

In 2011 the world celebrates the International Year of Volunteers + 10 (IYV+10).  In recognition of this Volunteering WA is undertaking the State of Volunteering in WA in 2011 Report.  This research aims to investigate what volunteering looks like in WA in 2011, for volunteers, volunteer-involving organisations and the wider community.  The report will capture issues and challenges and note the features that are changing and evolving in Western Australia's volunteering environment.  Volunteering WA invites the community to participate in this project by completing a survey.

The surveys can be accessed via the Volunteering WA website. Hard copies of the surveys can be obtained by contacting Denise at Volunteering WA on 9482 4317 or denise@volunteeringwa.org.au

The Financial, Administrative & Professional Services Training Council (FAPSTC) is currently preparing a submission to the State Training Board for the establishment of a traineeship pathway for the Diploma of Management (BSB 51107).  This qualification crosses over into many industries and FAPSTC are seeking support.  Your assistance by reading the information paper, completing a short survey and providing any letters of support would be greatly appreciated.

Tourism Australia (TA) has published its Corporate Plan 2011-14 which sets out how it will deliver on the Government's priorities for Australia as a tourism destination and continue to add value in supporting the tourism industry to build a more appealing Australia of tomorrow. The plan provides details on key government and industry initiatives, the Australian tourism industry outlook as well as TA's objectives and how it will measure performance. Alongside this, TA has also published its 2011-12 Strategy Update for Industry.

The National Quality Council (NQC) has endorsed the CUA11 Live Performance Training Package and the CUV11 Visual Arts, Craft and Design Training Package. It is anticipated the packages will be available on the national database www.training.gov.au (replacement for NTIS) after 16 July.

2011 is the year where more people are now eligible for retirement than are coming into the work force. Western Australia will need an additional 150,000 workers over and above natural employment growth in the next 7 - 10 years. The implementation of effective recruitment and retention strategies combined with upskilling existing workers and ensuring appropriate quality training of the future labour force is therefore vital. I am pleased to advise that we have been awarded a further 5 year service agreement with the State Government to carry on our work to help our industries meet these workforce challenges and opportunities. Thank you for your continuing support and we welcome your feedback and input at any time.

'Recognising outstanding achievements by young Indigenous people in the Western Australian tourism and hospitality industries'.  FutureNow, in partnership with the Western Australian Indigenous Tour Operators Council (WAITOC), is inviting Indigenous Western Australians working in the tourism and hospitality industry (30 years of age or under) to apply for the 'FutureNow Indigenous Young Achiever's Award and Scholarship 2011'.   The Award Winner will receive a scholarship for vocational education and training or professional development to the value of $2,500, a commemorative trophy, access to professional mentors, and will become the Indigenous Tourism Ambassador of FutureNow for 2011/2012. 

Clear here for more info or an Application Kit.

Although in its infancy, FutureNow in conjunction with industry and training providers are looking to establish an Arts Administration Traineeship. Part of this process is to ensure that businesses and organisations within the Arts sector will embrace this form of training. Positive feedback was received from arts networks within the Albany region however further consultation will take place state wide.

Feedback and questions regarding the establishment of this traineeship can be directed to Paul Muenchow, Project Manager Information, Art and Design at pmuenchow@futurenow.org.au or on (08) 9285 8555

FutureNow and Service Skills Australia recently facilitated the WA workshop to key industry stakeholders in the tourism, visitor information services, tour guiding, travel and holiday parks and resorts sectors. Draft 2 of the Tourism section of the SIT07 Training Package will be released in July 2011.  Hospitality and Events sector national review workshops will be conducted in the second half of 2011. 

For the latest updates on the SIT07 Training Package, click here to visit the Service Skills Australia SIT07 Training Package Review web page.

Sports Medicine Australia (WA), the peak authority on issues relating to sports medicine, sport science and exercise for the physically active are offering registered training organisations in WA the opportunity to access delivery aides for the Certificate III in Sports Trainer qualification. SMAWA can also assist with student work experience as well as SMA Level One Sports Trainer Accreditation.

For further information, contact Dana Pimley, Sports Medicine Australia (WA) Manager - Education and Services on (08) 9285 8033 or email dana@smawa.asn.au

Project Manager Paul Muenchow attended and represented FutureNow at the forum "Successful Apprenticeships Traineeships and Beyond" held at the Albany Entertainment Centre on Wednesday 15th June. The forum included key note speakers, short narratives from apprentices and open forum discussion and questions. The event linked in with the Careers Expo held at Great Southern Institute of Technology held on Friday 17th June. Students, teachers and parents from Albany and surrounding areas had the opportunity to be presented with information on career paths, qualifications and training options available within the creative and leisure industries.

CEO Mal Gammon and Project Manager, Tourism and Hospitality recently participated in the Service Skills Australia national network meeting, held in Hepburn Springs, Victoria.  Service Skills Australia is the National Skills Council for FutureNow's tourism, hospitality & events; and sport, fitness & recreation sectors.  The meeting allowed for face to face discussions about training and issues at state/territory and national levels, and an agreement outlining collaborative efforts across national and state-based skill councils enabling the ongoing sharing of information and project outcomes was developed.  Thanks go out to Service Skills Australia for facilitating such a positive and productive event.

The Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS) is a joint initiative of the Australian Sports Commission and the state and territory government agencies responsible for sport and recreation. The survey collects information on the frequency, duration, nature and type of activities that participants undertook. 

Click here to view the survey findings.

FutureNow has established a framework to enable young, successful, energetic and articulate professionals who have travelled the VET pathway, to act as Hospitality Ambassadors to promote hospitality careers to young people face to face with presentations and cooking demonstrations through the school system, careers expos etc. Funding has been allocated for the pilot project by the Department of Training and Workforce Development and FutureNow's search for commercial cookery Ambassadors and project partners will commence along with project planning in July 2011.

A Responsive Trade Training Hospitality Commercial Cookery Pilot Program for a Pre-Apprenticeship in Certificate II in Hospitality (Kitchen Operations) has been developed by FutureNow and a Group Training Organisation (GTO) providing an innovative model to be trialled in Western Australia.  Pre-apprenticeship models for pilots in commercial cookery, carpentry & joinery and electrotechnology have been successfully endorsed by the Department of Training and Workforce Development.  Program terms and guidelines are currently in negotiation and the tender process will open in 2011 for 2012 implementation.

ICA11, Information and Communications Technology Training Package has been endorsed by the National Quality Council. The training package is currently being migrated to the NTIS website, and is due to be made live in the near future. FutureNow Information, Art and Design Project Manager Paul Muenchow recently attended an IBSA run ICA11 implementation workshop on Tuesday 14th June at the State Library of Western Australia which provided information to registered training organisations on the new package. Changes to the package include 8 new qualifications, 26 skills sets, changes to entry requirements and year 12 pathways.

Click here for further information on the ICA11 training package.

International visits to Western Australia have risen in the year ending March 2011 due to a big increase in business visitors and significant growth in the Chinese 15,200 (+36 per cent) , Indonesian 28,900 (+27.5 per cent) and USA 45,400 (+19.9 per cent) markets.  In a recent media release, Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the International Overnight Visitor Results, released on Monday 6 June, showed an overall increase of 2.6 per cent to 706,600 visitors to WA in the 12 months to March. 

Click here for more.

Dance Plan 2012 is a joint project between Ausdance and The Australia Council and was written in consultation with the dance sector. The plan has identified four ambitions for 2012. These are:

• more excellent and innovative Australian dance.
• more opportunities to see and participate in Australian dance
• dance as an integral part of every young person's education
• a range of sustainable careers for dance artists

 Click here to view the plan.

The new SIS10 Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package is now available for viewing and downloading on the NTIS website.

To view the new training package, click here.

An ageing population, increasing time pressures and the value of volunteers were key features of SD5, the sport and recreation industry's five-year vision launched today in Perth by Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron.

Click here to read more.

Arts Minister Simon Crean and the Chair of the Review of Private Sector Support for the Arts, Mr Harold Mitchell AC, have released a discussion paper which seeks public input on increasing the private sector's support for the arts. Interested parties are invited to make a submission.

To view the discussion paper, and for information on how to make a submission, click here.

IBSA in conjunction with FutureNow will be holding a workshop to approve the final structure of the proposed new Museum, Library/Information Services Training Package. The workshop will be held on Monday 27 June 2011, in the Woodward Room at the WA Museum, Perth Cultural Centre, Perth. 

For further information, contact Paul Muenchow at pmuenchow@futurenow.org.au

As a component of Skilling WA: A workforce development plan for Western Australia and the Western Australian Skilled Migration Strategy, the Department of Training and Workforce Development has arranged a series of one hour forums for businesses throughout the State in June 2011. Forums will be held in Albany (June 8); Joondalup (June 10); Fremantle (June 14); Karratha (June 16); Port Hedland (June 17); Kalgoorlie-Boulder (June 22); Perth (June 23); Bunbury (June 24); Exmouth (June 28); Carnarvon (June 30); and Geraldton (July 1).

The forums will present skilled migration as a strategy that businesses may be able to use to meet their skill needs and will provide information on skilled migration, including the process associated with employing overseas workers and the types of visas available. Further information on the Skilled Migration Forums is available on the front page of the Department's website at www.dtwd.wa.gov.au

The NTIS System (address www.ntis.gov.au) is due to be replaced by Training.gov.au  (address www.training.gov.au) in July 2011 which will fulfil all of the services currently provided by NTIS and will become the authoritative National Register for the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Sector.  All web pages within the NTIS will be automatically directed.

The NTIS gazette will no longer be emailed to recipients to notify them of updates to Training Products and Registered Training Organisations (RTO's). Training.gov.au will have a new feature that will replace the NTIS gazette. Notifications will allow you to choose exactly which Training Products and RTOs you wish to keep track of. When one of the Training Products is updated you will be sent an automatic email advising of the change.  NTIS web services will continue to be available for a limited period of time after training.gov.au is launched in July 2011.  It will be permanently decommissioned at the end of 2011.  For more information regarding training.gov.au, please contact ntis@deewr.gov.au

WorldSkills is the nation's premier showcase of youth skill and trade excellence. This year WA competitions are being held, with the possible opportunity for successful competitors to compete at next year's national competition and the 2013 international competitions. The 2011 Open WorldSkills competitions are open to anyone in WA who was born on or after 1 Jan 1988 studying or practising the relevant trade within a category included as a WorldSkills event.

The application form for interested students can be downloaded here. For further information about WorldSkills, click here.

Tourism Research Australia's Tourism Forecasting Committee recently released its first round of forecasts for tourism activity in Australia for 2011. Set against a backdrop of continued economic uncertainty in many developed countries, political unrest in the Middle East, rising oil prices and recent natural disasters at home and abroad, the value of tourism to the Australian economy is forecast to increase 0.4 per cent to $95 billion in 2011 and a further 2 per cent to $97 billion in 2012.  Click here to download the Forecast 2011 report.

Agrifood Skills Australia have released the 2011 Environmental Scan of the Agrifood Industry. The scan's aim is to give readers a clear understanding of the factors currently shaping and impacting on agrifood workforce development and how well the training system, its products and services, and industry itself are responding.

Click here to view the 2011 Agrifood Industry Environmental Scan.

FutureNow sponsored the recent Young Australians Tourism Association (YATA) Conference entitled 'A Day in the Life', held at Burswood Entertainment Complex.  Students and young industry professionals from all sectors of the tourism, hospitality and events industries participated in the second annual conference that included key note speakers: Michelle Sidebottom, Project Manager Tourism and Hospitality - FutureNow; Bradley Woods, CEO - Australian Hotels Association (WA); Paul Beeson, CEO (as of 1st July) - Perth Convention Bureau; Stephen Wicks, Board Member of Tourism WA and General Manager - Corporate Travel Management; and Fiona Lander, General Manager Corporate Affairs - Perth Airport. Congratulations to the Committee of YATA and all involved in coordinating such a positive event for the ongoing professional development of our future movers and shakers in industry.  Click here to visit the YATA website.

Students and people undertaking vocational courses are set to benefit from online education, training and skills services projects designed to take advantage of the National Broadband Network (NBN). Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today announced that the Gillard Government will provide $21.7 million in funding for a four year NBN Enabled Education and Skills Services Program, to support the development of online and interactive education and training projects.

Click here to read more.

FutureNow Tourism and Hospitality Project Manager Michelle Sidebottom recently attended an Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) seminar entitled 'The Future of Tourism Marketing is Small Town Rules'.  Presented by Jesse Desjardins, former Online Director at Global Gossip, now working with Tourism Australia, Jesse provided an entertaining presentation about some of the latest strategies in online marketing from around the world.  It is without a doubt that social media has changed the landscape in tourism marketing - it looks like Facebook and Twitter are here to stay (for now at least.....).  Congratulations to Margaret Wilson from ATEC WA for coordinating such an eye opening event for tourism professionals from around the State.  Click here for more information about ATEC in Western Australia.

FutureNow CEO, Mal Gammon and Tourism and Hospitality Project Manager, Michelle Sidebottom recently completed a trip to Kalgoorlie coordinated by VTEC Director Melissa Teede.  Mal and Michelle presented and participated in a workshop with key VTEC staff, then presented at the Goldfields - Esperance Workforce Development Alliance (GEWDA) meeting to discuss the region's training needs, workforce development opportunities and prospective collaborative partnerships in the creative and leisure industries.  The trip also included discussions with key industry operators in the region.

FutureNow recently sponsored the Hospitality Education & Training Provider category at the 2011 WA Hospitality Supplier Awards that recognised the outstanding suppliers, promotions and products provided to the West Australian hospitality industry.  Finalists in Hospitality Education and Training provider category included: Acadamie Accor; Challenger Institute of Technology - Quinlins Hospitality & Tourism Training Centre; Hospitality Group Training; Perth Institute Western Australia; Vocational Training Services; and Perth School of Hospitality & Tourism.  Mal Gammon, FutureNow CEO was delighted to present the Award to Iain McDougall of Hospitality Group Training - Congratulations to Iain, Jen Fox and the team at HGT!

Hosted by Tourism Council WA, the WA Tourism Awards are now in their 39th year and celebrate excellence in the Western Australian tourism industry, with WA winners going on to represent the State at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.  The Awards program is open to any Western Australian tourism related business, with medallists being supported by widespread media coverage, giving your business a significant competitive edge.  As a sponsor of this prestigious tourism industry event, Futurenow would like to encourage education and training providers to consider entering the Awards, as essentially they are the backbone of the future of the tourism industry and should be showcased for their efforts.

Click here for more.

As recently reported in the Australasian Leisure Management Magazine, Perth has been identified as the preferred home for a proposed $4 billion resort and theme park by a European animatronics entertainment company.  Encouraged by the Western Australian Government's push to boost WA's profile as a world-class holiday destination, Italian-based Ermes Technologies wants to attract more than two million tourists a year by building one of the biggest family resort and theme park operations in the world.  The proposed development would be similar in style to Walt Disney World and would include two theme parks, up to four hotels, two golf courses and an entertainment precinct featuring restaurants, retail shops, stage shows and discos.  Click here for more.

FutureNow recently hosted the WA leg of the National Tourism and Travel Review Consultation Workshops facilitated by Service Skills Australia.  The workshop enabled industry operators, registered training organisations and government agencies to participate in a review of Draft 1 of the nationally accredited SIT07 Tourism, Hospitality and Events Training Package, focusing on tourism, travel and holiday parks and resorts.  Results from the workshop will ensure that Western Australian needs are incorporated into the design and development of a streamlined training package that will provide the best training outcomes possible across all industry sectors.  Consultation workshops for the hospitality and events sectors of industry will be scheduled later in the year.  Thank you to facilitators Therese Ma and Margot Homersham and all of our wonderful WA attendees who gave up their valuable time to participate in this important event.  Click here for more information about this National Review from Service skills Australia.

Tourism WA's Chairman Kate Lamont and Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Buckland recently provided industry with an overview of Tourism WA's key initiatives for 2011-12.  The briefing was attended by 150 members of the tourism industry. This was the first in a series of forums conducted by Tourism WA, stay tuned for other locations to be announced soon. To access a copy of the presentation, please click here.

Innovation and Business Skills Australia (IBSA) is conducting a research project to identify the size, characteristics and economic contribution of casual, informally contracted musicians and technicians that work at venues that offer live music in Australia. Stage Two of the project consists of a National Survey to be completed by musicians and technicians. Click the relevant survey below:

• If you have worked as a musician in the past twelve months, please click here.
• If you have worked as a technician in the past twelve month, please click here.

The survey response timeframe will close on 8 June 2011. For further information about the project, click here

FutureNow last night attended the Hospitality Youth Skills Showcase 2011 as a sponsor of the event and guests on the night.  This year's event entitled "A Taste of the Orient" saw some of WA's finest hospitality apprentices and trainees take over 400 guests on an indulgent journey of oriental cuisine and entertainment inspired by the far east.  The kitchen brigade and front of house students are to be congratulated on a magnificent effort as well as the team a Hospitality Group Training for coordinating such a positive event for our young industry professionals of the future!

The State budget brought down today includes a range of funding initiatives for training and the creative and leisure industries.  Some of these include:

•  $33million to respond to unmet training demand through the purchase of an extra 12,000 training places this year.
• Additional Royalties for Regions funding of $111million for skills and training facilities in regional WA during the next four years.
• Funding of $4million is allocated for the four years from 2011/12 to process applications for State sponsorship of migrants for occupations in demand.
• $60m extra over 4 years for tourism events, bringing the annual spend to $30m per year on regional and metropolitan events
• $20m extra in the next four years towards 'Sport for All', which includes specific programs to keep WA children active, resilient and healthy.
• $5m and $13m respectively for planning of the new Museum and a new stadium.

Click here for further budget details.

The Chamber of Arts and Culture is undertaking an inaugural annual survey of the Western Australian arts and cultural sector in order to gain a current snapshot of the sector, and to ascertain the sector's present and emerging opportunities and needs.  This will allow the Chamber to determine what its priorities should be in terms of its advocacy on behalf of the sector.

To request a copy of the survey, please contact FutureNow via info@futurenow.org.au. Completed survey responses are required by Tuesday 31 May 2011.

Service Skills Australia in conjunction with FutureNow recently hosted an implementation workshop in preparation for the new SIS10 Sport, Fitness and Recreation training package. Great interest was expressed in the implementation workshop with over 55 representatives from registered training organisations across the state attending. To be added to the email distribution list to receive the latest updates regarding the SIS10 Sport, Fitness and Recreation training package, please contact Rachael Davidson via rdavidson@futurenow.org.au.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA is currently preparing a Cost of Doing Business research report, which will be released in a few months' time.  As part of this project, CCI has partnered with WA Business News to conduct the largest ever survey of the WA business community. They are seeking your views - along with the wider membership - on the greatest cost barriers you face in running your business.  The final research report will build on this feedback, and CCI will use it to lobby federal, state and local governments on the best way to reduce business costs.  To complete the Cost of Doing Business Survey, go to www.businesscost.com.au

FutureNow participated in the WA Careers, Education and Employment Expo 12 - 15 May 2011.  FutureNow project managers promoted the creative and leisure industries and provided vital careers and training information to parents of junior school students looking at senior school courses of study; high school students considering a trade or tertiary education; school teachers and career councillors; recent school leavers contemplating re-entering the education system; mature age candidates wanting to explore new, more fulfilling employment options and post-graduate professionals looking to expand their knowledge base and skills.  Thousands of people visited the expo over the four days providing an ideal promotional opportunity for careers in the creative and leisure industries.

As recently reported by Australian Leisure Management, the gap between the number of international arrivals and Australians travelling overseas has hit a new high, showing the need for continuing support for the tourism industry in the federal budget.  In March 2011, international arrivals to Australia were down 5.1% compared to the same month in 2010, while departures fell 4.7%, as Australians deferred travel to the extended Easter break in April.  UK arrivals were down 6.8% and US arrivals were down 3.8%, while the 9.6% growth in Australians travelling internationally is almost four times faster than the 2.5% growth in arrivals. 

Click here for more.

The Perth Convention Bureau has announced the promotion of its Director of Business Development Paul Beeson to the role of Chief Executive Officer.  Paul replaces Christine Allen, who announced her resignation in early April and will formally step down from her role as Managing Director at the end of June.  Bureau Chairman Ian Laurance said that the Board of Directors was delighted to promote an existing staff member to the re-titled position of Chief Executive Officer.

Click here for more.

FutureNow staff recently participated in the WA Training Providers Forum 2011.  With a booth to interact with training professionals and key industry representatives, and a workshop delivered in partnership with Service Skills Australia, Retail and Personal Services Industry Training Council and the Logistics Training Council, FutureNow staff made the most of the opportunity to participate in professional development workshops and listen to keynote speakers and various panels discussing the future of vocational education and training in Australia.  Visit the www.trainingwa.wa.gov.au website for post forum information and documentation to be released in due course.

The Government will invest $3 billion over six years in skilling Australia's workforce, and will deliver a package of participation reforms to make sure that more Australians have the opportunity to engage in the workforce as part of a range of targeted investments outlined by the Hon Wayne Swan MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer in the 2011-2012 Budget. A $558 million Workforce Development Fund has been announced that will deliver 130,000 training places over four years. The Budget also delivers a $101 million national mentoring program to help 40,000 apprentices finish training and better meet the needs of industries and regions. The Government is also investing $100 million in more flexible training models, allowing apprenticeships to be fast-tracked as they acquire critical trade skills.

Click here to view the media release.

As recently reported by Australian Leisure Management, the increase in funding for tourism in the 2011-12 Federal Budget shows that the government has recognised and acknowledged the challenges facing the tourism industry, according to peak national body, Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).  Funding for Tourism Australia has risen from $122 million in 2010-11 to $136 million for 2011-12, with the increase replenishing funds brought forward for emergency campaigns to stimulate demand in key markets in the wake of the global financial crisis and Queensland flooding. 

Click here for more.

The West Coast Academy of Hospitality & Tourism in Joondalup (part of the West Coast Institute of Training) has just become the only training provider in Australia to be recognised by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS).  To receive WACS recognition, the Academy had to meet twelve stringent 'Standards of Quality Culinary Education' which cover aspects such as student population, faculty, lecturers, delivery methods, sanitation, food safety and hygiene and industry support.  Other training providers who have received WACS recognition to date are: Escuela de Cienias Gastronomicas de la U.E.E.s (Ecuador); Hospitality Industry Training and Development Centre (Hong Kong); and Berjaya Higher Education SDN BHD (Malaysia).  Congratulations West Coast!

The Clubs WA Awards for Excellence were held at the Burswood Entertainment Complex on the 8^th May 2011.   An evening of fun, food and great entertainment was enjoyed by all in attendance.  FutureNow project manager for tourism and hospitality, Michelle Sidebottom was a member of the judging panel for the Awards and was thoroughly impressed by the high standard and incredible commitment of club operators, members and volunteers across Western Australia.  To view the list of Award winners, click here.

Australia‟s independent skills and workforce advisory body, Skills Australia has released Skills for prosperity - a roadmap for vocational education and training. This report puts forward comprehensive reforms for the way the Australian vocational education and training (VET) sector is developed, organised and financed. It is one of the most comprehensive, national reviews of the Australian VET system to take place over the last two decades.

The executive summary and recommendations of the report is available by clicking here. To view the full document, click here.

Australian Tourism Export Council WA will present "The Future of Tourism Marketing is Small Town Rules" at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre 9.45am to 12.00pm Tuesday 31st May 2011. This special 2 hour talk will reveal the latest in online marketing strategies, changes to Google Analytics, global case studies, integration of social media, professional marketing material design on any budget, hiring the right people and social media profiles. 

Click here for more information and registration form.

Tourism industry stakeholders and registered training organisations are invited to participate in the nationally accredited SIT07 Tourism, Hospitality and Events Training Package 'Tourism Review Consultation Workshop' to be held in the Ellis Room of the WA Basketball Centre in Mt Claremont on Tuesday 24th May 2011. This State and National level consultation workshop will be facilitated by FutureNow (State body) and Service Skills Australia (National body), and will focus on workforce development and vocational education and training for the tourism, visitor information services, guiding, travel and holiday parks and resorts sectors of the tourism industry. Registrations close 10th May 2011.

Click here for more.

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations has released Edition 4 of Training Packages @ Work's popular Back 2 Basics publication.  Back 2 Basics is an easy-to-read guide that simplifies the vocational education and training (VET) system.  It provides a starting point to help VET practitioners navigate a path through a maze of organisations, policies and programs.  The publication is available free of charge in a downloadable PDF format, which can be printed or saved to a computer. The content is also accessible via HTML pages on the Training Packages @ Work website. 

Click here to view or download the guide.

The WA Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor is currently in the process of implementing a new licensing framework for the approval of managers and has introduced two approval categories:

• An 'Unrestricted' approval will be required for managers at commercial licence types such as hotel, tavern, liquor store, hotel restricted, restaurant, nightclub, special facility, wholesaler, producer and small bar licences. A prospective unrestricted manager must successfully complete the Course in Liquor Licensing in order to obtain this approval.
• A 'Restricted' approval will be required for managers at club and club restricted licences (where the sale/supply of liquor is ancillary to the objectives of the club) or an occasional licence. A prospective restricted manager must have successfully completed the nationally accredited Responsible Service of Alcohol course to obtain this approval.

Please note that the Responsible Service of Alcohol e-Briefing for Frontline staff (recognised only in WA) will no longer be available from the 2^nd May 2011.  The minimum training legally required by the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor will include the above mentioned Unrestricted and Restricted approvals featuring the nationally accredited Responsible Service of Alcohol Course/Unit of Competency (SITHFAB009A).

Click here for more information from the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor.

Arts Minister Simon Crean has announced that Mr. Harold Mitchell AC, the Executive Chairman of the Mitchell Communication Group, will chair a review of private sector support for the arts in Australia.  It is expected this review will be completed by the end of October 2011.

Click here to read more.

As recently reported by Australian Leisure Management, the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Tourism Cooperation with China signed on the 27^th of April during a meeting between Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Premier Wen Jiabao as a significant opportunity for Australia to expand further into the market.  ATEC Chairman, John King explained that the Chinese market is worth around $3 billion a year to Australia and this agreement opens up an opportunity to take that market to a new level, stating "China has just moved into first place as Australia's biggest export market in expenditure and the forecast is for this market to continue to grow rapidly through 2020.  Click here for the full story.

FutureNow Project Manager for Tourism and Hospitality, Michelle Sidebottom is delighted to announce that a recent proposal submitted to the State Training Board for an increase in the nominal term (from 14 to 18 months), for school-based traineeships leading to a Certificate II in Hospitality or Certificate II in Hospitality (Kitchen Operations) has been approved by the Minister for Training and Workforce Development.  This is a great win for school-based trainees and hospitality industry operators across WA.  FutureNow would like to thank all industry stakeholders that were involved in the consultation process for this important project, particularly the Proponent, Iain McDougall from Hospitality Group Training (WA) Inc.

The West Australian recently reported that Tourism WA's newly appointed CEO, Stephanie Buckland has laid out an ambitious blueprint to attract visitors to the State, with more hotel rooms, an international golf tournament, a bigger Busselton airport and direct flights to and from China. 

Click here to read the full story.

Applications are now open for Electrolux Appetite for Excellence 2011. The national awards program recognises the emerging talent within the restaurant and catering industry and is a national awards program for young hospitality professionals. Award judges, supporters and mentors include culinary heavyweights Guy Grossi, Chris Taylor, Peter Gilmore, Mark Best, Christine Manfield, Philip Johnson and Luke Mangan. The awards aim to inspire and support future industry leaders through unique educational elements, career opportunities and enviable prizes.

Click here for more info.  Applications close on May 1, 2011.

The Hon Peter Garrett MP Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth has signalled the Government's commitment to the National Trade Cadetship scheme. From 2012 students from years 9 to 12 will be offered a new National Trade Cadetship as an option under the National Curriculum. This Cadetship will be delivered through local Trades Training Centre and through other eligible venues.

Click here for further information on the scheme.

IBSA invites feedback and comments on a discussion paper which will form part of a research project to identify the size, characteristics, and economic contribution of the casual, informally contracted musicians workforce and the specific workforce development and skills needs of this sector.

Click here for further information, and to download the discussion paper.

National Training Packages are the fundamental building blocks of vocational education and training. The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and the National Quality Council (NQC) has auspiced major reform to make sure that training products adapt in line with changing client needs and expectations. These reforms are designed to simplify and streamline training products to make content clear and straightforward, and qualifications more flexible and adaptable.

Click the following link for further information via the new 21st Century Training Products website .

The Economic Importance of Tourism in Australia's Regions report was recently released by the Federal Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson highlighting Australia's top twenty tourism regions. The report by Tourism Research Australia shows the visitor expenditure as a percentage of overall output in Australia's top 20 tourism regions.  Western Australia's Coral Coast Region was named as the State's most important tourism region based on economic importance (6.9%) and expenditure ($512m).  

Click here to view the full media release and link to the report.

The Western Australian Department of Training and Workforce Development will host the Training Providers Forum 2011 on 9 and 10 May at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre. The Forum will be opened by Hon. Peter Collier MLC, Minister for Training and Workforce Development.

The forum is a two day conference aimed at those involved in workforce development and the training sector.

For further information, including registration details, click here.

The March 2011 ABS labour force data released today shows a buoyant Western Australian labour market with strong monthly results for key indicators.  The results show an increase in labour force participation and employment, with the unemployment rate remaining stable.

In March, Western Australia's employment increased by 1.1% or 12,900 persons. This included a rise in full-time employment of 13,400 persons offset by a decline in part-time employment of 500. In the 12 months to March, Western Australia experienced employment growth of 2.3% or 27,500 persons.  The labour force participation rate in Western Australia increased by 0.7 percentage points to 68.1% in March. Western Australia continues to have the highest participation rate of all states, well above the national average of 65.8%.

Western Australia's unemployment rate remained unchanged in March at 4.2%.  For the last 13 months, the rate recorded has been the lowest of all states and continues to be well below the national average, which is currently at 4.9%. The State's teenage unemployment rate declined to 18.8% in March from 19.8% a month ago. Nationally, the rate fell from 23.9% to 22.9%. The number of youth looking for full-time work in Western Australia is currently at 6,700.

Tourism Council WA has recently announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer, Mr Evan Hall.  Mr Hall replaces outgoing CEO Graham Moss, who has been in the role for 3 years. Mr Hall joins Tourism Council WA from the Tourism and Transport Forum where he was National Manager Tourism and Policy Director for 5 years.  Mr Hall will commence duties with Tourism Council WA on May 9th 2011. 

Click here to view the media release.

Nominations are now open for Western Australia's most prestigious training awards program - the WA Training Awards, which recognise the outstanding achievements of the brightest and best in the Vocational Education and Training sector. The closing date for nominations is 5pm on Friday, May 13.

Click here for further information.

No More Excuses is a collaborative response by the 11 National Industry Skills Councils into the challenge of addressing language, literacy and numeracy issues.

Click here to view the report.

From today Australia's high quality tourism businesses will be recognisable by a single national trademark known as the TQUAL mark. The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, launched the trademark and associated accreditation framework today at the Australian Tourism Exchange in Sydney.

Click here to read more.

Applications are open from community based, not for profit, incorporated organisations to deliver training under the First Click and Second Click 2011 programs. Grants of up to $20,000 (excluding GST) are available to assist people in the community to learn basic computer and internet skills.

Documents are available from www.tenders.wa.gov.au. Further information can be obtained from Sarah Saunders on Ph: 9238 2573. Closing date:  Wednesday, 27 April 2011 at 11.00am (WST).

The Senate has handed down its final report into the role, effectiveness and processes of the Industry Skills Councils (ISCs). The report outlines 10 recommendations resulting from its inquiry. To view the report, click here.

FutureNow is a proud Major Sponsor of the forthcoming Young Australians Tourism Association (YATA) Conference, entitled 'A Day in the Life' to be held at the Burswood Entertainment complex on the 1^st of June 2011.  Aimed at young professionals and students in the tourism and hospitality industries, the conference will increase participant networks and will help them gain a greater understanding of a day in the life of a diverse group of key industry professionals.  FutureNow Project Manager Tourism & Hospitality has been invited to talk about career pathways, training and professional development at the event.  If you are under 35 years of age, or have a staff member or student who may benefit from attending this important conference engaging our industry leaders of the future, please contact YATA by emailing specialprojects@yata.com.au, or visit their website to register at www.yata.com.au

The Department of Training and Workforce Development's call for applications for the 2011 Vocational Education and Training in Schools Youth Attainment (YAT) program funding is closing at 4pm WST on Friday 1st April 2011. Eligible qualifications include: Certificate II in Telecommunications; Certificate II in Telecommunications Technology; Certificate II in Telecommunications Cabling; Certificate II in Hospitality (Kitchen Operations); and Certificate II in Tourism.

Click here to view the VET in Schools YAT Specifications.  Applications from registered training organisations may only be submitted electronically via RTONet.

In an historic week for vocational education and training, the National VET Regulator (NVR) Bill has been passed by both houses of Federal Parliament, allowing the new regulator to begin its establishment. All three Bills were passed which will allow the regulator to oversee VET in all states except Victoria and Western Australia.

Click here for further information.

The State Government has released the Western Australian Skilled Migration Strategy which outlines an integrated and targeted approach to address a future skills shortage by supplementing Western Australia's skilled workforce.

Click here to read more.

Talented Australian and international musicians are a part of a new digital and social media marketing initiative by Tourism Australia aimed at inspiring travellers around the world to holiday in Australia. Capitalising on Australia winning the right to host the second ever 2011 YouTube Symphony Orchestra, Tourism Australia has filmed four of the Orchestra members as they travelled with upcoming Australian musicians around Australia. Their travels to every State and Territory have been captured in a creative series of online videos for YouTube^TM called Making Tracks.  Click here for more.

Service Skills Australia, FutureNow's National Skills Council has released two new reports 'Benefits of Accurately Measuring Completion Rates of Trainees and Apprentices' and 'VET Course Completion Rates Better than Reported'.  Click here to view or download the reports.

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations is now calling for applications to develop Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) Resource and Strategic Projects. Applications close at 5pm AEDT, Friday 1 April.

Click here for further information.

FutureNow was recently invited by the WA Catholic Education Office to present to Vocational Education and Training (VET) Coordinators from Catholic Colleges in regional and metropolitan WA.  Futurenow Tourism and Hospitality Project Manager Michelle Sidebottom delivered the presentation that focused on how schools can access potential project grants, partnership opportunities, training and career resources, registered training organisation network updates and general assistance from training councils.  Workshop participants were also provided with a range of FutureNow creative and leisure industry resources and links to further information.  We look forward to working closely with Catholic Colleges to promote training and careers in our industry sectors in 2011 and beyond!

FutureNow, the Training Council for the creative and leisure industries in WA has announced the election of Barry Felstead, CEO of Burswood Entertainment Complex and Geoff Duncan, State Director of the ABC as Joint Chairmen of its Board.  Ken Norquay, General Manager Racing at Racing and Wagering WA has been elected Deputy Chairman.

Click here to read more.

High-level discussions with the Federal Government and a planned delegation to the United Kingdom form part of a broad State Government approach to address a future skills shortage, in light of research predicting that WA could face a shortage of up to 150,000 skilled workers by 2017. Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier will lead a delegation of industry and government representatives to the UK later this year to promote WA's attributes to potential skilled migrants.  

Click here to read more.

Draft qualifications and units have been developed and are now available for review here. To facilitate feedback, all respondents are asked to review the above document and make any amendments using the Track Changes feature before emailing the document to angelalmurray@bigpond.com

Once you have submitted the document in Track Changes, respondents are asked to complete the form below for each qualification they would like to provide comment on.

To complete the form click here. Feedback closes Friday 25th March 2011

The Australian Culinary Federation of Western Australian is proud to announce that the most successful hot kitchen team competition in Australia will again take place at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre 20-22 March 2011. This competition is now recognised as the Pacific Rims international hot kitchen competition, known as The Restaurant of Champions it will be the highlight of this culinary weekend. Teams representing Western Australia, Australia, Thailand, Hong Kong, New Zealand and the Philippines will compete in the event.  The last tickets to dine for lunch in the 'Restaurant of Champions' are selling fast.  Click here for more.

Western Australian tourism industry champion Ian Laurance AM was awarded Australia's highest tourism honours held on Friday 11th March at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards gala event at the Burswood Entertainment Complex before an audience of his peers from across Australia. Western Australia's Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat also took out top honours in the 'Unique Accommodation' category. Click here for more.

The WA business community is calling for unskilled migrants with limited English to be allowed into the country in order to close the gap on impending skills shortages.  The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA (CCIWA) today submitted its recommendations on Australia's population growth to the Federal Government's taskforce.  CCIWA estimates WA will need an additional 488,500 workers over the next decade in order to meet demand, but due to the state's population growth, there is expected to be a shortfall of 210,000 workers.  Click here for more.

The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, and the Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, have today launched the Discover Tourism careers portal, a gateway for information on working in Australia's tourism industry.  Discover Tourism - www.discovertourism.com.au - received $133,380 towards the cost of the project from the Australian Government's TQUAL Grants program. 

The project was organised by the National Tourism Alliance to tackle the shortage of skilled workers in the tens of thousands of Australian tourism and hospitality businesses.  The portal is a one-stop-shop for career pathways, training opportunities, qualifications required, lifestyle elements with real-life insights and job profiles as well as state and regional-specific content covering the many sectors of the industry.  Visit the Discover Tourism website at www.discovertourism.com.au

With just under one month to release date, Brighthouse (a Western Australian Tourism Consultancy) will release an exciting new iPhone application 'Find A Park' that will revolutionise the way road travellers find and interact with caravan parks in WA and across Australia.  Click here for more.

Minister for Resources and Energy; and Tourism, the Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP, addressed Tourism Council WA's Round Table Forum this morning, which was attended by its Gold, Silver and Industry members, including FutureNow CEO Mal Gammon, and two FutureNow Board Members. Speaking passionately the Federal Minister addressed tourism leaders about the headway his working groups are making, addressing such matters as training needs, workforce shortages, breaking down red-tape in order to streamline the approval processes for tourism development and new tourism product.

Click here to read more.

The February 2011 ABS labour force data released today shows that the Western Australian labour market continues to remain healthy despite monthly fluctuations experienced in a range of key employment indicators. Western Australia's unemployment rate declined in February to 4.2% from 4.6% a month ago and remained the lowest of all states for the last 12 months. Consequently, the rate continues to be well below the national average, which currently sits at 5.0%. The number of unemployed persons in the State decreased to 53,100 from 58,800 in January.

In the last month, Western Australia's employment decreased by 0.9% or 10,600 persons. This included a rise in full-time employment of 1,900 persons offset by a decline in part-time employment of 12,500. In the 12 months to February, Western Australia experienced employment growth of 1.4% or 17,200 persons.  Nationally, employment showed a decline of -0.1% for February and a growth of 2.7% over the year.

Western Australia's labour force participation rate decreased in February to 67.5% from 68.5% a month earlier. However, Western Australia continues to have the highest participation rate of all states, well above the national average of 65.7%. The monthly fall in the labour force participation rate in February could be explained by the declines in both employment and unemployment against the continued growth in the State's population.

The State's youth unemployment rate increased to 19.8% in February from 17.8% a month ago. Nationally, the rate fell from 25.1% to 23.9% in the same period.

New figures show overseas business travel has rebounded from the effects of the global financial crisis and is now leading the growth in Western Australia's inbound tourism numbers in 2010. Tourism is a $34 billion industry for Australia, it is our largest services export industry and a major employer in both metropolitan and regional Australia. Promoting this industry is a priority for the Australian Government and that's why we are investing in the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy which focuses on growing skills and investment, side by side with the global marketing work being undertaken by Tourism Australia to encourage more visitors from around the world. 

Click here for more.

Tourism Research Australia's International Visitor Survey shows visitor numbers increased five % in 2010 year-on-year. Visitor arrivals from Asia were up 11%, nights spent in Australia were up 13% and spend in Australia was up 11%. Visitor arrivals in the December Quarter 2010 from China (up 26%), Korea (up 22%) and India (up 17%) outline the continued dominance of growth from Asia.  Regional Australia had a mixed December quarter- Tropical North Queensland (up 7%), Flinders Ranges (up 24%) Ballarat (up 53%) and four of Western Australia's five regions experienced strong growth yet seven of Queensland's eleven regions saw declines. 

Click here for more.

Tourism WA has launched a new channel on the world's most popular video-sharing website - YouTube.  Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the Tourism WA YouTube channel was a perfect tool for sharing footage of Western Australia's extraordinary destinations and experiences which hopefully would inspire viewers to visit our State.  "These days, digital marketing is an essential component of any successful tourism campaign," Dr Hames said.  "The tourism industry, in particular, utilises digital marketing to raise awareness of our State as a holiday destination and in assisting consumers to research and plan their holidays."  Tourism WA's YouTube channel can be found at http://www.youtube.com/westernaustralia

Perth filmmaker Mike Searle, 24, will swap the local ABC TV studios in Perth for the Paramount Lot in Los Angeles, after being selected for an internship with a US studio.  Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said the six-month internship with internationally-recognised production company Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment was organised by ScreenWest and Screen Australia.  "The internship was highly competitive and I congratulate Mike on being selected for this invaluable opportunity," Mr Day said. 

Click here for more.

Service Skills Australia has released the 2011 Environmental Scans for the 'Tourism, Hospitality and Events' and 'Sport, Fitness, Outdoor & Community Recreation' industries and they are now available for download.  The environmental scans provide industry specific overviews of national trends and developments. They have been developed in partnership with industry and reflect the key issues identified by each sector. 

Click here to download.

The Minister for Training and Workforce Development Peter Collier has approved the Western Australian State Training Plan 2011-2013. The Plan is now available on the State Training Board's website by clicking here.

FutureNow is pleased to announce the new appointment of Paul Muenchow to the position of Project Manager - Creative Industries. Paul joins FutureNow with a wealth of VET experience, having been employed for the past five years with an RTO and GTO in the role of Training Consultant and Business Development Manager.

Some substantial changes have been made to the Tourism, Hospitality and Events SIT07 Training Package by our National Skills Council, Service Skills Australia with the inclusion of the new flexibility rules and imbedding of sustainability.  Training Curriculum Services - Department of Training and Workforce Development have released a new Implementation Guide to reflect the current version of the Training Package with amendments made to Hospitality (Kitchen Operations), Tourism, Tourism (Retail Travel Sales), Tourism (Tour Wholesaling) and Events qualifications. *Please note that SIT07 v2.3 is now available on NTIS.  To request a copy of the Implementation Guide, please contact Michelle Sidebottom at FutureNow on msidebottom@futurenow.org.au

In a boost for WA tourism, cruise ships transiting through Western Australian waters are now able to operate their on-board casinos, following agreement reached between the State Government and Burswood Casino.  Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron today announced the signing of a formal agreement with the operators of the Burswood Casino to lift the long-standing prohibition on cruise ships conducting casino gaming while in WA waters.  Click here for more.

The national Skills Council, Innovation & Business Skills Australia (IBSA) invites feedback on the completed Case for Endorsement for the CUA11 Live Performance Training Package prior to submission to the National Quality Council (NQC) for endorsement.  To access the Case for Endorsement document, click here.

To provide feedback, please email Rachael Davidson at rdavidson@futurenow.org.au or phone (08) 9285 8555 by Thursday 10 March 2011.

The Australian Standing Committee on Tourism (ASCOT) met on 15 February 2011. ASCOT comprises State Tourism Organisations (STO) CEO and government representatives and has responsibility for the implementation of the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy with the guidance of the Tourism Ministers' Council.  At the meeting, the members reviewed the progress of key projects underway.   Results from these projects will be presented to Tourism Ministers for consideration and decision at the next meeting of the TMC on 15 April 2011 in Darwin. Click here for more.

The Minister for Skills and Jobs, Senator Chris Evans has released A Shared responsibility - Apprenticeships for the 21st Century, an independent report on reform options for the national apprenticeships system.

Click here to view the report.

Service Skills Australia has recently released Purchase Assessment Strategy templates for popular units of competencies in the SIT07 Tourism, Hospitality and Events Training Package Version 2.2.

The Assessment Strategy templates address critical aspects of assessment and includes:

• Sample role-plays, scenarios, case studies and projects
• Observation checklists
• Assessor guidelines and checklists
• Competency achievement checklists

To find out more information, click here to visit the Service Skills Australia online shop.

The January 2011 ABS labour force data released today shows Western Australia experienced an increase in employment and the labour force participation rate. Since December 2010, Western Australia's employment increased by 0.3% or 3,200. This included a rise in male full-time employment, reaching a record number in the month. Over the year to January, Western Australia experienced employment growth of 3.1% or 37,000 persons. Nationally, employment showed a 0.2% growth on a monthly basis and 3.0% over the year.

Western Australia's labour force participation rate increased in January to 68.6% from 68.3% a month earlier. Western Australia currently has the highest participation rate of all states and is well above the national average of 65.9%.

Western Australia's unemployment rate increased in January 2011 to 4.6% from 4.4% in December 2010.  This month's result sees Western Australia as having a lower rate than all other states and well below the national average of 5.0%.  The number of unemployed persons in the State increased to 59,600.

The State's youth unemployment rate increased to 17.8% in January from 16.6% in December. Nationally, the rate rose from 22.8% a month ago to 25.1%. The numbers of unemployed teenagers looking for full time work in the State in January increased to 8,300 persons.

Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier has announced the opening of a new Aboriginal Workforce Development Centre in Geraldton. The centre will help boost long-term employment options for Aboriginal people and their prospective employers, and is one of four the State Government plans to open to improve co-ordination between Aboriginal jobseekers, employers, employment service providers and training providers.

Click here to read more.

FutureNow CEO Mal Gammon is a member of the 'Responsive Trade Training' Working Group developed by the State Training Board with the purpose of planning for a responsive and resilient training system and addressing skill requirements in a continually changing economic environment.  FutureNow has been involved in the initial research being undertaken by the Working Group including national and international benchmarking research of best-practice Apprenticeship initiatives.  Additionally a survey has been distributed to key hospitality industry stakeholders to gauge the level of acceptance by industry of tradespeople (Chefs) training in pathways other than traditional apprenticeships and the proposal of alternative models of training delivery.  FutureNow would like to thank all of our wonderful hospitality leaders for sharing their knowledge and participating in the survey.  Recommendations from the Working Group will be delivered to the State Training Board later in the year.

FutureNow Project Managers Michelle Sidebottom (Tourism, Hospitality & Events) and Rachael Davidson (Sport, Recreation, Racing & Entertainment) have been working closely with Peter Seaman and Bob Shanks at Clubs WA to develop a Vocational Education and Training Guide for Clubs WA Members.  The electronic publication provides information about hospitality, sport, recreation, racing, business and other topics vital to the operation of the Clubs sector including training, careers, apprenticeships and traineeships, key links, contacts and business development opportunities.  Thanks go out to Tania Fotheringhame of the Business Growth Centre for providing some useful information for the guide and Clubs WA for providing such a great source of information and workforce development resources for their members.

Felicia Mariani has commenced her new role as Managing Director of the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) - the national body representing Australia's $26 billon tourism export sector. Her arrival has been warmly welcomed by the ATEC Chairman John King who stated that appointment of the former Tourism Tasmania Chief Executive had been "enthusiastically received by members and the wider range of industry stakeholders. I think members overall are looking forward very positively to her tenure." 

Click here for more.

As recently reported by Australasian Leisure Management, international tourism recovered strongly in 2010 with a 7% increase in worldwide arrivals to 935 million compared to a 4% decline in 2009. Figures released by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer highlighted that the growing number of international tourist arrivals exceeded the pre-GFC peak of 913 million by 22 million.   

Click here for more...

FutureNow's National Skills Council, Service Skills Australia has released Version 2.3 of the SIT07 Tourism, Hospitality and Events Training Package and it is now live on the NTIS (National Training Information Service) website, with a release date of January 2011.  The upgraded version of the training package addresses flexibility and sustainability, and was submitted to NTIS using the Interim ISC Upgrade process.

The National Resource Library is a repository and a publisher of learning materials that support the VET industry in Australia. This initiative will provide VET practitioners with greater access to quality 'industry endorsed' materials in the one location.

Click here for more.

The Scoping Review of the Museums and Library/Information Services Training Package stage is now complete, with the National Project Reference Group (NPRG) endorsing the recommendations in the Scoping Review Report. The project is now entering the development phase which is expected to be completed by June 2011.

Click here for more.

In 2010, the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA), the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) and Service Skills Australia (SSA) hosted a National forum in Sydney on workforce development in the travel and tourism sectors. The forum brought together industry leaders and human capital managers together to discuss critical issues and responses to improving the skills and capabilities of the workforce.  FutureNow would like to gain a Western Australian perspective on the recommendations made during this forum and we invite you to participate in the following Questionnaire.

Please click on this link to participate: http://futurenow.org.au/surveys/questionnaire.php?TourismTravelWDQ2011  Survey responses will close on Monday 21st February 2011. 

FutureNow is seeking an experienced creative industry practitioner with an understanding of Vocational Education and Training (VET)  to join our team. Click on the documents below for further information:

• Position Description
• Selection Criteria

Applicants are asked to address the above selection criteria and forward their application, together with their CV to the address below by 12noon Monday 24th January 2011:

FutureNow - Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council
Attention: Michelle Sidebottom
WA Sports Lotteries House, PO Box 57, Claremont WA 6910

For further application information, contact Michelle Sidebottom on (08) 9285 8555 or 0419 904 691, or msidebottom@futurenow.org.au. The advertisement can be viewed on seek.com

The SIS10 Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package was endorsed by the NQC on 21 December 2010. Following on from this, a few minor editorial errors and re-numbering of volumes has been addressed. As a result the pre-NTIS release version of the SIS10 Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package is version 1.2 and will soon be available for purchase on CD-ROM through the Service Skills Australia website online shop.

SIT07 Tourism, Hospitality and Events Training Package Version 2.3 was submitted  by Services Skills Australia to the National Training Information Service (NTIS) on 30 November 2010 using the Interim Industry Skills Council (ISC) Upgrade process.  Version 2.3 of the training package includes:

• Updating the packaging rules for flexibility
• Incorporating environmental, economical and social sustainability requirements into units

Pre NTIS release versions of the training package are available on the Service Skills Australia website.  The Training Package Review has also commenced for Tourism. The Tourism Review is currently in the Project Scoping stage, which involves consolidating the key issues for the training package reform.  Progress updates about the Training Package Review will be provided through the Service Skills Australia website and monthly eNewsletter.  For more information contact Therese Ma at Service Skills Australia E: tma@serviceskills.com.au

Tourism Minister Kim Hames has announced two new members have been appointed to the Tourism WA Board of Commissioners. Neville Poelina - current chairman of the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Committee (WAITOC) and Jane McKeon - currently Virgin Blue Airlines' Group Executive Government Relations.  Dr Hames also announced the reappointment of current board member Alistair Donald for a further two-year term.

Click here for more.

The SIS10 Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package was endorsed by the NQC on 21 December 2010. Following on from this, a few minor editorial errors and re-numbering of volumes has been addressed. As a result the pre-NTIS release version of the SIS10 Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package is version 1.2 and will soon be available for purchase on CD-ROM through the Service Skills Australia website online shop.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell today announced Skywest would continue to operate regular air services between Perth and Albany and Perth and Esperance.  "Skywest's proposals were selected because it guaranteed reduced fares for Albany and Esperance residents and offered 18 direct return flights a week to each location...a good outcome for businesses, tourism operators and the Albany and Esperance communities."  The Minister said Skywest would also provide additional services via Busselton and Ravensthorpe. 

Click here for more.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell today announced the introduction of competition on the Perth to Exmouth air route, following a review of intrastate air services. Mr Buswell said QantasLink and Skywest had agreed to operate the route in competition with each other.

Click here for more.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell today announced that subject to the finalisation of a formal agreement between State Government and Skywest, twice weekly flights may soon be available between Perth and Busselton.  Skywest would operate the Busselton service as a stopover point on its flights to Albany. 

Click here for more.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell today advised that Air routes between Perth and Geraldton will be opened up to full competition, in a move which will see Geraldton become a significant regional hub for air services.  "The Kalbarri and Monkey Mia services will connect these two tourist towns directly with Perth and provide much greater flexibility for tourism in the region," he said. 

Click here for more.

The December 2010 ABS labour force data shows Western Australia experienced a decrease in the number of unemployed persons and the unemployment rate. Western Australia's unemployment rate decreased in December to 4.4% from 4.5% in November.  This month's result sees Western Australia as having a significantly lower rate than all other states and a rate well below the national average of 5.0%.  The number of unemployed persons in the State decreased by 1,300 to 56,600.

Western Australia's labour force participation rate decreased in December to 68.3% from 68.7% a month earlier.  Over the last seven months, the rate has remained above 68%. Along with Queensland, Western Australia has the highest participation rate of all states and is well above the national average of 65.8%.

The State's youth unemployment rate increased to 16.6% in December from 12.3% in November.  Nationally, the rate rose from 22.3% a month ago to 22.8%.  The numbers of unemployed teenagers looking for full time work in the State in December increased to 6,800 persons. 

Tourism Minister Kim Hames has announced that the State Government would provide $2.8million towards the cost of bringing one of the world's biggest tourism trade shows, the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), to Perth in June 2012.  "ATE is the world's third biggest tourism trade show and the biggest in the southern hemisphere," Dr Hames said. "It provides a tremendous platform for Australian tourism businesses such as airlines, tour companies and accommodation providers to promote their products to international buyers."

Click here for more.

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) has released a report into the impact of combining work and tertiary studies.  Results of the research showed that it is clear that combining study and work does have significant effects on completion and future employment prospects. Too much work negatively impacts on study completion, but on the other hand work experience does benefit future job prospects. The ideal combination would be modest hours of work in a job relevant to a future career-but this will be difficult to achieve for many students. 

To download the full report from the NCVER website, click here.

To meet the challenges of increased demand for skilled labour, the State Government has developed 'Skilling WA - A workforce development plan for Western Australia', a framework to build, attract and retain a skilled workforce and ensure that Western Australia has the capacity and capability for continued economic success.   This first edition of Skilling WA is a document that will be regularly reviewed and updated. It focuses on growing the workforce through increased participation, targeted skilled migration and attracting and retaining a skilled labour force in Western Australia's regions. 

To view or download a copy of Skilling WA click here.

Mobile is the way of the future and the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) has developed a range of iPhone Applications. These great applications are keeping up with technology expansion into smarter search and provide advanced features including tailored content for consumer's personalised experiences.  iPhone apps provide an excellent mechanism for tourism products to get exposure in these modern mobile channels.  The following iPhone Applications are publishing ATDW content and use ATDW iPhone technology: Australian Capital Tourism - Go Canberra; Tourism Queensland - Queensland; Tourism New South Wales - Sydney Australia; Tourism Northern Territory - iOutbackNT; and Tourism Australia - Oz Planner.  For more information on these apps and how to download them, visit ATDW's website and click on the iPhone image.

The State Government has approved funding to provide nearly 8,000 additional training places in 2011 to meet increased demand. Almost $25 million has been allocated, including about $2million for Aboriginal training places.

Click here to read more.

Version 2.3 of the SIT07 Training Package was submitted to the National Training Information Service (NTIS) earlier this month via the interim Industry Skills Council (ISC) Upgrade process. The Training Package was updated to incorporate the requirements of Flexibility and Sustainability Policies.  Planning is underway for a Training Package Review in 2011. The review will commence with an assessment of the tourism and travel components.  Consultation with industry in WA will commence in the new year via Service Skills Australia and FutureNow - Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council.  For more information contact Therese Ma at Service Skills Australia at t.ma@serviceskills.com.au or Michelle Sidebottom at FutureNow at msidebottom@futurenow.org.au

As recently reported in the Australasian Leisure Management Magazine, China is rapidly becoming one of Australia's most important source of international visitors.  Tourism Research Australia's International Visitor Survey (IVS) for the September Quarter 2010 shows that in the year to 30th September, China has surpassed all other countries in all the important indices other than per head visitation.  According to Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), the number of Australians travelling to Japan grew to 186,000 (up by 9.2% on the previous year) in October 2010. 

Click here for more.

Premier Colin Barnett has announced a new Cabinet for the Liberal-National Government. Changes include the Hon. Dr Kim Hames MLA taking on the portfolio of Tourism, and Hon. Peter Collier MLC adding Indigenous Affairs to his portfolio of responsibility.

For further details on the changes to the Ministry, click here.

Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier has today launched, 'Skilling WA - A workforce development plan for Western Australia', which details a package of targeted initiatives to address key areas. These include emerging skill gaps, responding to skilled migration demand and labour constraints, increasing labour force participation, and increasing the vocational skills of West Australians.

Click here for further details on the launch of the plan.

FutureNow in conjunction with the Electrical, Utilities and Public Administration Training Council hosted a NBN workforce forum on December 9 and was attended over 100 industry, training and government stakeholders. Leading guest speakers addressed those present on issues surrounding workforce development, and training and skill requirements needed for the workforce in preparation for the NBN rollout. Copies of the presentations from the forum are located below:

• NBN Workforce Forum
• David Auld - NBN Co. Ltd
• Daniela Mattheys - Department of Commerce
• Bob Taylor - EE-Oz Training Standards
• Franco Salaun - Innovation and Skills Australia

Click on the gallery link to view photos from the day.

Federal, State and Territory Ministers have made the historic decision to endorse the first ever Australian Curriculum at the Ministerial Council meeting in Canberra. Minister for School Education, Peter Garrett, said today's decision means the Australian Curriculum for K-10 English, mathematics, science and history will begin the next stage of implementation in 2011.

Click here to read more.

The Business Events (BE) industry is important for Australian tourism, with all BE visitor spending in Australia worth around $8 billion in 2009. Since the March quarter 2008, information on BE visitor travel have been collated from Tourism Research Australia (TRA) survey supplementary questions. This snapshot is the second BE report based on these surveys, featuring the industry's performance during the peak of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) in 2009, and in the January to June 2010 period when global economic recovery was under way.  Click here for more...

Travellers paying full price for services at their destination city could very well be a thing of the past thanks to a new internet phenomenon that's hit Australian shores - a daily deal offered in each city via online coupons.  Beginning in the USA, the online coupon industry has been dubbed as "the most successful internet concept since YouTube" and is estimated to be worth billions of dollars.  In Australia, hundreds of thousands of Australians have been paying as little as 10% for dining, accommodation, spa and beauty treatments, fitness and adventure sports in every major city. 'Jump On It' is one of the major players, and since it launched in April this year, it has sold tens of thousands of coupons and saved Australians more than $2 million. Click here for more...

International students considering studying, living and working in Australia can refer to a single, authoritative source of information.

The Study in Australia information portal contains comprehensive and up-to-date information on all aspects of living and studying in Australia, including accommodation, safety, employment rights and responsibilities, and student support services. Click here for more information.

Australia requires a larger and more capable Vocational Education and Training (VET) workforce, according to a draft report released by the Productivity Commission today.

The report is the first in a suite of three Commission studies covering the workforces of VET, Early Childhood Development and Schools.

Click here to access the report, and for further information.

Skills Australia recently hosted the inaugural MCTEE industry forum which provided an opportunity for the Commonwealth Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations, representatives of industry peak bodies, industry skills councils, employers and the Skills Australia Board to discuss the role of government and industry in driving Australia's productivity through the better use of skills.

To view presentations and the key points of discussion from the forum, click here.

The first edition of the State of the Industry report was released at the recent Tourism Directions Conference in Canberra.  The report gives a comprehensive overview of the Australian tourism industry.  Click here to download.

The latest Australian tourism Forecast has been released by the Australian Tourism Forecasting Committee.  Forecast 2010 Issue 2 was also released at the Tourism Directions Conference. The forecast publication includes domestic and international forecasts to 2020.  Click here to download.

For more of the latest national tourism reports via Tourism Research Australia, click here.

From 5 December 2010, offshore (in country) skills assessments will become available to applicants in a number of additional source countries and trade occupations. Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) have approved two Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), VETASSESS and Victoria University, to conduct skills assessments offshore. These providers are subject to the strict quality and regulatory provisions of the Australian Quality Training Framework. Service levels, quality and integrity of offshore services will be closely monitored by the TRA. TRA manages skills assessment services for people with trade skills who are Australian citizens, residents (both temporary and permanent) and potential migrants to Australia. 

Click here for further information.

The Western Australian Government has highlighted Perth's massive tourism potential at Asia's premier property investment conference.  A delegation from the Department of Planning, EPRA, Tourism WA, Western Australian Planning Commission and the City of Perth attended the recent MIPIM Asia Property Conference in Hong Kong.  The group, which includes WA Tourism Chair Kate Lamont and Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi, promoted Perth to 3,000 property investors, local authorities, retailers and hospitality professionals from more than 45 countries during the three days.  Click here for further details.

Skills Australia has hosted an Industry Forum which brought together Federal, State and Territory Education Ministers, along with key industry representatives to discuss policy issues and opportunities to do with better utilising skills in the workplace. The forum was held as part of the final Ministerial Council for Tertiary Education and Employment (MCTEE) meeting for 2010. MCTEE agreed to implement almost all of the proposals put forward as part of the strengthened Australian Quality Framework (AQF), and agreed that the changes will be implemented at the same time as the commencement of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

For further information on outcomes of the MCTEE meeting, click here.

The 2011 WorldSkills 'Skillaroos' team was announced at Australian Training Awards by the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations, Senator Chris Evans. The team consists of 30 of Australia's most skilled apprentices and trainees who will train for the next 10 months in preparation for the 41st WorldSkills International Competition in London in October 2011. The Skillaroos will be representing 27 different skill categories including restaurant service, fashion technology, car painting and landscape gardening.

Click here for further information.

FutureNow CEO Mal Gammon and Tourism and Hospitality Project Manager Michelle Sidebottom were among those present at the WA Tourism Awards gala function at the Burswood Entertainment Complex on Saturday 20 November to announce the 2010 winners. Special congratulations to Quinlan's Hospitality and Tourism Training Centre at Challenger Institute of Technology who took out the gold medal in the Tourism Education and Training category sponsored by FutureNow, as well as silver medalist Central Institute of Technology, and bronze medalist Home Valley Station.

For details on all winners from the night, click here.

Mal Gammon, FutureNow CEO attended the 2010 Australian Training Awards announced at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on Friday 19 November. The Australian Training Awards are the peak, national awards for vocational education and training, recognising innovation and excellence in the training sector; and are the culmination of the state and territory awards with winners from each state and territory competing in the national finals.

Click here to view the category winners.

Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, officially opened the first ever Australian Tourism Directions Conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday 15th November. The conference, hosted by Tourism Australia and the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, assessed the current position of Australian tourism, as well as future challenges and opportunities for the industry.

For the full story and downloadable documents from the conference, click here.

FutureNow would like to invite you to the National Broadband Network Workforce Forum 2010. The NBN Workforce Forum will host leading guest speakers and facilitate an open Questions & Answers Panel to discuss the national rollout and Western Australia's workforce requirements. The Forum will be held on Thursday 9 December from 8.45am to 12 noon in the Lecture Theatre at Challenge Stadium, Mt Claremont.

To register and for further information, click here.

Trade apprentices working in skill shortage occupations will receive additional tax exempt bonuses of up to $1700 from 1 January 2011. The bonus will support 200,000 trade apprentices as they reach milestones in their training. Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations, Chris Evans, said "This additional bonus brings to $5500 the total tax free Tools For Your Trade Payment provided to trade apprentices in skills shortage occupations." Funding is also being provided for a national mentoring program to encourage more apprentices to complete their training. Further information visit www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au

Applications are now open for the 2011 Productivity Places Program (PPP) for Job Seekers and Existing Workers; and the 2011 Traineeship Program. Documents are only available from the Tenders WA website, by clicking on the links below. Further information about the programs are also available on the below links:

• 2011 Productivity Places Program for Job Seekers and Existing Workers
• 2011 Traineeship Program

A leading economist has called for the building of a Dubai-style oasis in the middle of the desert to boost Australia's tourism potential. Access Economics director Professor Ian Harper, speaking at the Australian Tourism Directions Conference in Canberra on Monday 15th November, said Australia's share in the international tourist market is set to drop within three years if it doesnt urgently invest in new experiences and infrastructure, such as hotels and airports.  Click here for the full story.

Skills Australia is commencing a review of the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) to be used for general skilled migration purposes. As part of this review they are seeking stakeholder input and evidence to help inform the composition of the SOL.

Click here for further information, and to provide input.

Acting Prime Minister, Senator Chris Evans, has announced that Mr Keith Spence, the current Chair of the Western Australian State Training Board and member of the Skills Australia Board, will chair the Critical Skills Investment Fund (CSIF) Board. The CSIF will provide $200 million over four years for Australian Government co-funding for industry partnerships to undertake projects that provide training and employment opportunities in the resources, construction, renewable energy and infrastructure sectors and will focus on training Australians to meet the increased demand for skilled labour as the economy strengthens.

Click here to read more.

The Australian Hotels Association (WA) held the XXXX Summer Bright Lager Ball and the presentation of the 2010 AHA Aon Hotel Awards for Excellence at the Burswood Entertainment Complex on Monday 8th November. The prestigious event was attended by over 1100 guests where hotels, accommodation properties, employees, dining and entertainment venues that exemplify excellence within the hospitality industry were recognised for their service and contribution.  FutureNow project manager for tourism and hospitality Michelle Sidebottom participated in the judging of the employee categories in the Awards.   The Hospitality Industry Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Neil Randall.  Congratulations to FutureNow member Burswood Entertainment Complex for winning the following Awards: Responsible Service of Alcohol Award; Training Initiative Award; Conference and Banquet Award; and Sporting Entertainment Venue Award.  For the full list of Winners for 2010 click here or go to the AHA (WA) website at www.ahawa.asn.au

Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman has predicted a bright future for the Buy West, Eat Best brand at a breakfast function to celebrate the program's third anniversary.

Click here for further information.

AgriFood Skills Australia has commenced consultation for the 2011 Environmental Scan and is seeking input from stakeholders on a number of issues related to skills and workforce development within the agrifood industry. The Environmental Scan is an annual document published by AgriFood which serves as the 'early warning system' for Australia's tertiary system and governments on the industry's skill and workforce development needs.  

Interested stakeholders are invited to make a written submission, provide key reports or documents for consideration or simply submit an email. Submissions will be accepted via email at scan@agrifoodskills.net.au until 14 December 2010.

For further detail, please click the link to the flyer or visit the website.

Premier Colin Barnett has announced Lotterywest funding of $7million to assist with funding new community facilities for the City of Bayswater. This support from the State Government will allow the City of Bayswater to reallocate funding to purchase the Senses Building, which will become home to the WA Ballet Company.

Click here to read more.

Recently, Crown Limited (owners of Burswood Entertainment Complex, Perth and Crown Entertainment Complex, Melbourne), won the Diversity@Work Award in the category of Employment and Inclusion of Indigenous Australians - Large Employer at the recent Diversity@Work Employment and Inclusion Awards 2010 held at Peninsula, Melbourne on the 14th October.  The awards are a leading event promoting and showcasing the very best of diversity and inclusion in Australian workplaces.

This is fantastic recognition for both Burswood and Crown Melbourne's Aboriginal Employment Program.  Crown's management were so pleased to receive the Award that they have put out full page colour advertisements throughout November in the West Australian, The Age, The Financial Review, The Australian, Herald Sun, The Indigenous Times and The Koori Mail newspapers to acknowledge and thank all of their staff and partners in the program.   To view the full page ad click here.

FutureNow would particularly like to congratulate Burswood's Barry Felstead (CEO), Angela Edwards (GM of HR & Corporate Services), Christine Ross (Aboriginal Program Coordinator) and all the staff and partners involved in this great effort and sending a message to corporate Australia that there is enormous potential in Aboriginal people and that it requires a commitment from leaders and through real jobs and ongoing support to achieve these positive outcomes.

Apex Human Resources Consultancy, led by former Football West chief executive and current Cycling WA CEO Garry Chandler, was engaged by FutureNow, in conjunction with the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Western Australian Sports Federation, to undertake a major project focusing on the learning and workforce development requirements of the sports industry within Western Australia.

The final report is available for viewing by clicking here.

As recently reported by the WA Tourism Council, the increase in the strength of the Australian dollar and the poor state of the European economy already affecting tourist numbers into Western Australia from the United Kingdom and Europe, the recent increase by the UK Government in the long haul departure tax will further impact on declining tourist numbers.

Click here for more information.

To mark the 10th anniversary of the International Year of Volunteering (IYV+10), a celebratory afternoon tea will be held at Government House on Thank a Volunteer Day to launch IYV+10.

To celebrate this occasion, the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Department for Communities will be encouraging sport and active recreation organisations to nominate a volunteer to attend the event.

Click here for further information and the volunteer nomination form.

The Financial, Administrative and Professional Services Training Council (FAPSTC) are currently undertaking research to gauge the level of support for a proposed establishment of a traineeship in the area of Occupational Safety and Health. A Traineeship is a full or part-time employment based training program, usually conducted both on and off the job, although some can be completed entirely on the job. 

To assist FAPSTC in determining whether a traineeship in this area would be viable, a link to a short survey requesting feedback about this proposal is located below:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7MT9SBQ

The survey  should take less than 2 minutes to complete.

The Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) is seeking nominations for the 2011 Youth Sport and Recreation Committee (YSRC). The YSRC was established to provide young people who are passionate about sport and recreation and making a difference in their society, with the opportunity to influence changes, develop leadership skills and gain industry knowledge.

Click here for further information about the committee, and for nomination details.

Applications are now open for employers (or small business owners) to apply for Experience + Training grants of $4,950 (includes GST). Experience + Training allows businesses to retain valuable skills and experience in the workplace. It provides quality training (at the Certificate III level or above) for mature age workers (aged 55 years or over) so they can gain the skills to successfully mentor and supervise apprentices or trainees.

Click here for further information.

The Australian Training Awards are the peak, national awards for vocational education and training, recognising innovation and excellence in the training sector. Student and Organisational finalists have been announced and are available on the Australian Training Awards website. This year the Australian Training Awards will be held at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre, Homebush, on 19 November 2010.

For more information and to register to attend the awards, visit the Australian Training Awards website.

Applications are invited from Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to deliver training in Western Australia under the 2011 Access Program. Training delivery for all students funded under the 2011 Access Program must commence in 2011.  The Program will provide customised vocational training in 2011 for people within the general community who face barriers in their personal circumstances that prevent them from accessing mainstream training programs.

The program Specifications contain full eligibility requirements; it is a condition of funding that the program Specifications are read before lodging an application.  The 2011 Access Program Specification and a draft 2010 Funding Agreement is available on the Tenders WA website: www.tenders.wa.gov.au

RTOs are invited to attend a non-mandatory briefing for the 2011 Access Program, which will be held at Heath Department Auditorium, Royal Street, East Perth from 9am - 10am on Friday 5 November 2010.  Please email trainingmarkets@dtwd.wa.gov.au your nominees.

This Call for Applications closes at 12 Midnight (WST) Wednesday 24 November 2010.

The State Government will take on responsibility of the Curtin Vocational Training and Education Centre (VTEC) in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, in a step that will enhance training opportunities in the Goldfields. VTEC will be established as a separate institution within the Department of Training and Workforce Development on January 1, 2011, before it is developed into an autonomous State Training Provider.

Click here to read more.

The Gold Plate Awards facilitated by Catering Institute of Australia (WA) were held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Monday 25th of October. Over 1000 industry professionals and restauranteurs attended the 43rd WA Gold Plate Awards to celebrate the occasion. The 2010 Premiere's Award went to Red Cabbage of South Perth.  This award is presented to the establishment with the highest score from all Gold Plate Finalists over the judging process. Congratulations also go out to Quinlan's Restaurant - Challenger Institute of Technology for winning the 'Restaurant with a Training Establishment Award'.  For the full list of Winners for 2010 click here.

Applications for the 2011 Semester 1 Sport & Recreation Career Pathways Program Student Futures Package are now open. The program provides current students in Western Australia with networking and professional development opportunities to further enhance their ability to become a quality part of the workforce. The Student Futures Package is open to  students of any sport or recreation related course of at least a Certificate III level or higher. Applications close Friday 12 November 2010. Click the links below for further information or head to the Department of Sport and Recreation website.

• Program Overview
• Information Flyer
• Application Form

The Chairman of the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC), John King, says he is confident that the organisation is well positioned to face the challenges of coming years. King announced on Monday 25th October that Tasmanian tourism industry leader, Felicia Mariana, will take over as Managing Director of ATEC early in 2010. Click here for more....

His Majesty's Theatre in Perth provided the venue for today's launch of the Chamber of Arts and Culture WA. The Chamber is the first of its kind in Australia and was formed to provide a united voice to promote, advocate and represent the value of a vibrant and sustainable arts and cultural sector in WA and will be chaired by Rio Tinto boss Sam Walsh. Membership of the Chamber is open to arts organisations, individual artists and individuals and organisations that support the importance of arts and culture.

Click here to read more.

The FutureNow Board and Staff would like to thank all those who attended the FutureNow annual sundowner event at Burswood Entertainment Complex on Monday 25th October. The night provided an opportunity to reflect on a successful and productive past 12 months, to recognise the achievements of a number of up-and-coming young industry award winners and to network with representatives from the creative and leisure industries.

Photos of the night to come!

Travel agents have a deadline of November 15th to make claims against Qantas for unpaid fuel surcharge commissions on international tickets sold between 2004 to 2007.  Click here for more info...

Skills Australia have released a discussion paper on the future of the vocational education and training system. The paper outlines a number of issues for discussion to ensure an open, accountable and properly funded Australian VET training system that offers high levels of support to all students and trainees.

To view the discussion paper, click here.

This recently released publication presents a statistical overview of culture and the arts in Australia. The information is drawn from a variety of data sources, including Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data and non-ABS data, to provide a more complete picture of cultural industries.

Click here to view the publication.

Mal Gammon, CEO of FutureNow - Creative and Leisure industries Training Council recently celebrated 20 years of service in the Training Council arena.

Starting out with his 'very own desk' in an inner city building representing the WA Arts Industry Training Council in 1990, the organisation slowly grew and moved to new premises in Northbridge where Mal later lead the team of the WA Arts, Sport and Recreation Industry Training Council.  Moving to WA Sports Lotteries House in Mt Claremont in 2005 and evolving into FutureNow - Learning for Life it was there that Mal's reputation as an experienced CEO with well-established networks, the ability to lead a professional management team and a passion for the creative and leisure sectors, saw him substantially increase the organisation's portfolio to become FutureNow - Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council in 2009.

Today we see Mal moving and shaking across all of these industry sectors and working in partnership with other industry training councils and government departments to develop workforce development strategies, plans and projects to ensure Western Australia drives productivity and delivers a competitive edge for our industries now and looking forward.    

On behalf of the Board and your Team Mal, Thank You and Congratulations!

Tourism Council WA recently announced the finalists for the Western Australian Tourism Awards 2010 in simultaneous events held at Matilda Bay Restaurant in Perth and Leeuwin Estate in Margaret River. Over 29 categories reflecting the wonderful diversity of the tourism industry in Western Australia, 135 finalists were thrilled to hear that they had been recognised as showing excellence in their field and had made it to the finals.

FutureNow has sponsored the 'Tourism Education and Training' category for the past two years of the Awards and in 2010 is proud to congratulate this year's finalists:

• Central Institute of Technology
• Home Valley Station
• Hyatt Regency Perth
• Quinlan's Hospitality and Tourism Training Centre at Challenger Institute of Technology

FutureNow Tourism and Hospitality Project Manager Michelle Sidebottom, was a member of the judging panel for the Awards and was lucky enough to experience some fantastic travel adventures during site visits conducted in Exmouth earlier in the year.  A special congratulations on becoming finalists goes out to:

• Three Islands Whale Shark Dive
• Ningaloo Safari Tours
• Ningaloo Reef Dreaming

Other finalist special mentions include Matilda Bay Restaurant (Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services Category) and James Spurgeon and Stacey Miller (Sir David Brand Young Achiever Medal Category).

For the full list of WA Tourism Awards 2010 finalists visit the Tourism Council WA Website

Winners of the WA Tourism Awards will be announced at a Gala Dinner to be held at the Burswood Entertainment Complex on Saturday 20^th November.  State winners will then go on to compete in the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards which will be held in Perth in March 2011.  Best of luck to all involved!

The Telecommunications Industry Teacher Information Day on October 15 was the result of a collaborative partnership between FutureNow and the Western Australian Department of Education's School Pathways Program. The telecommunications information day highlighted the importance of linking industry skills shortages to secondary school career pathways programs which focus on pathways and transitions to further education, training and employment.

Click here to read more.

The Department of Training and Workforce Development has now released its Strategic Plan 2010-2013. The plan is currently presented as a draft for consultation and is available for viewing and download from the Department's website.

The September 2010 ABS labour force data released today indicates that Western Australia has the lowest headline unemployment rate and youth unemployment rate of all states. Western Australia's unemployment rate increased in September to 4.6% from 4.5% recorded in August.  Nationally, the unemployment rate remained constant at 5.1%.  The number of persons unemployed in the State increased by 700 to 58,600.

Employment increased in the State during September by 2,500 persons to 1,225,300.  This was as a result of an increase of 5,700 persons employed part time (mainly driven by females) being offset by a decline of 3,300 in full time employment.  However, male full time employment in September 2010 stands at a record high of 592,700.  Over the year to September 2010, Western Australia experienced employment growth of 4.9% or 57,000 persons. Nationally, employment has grown by 3.3% during the same period.

Western Australia's labour force participation rate remained constant in September at 68.7% but is higher than year ago by 0.4 percentage points.  Western Australia continues to have the highest participation rate of all states and is well above the national average of 65.6%.

The State's youth unemployment rate increased to 15.8% in September from 11.8% in August.   Nationally, the rate declined from 23.4% a month ago to 20.7% currently.  The numbers of unemployed teenagers looking for full time work in the State in September increased to 5,600 persons.

Welcome to Ian Smith who has recently been appointed to the Board of FutureNow. Ian is the current Western Australian State President of the Printing Industries Association, and General Manager of of GEON WA.

FutureNow Project Manager for Tourism and Hospitality, Michelle Sidebottom recently attended an event to celebrate a new partnership between Challenger Institute of Technology and one of Australia's largest hotel groups 'Mirvac' who are set to generate a hospitality and tourism workforce for the growing Peel region.

Challenger Managing Director Liz Harris said the public-private partnership with Mirvac Group would improve existing skill levels in the Peel region through a new state-of-the-art training facility at Challenger's Peel campus and hospitality and tourism training scholarships.

"The Mirvac-sponsored training facility at Challenger Institute will provide students with the opportunity to train using the latest industry equipment," Ms Harris said.  "Mirvac Group and other local hospitality and tourism establishments will also use the facility for their in-house training purposes."

Challenger and Mirvac also presented hospitality and tourism training scholarships to a group of deserving students. The 12-month, $1,500 scholarships included the study areas of commercial cookery, food and beverage services, tourism, house-keeping and accommodation services.

Students will have the opportunity to complete a work-readiness skills program using the new Mirvac Hospitality Room, as well as participate in supervised work placements at Mirvac Hotels and Resorts properties and other hospitality and tourism enterprises across the Peel region.

Ms Harris said the Mirvac Hospitality Room would benefit Challenger's students, as well as the hospitality industry in Peel and the region's community by increasing the number of hospitality workers in the area and boosting their skill levels through specialised training in a simulated work environment.

The SIS10 Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package is currently undergoing a quality check which includes editorial, equity and holistic review. On completion of the quality check it is expected the Training Package will be:

1. Sent to the State Training Authorities in late October 2010
2. Submitted to the National Quality Council (NQC) for endorsement in November 2010. (during the period of NQC consideration the Case for Endorsement will be available on this webpage).  
3. Published on the national database www.ntis.gov.au approximately 3 weeks after endorsement
4. Available as individual qualifications and units on SSA's feedback register to inform continuous improvement from December 2010. 

Service Skills Australia is planning to run implementation workshops nationally in February and March 2011.

For further information, click here.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced the new appointments to the Gillard Government. Under the restructure, Senator Chris Evans takes on the portfolio as Minister for Jobs, Skills and Workplace Relations. The Ministry will continue to have a sharp focus on job creation and improving skills and education.

To view all the new ministerial positions, click here.

The August 2010 ABS labour force data released today revealed significant declines in the youth unemployment rate for Western Australia.  However, the headline unemployment rate increased slightly during the month while employment decreased marginally by 300 persons. Western Australia's unemployment rate increased in August to 4.5% from 4.4% recorded in July.  Nationally, the unemployment rate declined to 5.1% from 5.3%.  The number of unemployed people in the State increased by 1,100 to 57,600 persons. 

Employment declined marginally in the State during August by 300 persons to 1,223,100.  This was a result of an increase of 8,600 persons employed full-time being offset by a decline of 8,900 in part-time employment.    Over the year to August 2010, Western Australia experienced employment growth of 4.0% or 47,300 persons.  Nationally, employment has grown by 3.2% during the same period.   

Western Australia's labour force participation rate decreased slightly in August to 68.7% from 68.8% a month ago but is higher than year ago by 0.1 percentage points.  Despite this monthly decline, Western Australia continues to have the highest participation rate of all states and is well above the national average of 65.4%.

The youth unemployment rate declined significantly to 11.8% in August from 17.9% in July.  Nationally, the rate rose from 22.8% a month ago to 23.4% currently.  The numbers of unemployed teenagers looking for full-time work in the State in July declined to 4,000 persons.

A proposal is currently being developed by FutureNow for the Nominal Term for School-based Traineeship pathways linked to the SIT20207 Certificate II in Hospitality and SIT20307 Certificate II in Hospitality (Kitchen Operations) qualifications to be increased from 14 to 18 months to allow for greater completion and competency rates, and to provide industry with more skilled labour to alleviate critical skill shortages. 

The School-based Traineeships include:
SIT20207 Hospitality (Operations) (Level 2) School-based Traineeship
SIT20307 Hospitality (Catering Operations) (Level 2) School-based Traineeship
SIT20307 Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) (Level 2) School-based Traineeship
SIT20307 Hospitality (Patisserie) (Level 2) School-based Traineeship

*Note: There is no intention to propose a Variation of the Nominal Term for mainstream Hospitality Traineeships linked to the above mentioned qualifications - the Nominal Term at 14 months part time is deemed appropriate for mainstream Traineeship arrangements.

FutureNow invites you to participate in this 2 minute survey to provide input for our submission to the WA Office of the State Training Board by clicking here.

FutureNow recently participated in the Skills West Expo, held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre 3-5 September 2010. The Skills West Expo targeted the promotion of training and employment for occupations in demand and high-growth industries in Western Australia and was presented by the State Government and the West Australian Newspaper.

Opened by The Hon. Peter Collier MLC, Minister for Training and Workforce Development; and Energy who announced that "The Expo will showcase these occupations, while providing a direct link for those people looking to make a career change through training and education."

The FutureNow stand proved to be very popular and staff were inundated with genuine enquiries and requests for more information throughout the weekend.  The promotion of careers and career pathways in the creative and leisure industries as authentic, realistic and exciting opportunities (with a focus on industries experiencing extreme skill shortages) was a key objective of FutureNow's involvement in the Expo.

Highlights of the Expo included talks given by 2009 WA Training Awards Winner, Apprentice Chef - Daniel Lowe during a session facilitated by Hospitality Group Training and Australian Hotels Association (WA) CEO and FutureNow Board Member Bradley Woods.  Daniel spoke of his transition from school-based training to full time employment as an apprentice chef, his passion for cooking and the future of the hospitality industry.  Bradley talked about the incredible career opportunities available in the hospitality and tourism industries in WA and the importance of training for a skilled workforce.

The winners of the 2010 WA Training Awards have been announced at a presentation dinner hosted by Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier. The awards reward the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees and vocational students and the contribution of training providers and employers. FutureNow congratulates all finalists and winners.

Click here to view the Minister's press release and details of each of the category winners.

Service Skills Australia have published Getting on Track for Change, a workforce development strategy for the sport and recreation industry. Outlined within the strategy are a number of issues that will need to be addressed in order to ensure that the sport and recreation workforce is adequately prepared to meet the challenges set for it by Australia and its governments.  

Click here to view the Getting on Track for Change publication.

The Australian Flexible Learning Framework Funding is moving from a calendar year to financial year funding for 2010/11. In 2011, $2.65 million will be available nationally, with $283,150 of funds to be offered in Western Australia.

Applications are now open for Registered Training Organisations.

Click here for further information.

In response to requests from industry, FutureNow recently submitted a proposal to the WA Department of Training and Workforce Development for the establishment of Pre-Apprenticeship programs for Commercial Cookery and Patisserie in Western Australia (leading to a Certificate II in Hospitality (Kitchen Operations) qualification).  Pre-Apprenticeships already exist in sectors such as the automotive, building & construction, food processing, light manufacturing, metals, manufacturing & mining, and electrotechnology industries.

In response to an urgent call for industry feedback (of which FutureNow received an overwhelming 100% support from industry employers) to meet the tight timeline required to submit the proposal, FutureNow is proud to announce that we have been successful in the establishment of two hospitality Pre-Apprenticeships in Western Australia:

• Mainstream Pre-Apprenticeship - Commercial Cookery & Patisserie
• School Apprenticeship Link (SAL) Kickstart Pre-Apprenticeship - Commercial Cookery & Patisserie *Program to be managed by Group Training Organisations

Due to severe skill shortages in the areas of commercial cookery and patisserie/pastry cooking and competition from other industry trades, the inclusion of these hospitality Pre-Apprenticeships to WA's offering of Pre-Apprenticeship programs may encourage more people to try a trade in commercial cookery or patisserie before committing to a long term apprenticeship, and may provide a better pathway for employers to access and develop our skilled workforce of the future.  For more information regarding the School Apprenticeship Link Kickstart Initiative, click here.

Thank you very much to everyone who provided their valuable feedback regarding this very important industry development.  For more information, please contact FutureNow Project Manager Tourism and Hospitality - Michelle Sidebottom on P: 0419 904 691 or E: msidebottom@futurenow.org.au

Creative Industries Project Manager, Rhyl MacFarlane visited Albany this week and presented to Great Southern Insitute of Technology. Rhyl provided a Training Council update, providing information on:

• Creative and Leisure Industries Workforce Development Plan
• Career Flyers and Promotion
• Membership
• Social Media and eNews subscription
• WACE
• Projects and partnerships
• Training package updates

The visit provided the opportunity for great feedback to FutureNow with projects planned in the Arts and Cultural sectors in the Great Southern region.

FutureNow Project Manager for Tourism and Hospitality, Michelle Sidebottom recently attended the wrap up for Hospitality Group Training's Hospitality Youth Skills Showcase 2010 with a presentation to all members of the highly successful Kitchen Brigade that created and delivered a spectacular Mediterranean menu on the night. 

FutureNow - Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council was a proud sponsor of the Showcase this year.  All FutureNow staff thoroughly enjoyed the event held at the Hyatt Regency Perth and were very impressed by the formidable skills of over 100 of Western Australia's hottest young apprentice chefs and hospitality trainees.

 Congratulations to Hospitality Group Training and all involved in the event. 

FutureNow will be exhibiting at the upcoming Skills West Expo from September 3 - 5 at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre. The Skills West Expo is a free event with the aim of highlighting career and training opportunities in skills shortage areas across Western Australia. We invite you to come and visit the FutureNow staff at booth F4 to find out more about careers and training opportunities in the creative and leisure industries.

For further information about the Skills West Expo, click here.

FutureNow Project Manager Tourism and Hospitality, Michelle Sidebottom recently attended the EVE Forum (Enhancing Visitor  Experiences) held at Sandalford Estate, presented by the Visitor Centre Association of WA and Business Growth Centre.  Attendees at the EVE Forum included tourism industry operators, visitor centre personnel and local government representatives who were treated to an exciting array of guest speakers that inspired participants during the one day event while providing a range of valuable information.

More EVE Forums will be held from August 2010 to March 2011 in Regional areas across WA (next Forum is in Geraldton on Wednesday the 22^nd of September).  If you would like to participate, please visit the WA Visitor Centre Association website. For more information about how you can develop your small business, contact the Business Growth Centre.

Rhyl MacFarlane - Project Manager Creative Industries attended a Women in IT networking function hosted by the Australian Computer Society WA Branch. The guest speaker, Stephanie Bateman-Graham spoke about effective communication in the IT sector, with her presentation "Communication Risks". The networking functions allow women from different sectors of IT to come together and discuss their industry, network and listen to guest speakers and is a great opportunity to meet and talk directly with industry representatives.

ACSWA Women are conducting a survey for women in ICT - to complete the survey, click here.

Tourism Australia is hosting destination branding workshops in the South West to help the local tourism industry contribute to Australia's National Landscapes program. The region has been nominated to join the program, and to be successful, the region's stakeholders need to work together. National Landscapes is an initiative of Tourism Australia and Parks Australia, identifying and promoting 15 of Australia's exceptional natural and cultural experiences to international markets. Workshops will be held from August 6 to 13 in Esperance, Hopetoun, Albany, Denmark, Walpole, Manjimup and Margaret River.

For more information, click here.

The final draft qualification outlines for the new SIS10 Sport, Fitness and Recreation training package are now available for viewing on the Service Skills Australia website. It is anticipated the new training package should be endorsed by early October 2010.  Implementation workshops are currently being planned to rollout in October and November this year.

For any enquiries regarding the current training package review process, please contact Karen Beattie at Service Skills Australia at kbeattie@serviceskills.com.au or on (02) 8243 1200.

FutureNow invites feedback and recommendations from industry, RTO's and interested stakeholders on the latest draft versions of the Creative and Leisure Industries Workforce Development Plan. Click on the links below for the full document and industry-specific documents:

Feedback is invited until Friday 20 August 2010.

For further information, contact FutureNow on (08) 9285 8555 or email info@futurenow.org.au

FutureNow congratulates the following finalists in the 2010 WA Training Awards representing the creative and leisure industries:

• Cameron Wetton, Commercial Cookery - West Coast Institute of Training, employer Joondalup Resort Hotel (Apprentice of the Year)

• Angela Vitalich, Graphic Design - Central Institute of Technology (Vocational Student of the Year)

• Rowan Southwell, Commercial Cookery - West Coast Institute of Training, employer Hospitality Group Training, host employer Leap Frogs (School-based Apprentice of the Year)

• Deborah Bonar, Visual Arts and Contemporary Crafts - Kidogo Art Institute (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year)

• Kaila Riley, Sports Coaching - West Coast Institute of Training (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year)

• Eugene Winmar, Tourism - Challenger Institute of Technology (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year)

The winners will be announced at the 2010 WA Training Awards presentation dinner on the 27th August.

Bradley Woods CEO/Executive Director of the Australian Hotels Association (WA) and FutureNow Board Member has been appointed by the AHA National Office body to represent the industry on the Service Skills Australia Tourism and Hospitality Industry Advisory Committee. 

The proposal submitted by FutureNow for the variation of the Certificate III in Hospitality traineeship has been approved by the Minister for Training and Workforce Development.

Support has been granted to vary the nominal period of the following qualifications from 18 months to 24 months:

• Certificate III in Hospitality - (Operations) (SIT30707)
• Certificate III in Hospitality - (Accommodation Services) (SIT30707)
• Certificate III in Hospitality - (Food and Beverage) (SIT30707)
• Certificate III in Hospitality - (Gaming) (SIT30707)

Support Part-time arrangements for the Certificate III in Hospitality - (Gaming) (SIT30707)

For further information, contact Michelle Sidebottom - Project Manager Tourism and Hospitality on (08) 9285 8555 or email msidebottom@futurenow.org.au

The June 2010 ABS labour force data released today shows Western Australia experienced a fourth consecutive decline in the unemployment rate and made solid gains in employment, driven by a substantial increase in part time positions.

Western Australia's unemployment rate declined to 4.0% in June 2010, from 4.1% in May. This month's result sees Western Australia as having a significantly lower rate than all other states and a rate well below the national average of 5.1%.  The number of unemployed people in the State decreased by 500 to 50,200 persons. 

On a monthly basis, Western Australia's employment increased by 1.8% or 21,600 persons.  This was as a result of an increase of 2,800 full time and 18,800 part time positions. Over the year, employment increased by 55,800 persons or 4.8%.  Nationally, employment showed a 0.4% growth on a monthly basis and 3.3% on an annual basis.

Western Australia's labour force participation rate increased in June to 68.8% from 67.8% a month ago and is in line with a year ago.  Western Australia has the highest participation rate and is well above the national average of 65.2%.

The youth unemployment rate increased to 18.3% in June from 16.0% in May.  A year ago it was slightly lower at 18.2%.  This month's Western Australian youth rate remained well below the national average of 25.1%.  The numbers of unemployed teenagers looking for full-time work in the State in June increased by 1,000 to 7,100 persons.

The Gillard Government has announced details of the review of the Government's investment in the Indigenous broadcasting and media sector.

Click here to read the media release.

Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier has announced a new State priority occupation list to assist Western Australia plan and prepare for industry skill needs.

 Click here for further details.

In 2009, the Council of Australian Government (COAG) endorsed reforms to the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF). The aim of these reforms was to strengthen the existing framework and to offer better protection to the students undertaking Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia.

The revised AQTF came into effect on 1 July 2010. Copies of the revised AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Registration can be downloaded here.

For further information, click here. 

The National Quality Council has given its endorsement to the ACM10 Animal Care and Management Training Package. It is anticipated that the new units of competency, skill sets, qualifications or training package will be made 'live' on the National Register (NTIS) after 43 days. The new ACM10 training package includes the addition of the Farriery qualification.

Click here to read more.

Applications are now open for the 2011 Fulbright Professional Scholarship in Vocational Education and Training sponsored by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. Valued at up to A$30,000 this Scholarship supports 3 - 4 months of professional development or research in the United States. The Scholarship period may be started any time between 1 July 2011 and 30 June 2012. This Scholarship is for an Australian citizen who works in the vocational education and training sector, or is a training leader in business and industry.

Click here for further details.

The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, has announced that Simon Crean is the new Minister for Education, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, and Minister for Social Inclusion. Minister Crean has been Trade Minister since December 2007 and was former Leader of the Opposition from November 2001 to December 2003 and Shadow Treasurer from December 2003 to October 2004. He also served as Minister for Employment, Education and Training between 1993 and 1996.

The Hon Julia Gillard has provided the keynote address to a Breakfast Forum hosted by the John Curtin Institute of Public Policy at the Hyatt Regency in Perth. Ms Gillard outlined in her address the Government's approach to increasing Australia’s productivity by investing in it's people.

Click here to read the full address.

The May 2010 ABS labour force data shows Western Australia had a significant decline in the unemployment rate and made solid gains in employment, recording the highest employment level since records began at 1.19 million. Western Australia's unemployment rate declined to 4.1% in May 2010, from 4.6% in April.  This month's result sees Western Australia as having a significantly lower rate than all other states and a rate well below the national average of 5.2%.  The number of unemployed people in the State decreased by 6,600 to 50,900 persons. 

On a monthly basis Western Australia's employment increased by 1.1% or 12,400 persons.  This was a result of an increase of 8,100 full time and 4,300 part time positions. Over the year, employment increased by 20,700 persons or 1.8%.  Nationally, employment showed a 0.2% growth on a monthly basis and 2.6% on an annual basis.

Western Australia's labour force participation rate increased slightly in May to 67.7% from 67.5% a month ago and this compares to 69.5% a year ago.  Western Australia has the second highest participation rate, marginally behind Queensland at 67.8%, and well above the national average of 65.1%.

The youth unemployment rate decreased to 16.0% in May from 23.0% in April.  A year ago it was 16.3%.  This month's Western Australian youth rate remained well below the national average of 25.1%.  The numbers of unemployed teenagers looking for full-time work in the State in May decreased by 3,800 to 6,100 persons.

The Ministerial Council for Tertiary Education and Employment (MCTEE) recently met at the Central Institute of Technology. At this meeting, Ministers committed to a range of resolutions aimed at strengthening tertiary education in Australia, improving education and employment outcomes for all Australians and continuing to address necessary improvements to arrangements for International Education and Students.

Read more

James Spurgeon, visitor services officer with the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), will represent Western Australia in the Young Regional Tourism Achiever Award in Victoria in August. The Awards are held as part of the Australian Regional Tourism Convention (ARTC) which recognises excellence in regional tourism.

Click here to read more.

Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier today released a strategy that will open the door to new opportunities for Aboriginal jobseekers.

Key recommendations include:

• connecting employers and Aboriginal jobseekers to meet WA's growing work opportunities
• engaging local knowledge and capacity - recognising a one size fits all approach does not work
• improving the transition of Aboriginal people through quality mentoring and other support
• developing a strategic response to individual and institutional barriers to Aboriginal participation in the workforce
• raising awareness of Aboriginal employment opportunities and promoting Aboriginal role models.

Click here to view the Aboriginal Workforce Development Strategy.

The full Ministerial Media release is available here.

The Skills West Expo will provide Western Australia's industry organisations, employers and educational bodies the opportunity to showcase to the state's future and current workforce, careers, jobs and training in critical occupations/skills shortage areas.This skills-focused event is free to all visitors and will be held at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th September 2010. FutureNow will be participating in the expo as an exhibitor, and encourages industry organisations within the creative and leisure industries to be involved. Further information is available below:

• Skills West Expo Overview
• Exhibitor Information 

FutureNow - Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council is currently compiling research and information for State Workforce Development Planning for the creative and leisure industries in Western Australia.  This information will be submitted to the WA Department of Training and Workforce Development to make recommendations to State Government into the future skills needs of our industries, and the relevant funding and training programs required to ensure these needs are met in the immediate, medium and long term.

Working documents outlining some of the barriers to employment and training in the creative and leisure (click on the links below) will give you an idea of some of the issues that have already been raised at this stage as well as identified skills shortage areas at a state and national level.  FutureNow would welcome any feedback from industry operators so we can work to develop strategies  and solutions for industry issues and to ensure we are giving industry the best chance to address skills needs with the support of the State Government. Provide your feedback by contact FutureNow on (08) 9285 8555 or info@futurenow.org.au

• Tourism, Hospitality and Events
• Sport, Recreation and Racing
• Creative Industries

Chief Executive Officer, Mal Gammon presented the Hospitality Education and Training Provider Award - Metropolitan & Regional (sponsored by FutureNow - Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council) at the recent Synergy WA Hospitality Suppliers Awards held at Burswood Entertainment Complex. The Awards were coordinated by the Australian Hotels Association (WA) and recognised outstanding suppliers, promotions and products provided to the West Australian hospitality industry.  The Metropolitan & Regional Hospitality Education and Training Provider Award was won by Hospitality Group Training (WA) Inc and presented to General Manager Iain McDougall.

FutureNow Project Manager Tourism and Hospitality , Michelle Sidebottom provided key hospitality industry operators and decision makers with valuable information stationed at the FutureNow booth at the Hospitality Expo 2010.  Information was shared regarding the benefits of training in business, apprenticeships and traineeships, flexible training options and incentives available to the hospitality industry across the State.  Hospitality Expo is WA's leading annual liquor and hospitality conference and expo and attracts over 3000 delegates annually. The event is coordinated by the Australian Hotels Association (WA) and is renowned for showcasing premium hospitality products and services and providing delegates with new ideas and key business contacts.

FutureNow would like to congratulate the following Western Australian Worldskills VETis National Competition participants:

• Food & Beverage Service Competition - Emma Fedele of Hamilton Senior High School, Bronze Medal
• Commercial Cookery Competition - Sarah Cotter of Eastern Goldfields College, participation 

Due to the success of the initial Apprentice Kickstart program, an extension has been granted until November 2010 for employers who put on a new young apprentice in a skills shortage trade.

By accessing the Apprentice Kickstart Extension, employers will receive $3350 in bonus payments in addition to the existing $1500 commencement incentive if they engage and retain young (aged 19 and under) traditional trade apprentices in a skill shortage area. The existing $1500 commencement incentive payable at the three month point will be boosted by a bonus of $850 plus $2500 paid after nine months.

For further information, click here. 

FutureNow representatives attended Hospitality Youth Skills Showcase 2010 on Sunday 23rd May entitled 'A Mediterranean Mosaic' where over 500 guests were treated to a culinary journey from Greece to Egypt, Morocco to Italy, Spain, Turkey and more...  A kitchen brigade featuring twenty one of Western Australia's brightest young hospitality apprentices and trainees planned and created a sumptuous dinner and table service was provided by eighty eight enthusiastic hospitality students.   A full line up of fabulous entertainment flowed throughout the evening emceed by Christina Morrissy and an Honour Roll of hospitality award winners followed by a parade of all apprentices, trainees and students involved was the highlight of the evening.  Congratulations to Iain McDougall and Jennifer Fox from Hospitality Group Training for once again coordinating a spectacular evening at the Hyatt Regency Perth.

The Liberal-National Government will strengthen its focus on creating a skilled workforce and addressing emerging labour requirements with the announcement of the 2010-2011 State Budget. There has been $19.4million allocated over two years (2009-10 and 2010-11), allowing the State Government to provide an additional 7,600 training places in industry priority areas, including apprenticeships and traineeships. These additional places, combined with the National Partnership Agreement on Productivity Places Program, will set training levels to 156,000,  in 2011, an increase of 22,000 places on 2008 figures.

 Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier said this would help address the emerging need for more skilled workers to meet industry demand. "The increased training will assist industry development in Western Australia by providing additional skilled labour, in line with State Workforce Development priorities," Mr Collier said.

Allocated funds of $3million over 2010-11 and 2011-12 would provide a range of incentives for employers to take on apprentices and higher skilled trainees.

Click here to read more.

FutureNow participated in the WA Training Forum at Burswood Entertainment Complex on May 10 & 11 as an exhibitor and workshop presenter. FutureNow presented a workshop: Training 4 our FutureNow: Engaging With a New Generation Training Council, and co-presented with Service Skills Australia on the direction of workforce development within the Tourism, Hospitality and Events industries at a national and state level. The forum also provided the valuable opportunity of networking with a wide range of VET practitioners.

Copies of the PowerPoint presentations delivered at the workshops are available for viewing below:

• Workshop: Training 4 our FutureNow: Engaging With a New Generation Training Council
• Workshop: FutureNow and Service Skills Australia

The Training Council in WA responsible for Financial, Administrative & Professional Services is looking into the Establishment of a Traineeship for the Certificate IV in Frontline Management qualification.

If you believe the establishment of this Traineeship would benefit your business and/or industry, please advise your support by responding to FutureNow by Wednesday 26^th May 2010 on (08) 9285 8555 or via info@futurenow.org.au

Service Skills Australia (SSA), the industry skills council for the sport, fitness and recreation sectors welcomes the release of the Australian Government's strategy Australian Sport: The Pathway to Success. Launched by the Minister for Sport The Hon Kate Ellis MP, the strategy is backed by $195.2 million in new funding - the biggest funding injection to sport in Australia's history. Australian Sport: The Pathway to Success delivers on the Australian Government's commitment to boost funding to both community and elite sport and delivers significant investment to better connect grassroots participation and high performance sport.

"The strategy presents the opportunity to increase participation in sport and therefore contribute to the broader productivity and participation targets set by the Council of Australian Governments" Service Skills CEO, Jeanette Allen said.

The strategy also acknowledges the crucial role of volunteers, and also the importance of supporting skill development, including recognising and rewarding skills, to achieve the participation goals.The strategy complements a number of projects already being undertaken by SSA including:

• The development of best practice models for volunteer skills recognition
• Research to forecast the skill requirements for the sport and recreation industry over the next five years
• Revision of the industry's qualifications framework
• The Sport and Recreation Workforce Development Strategy which highlights the critical role that appropriately skilled leaders, both paid and unpaid, have in the industry

"SSA looks forward to working with the sporting industry to ensure the nation's education and training system provides the workers, volunteers and participants with the skills required to support the reform" Ms Allen said.

FutureNow is seeking industry feedback on a number of Creative Industries qualifications to determine if certain apprenticeships and traineeships should remain established in Western Australia. The responses gathered from the surveys will be collated by FutureNow and sent to the Department of Training and Workforce Development.

Each survey contains 9 questions in total and will take an estimated 5 - 10 minutes to complete. Survey responses will close at 5pm Monday 24^th May 2010.

Click on the relevant survey below to provide your feedback.

• Telecommunications Industry
• Music Industry
• Printing and Graphic Arts Industry
• Screen and Media Industry
• Live Performance and Events Industry
• Museums and Libraries Industry

For further information, contact Rhyl MacFarlane - Project Manager Creative Industries on (08) 9285 8555 or rmacfarlane@futurenow.org.au

FutureNow attended the Careers, Education and Employment Expo as an exhibitor at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 13 - 16. This expo enabled the FutureNow staff to promote VET training and career pathways available within the creative and leisure industries. The expo also provided the opportunity to showcase the latest FutureNow-developed careers flyers. These flyers can be accessed via the links below, or downloaded from the FutureNow website in the resources, projects and links page.

The April 2010 ABS labour force data shows a notable decrease in the unemployment rate in Western Australia.Western Australia's unemployment rate declined to 4.7% in April 2010, from 5.0% in March.  This month's result sees Western Australia as having a significantly lower rate than all other states and a rate well below the national at 5.4%.  The number of unemployed people in the State decreased by 3,900 to 58,300 persons. 

 Employment decreased during April by 0.4% or 4,800 persons.  This was a result of a decline of 11,000 part time positions, which was partly off set by an increase of 6,300 full time positions. Over the year, employment increased by 13,800 persons or 1.2%.  Nationally, employment showed a 0.3% growth on a monthly basis and 2.2% on an annual basis.

Western Australia's labour force participation rate fell slightly in April to 67.5% from 68.2% a month ago and this compares to 68.9% a year ago.  Both Western Australia and Queensland have the highest participation rate this month, well above the national average of 65.2%.

The youth unemployment rate increased to 23.0% in April from 19.9% in March.  A year ago it was 16.0%.  This month's Western Australian youth rate remained well below the national average of 24.2%.  The numbers of unemployed teenagers looking for full-time work in the State in April increased by 1,900 to 9,900 persons.

The Honourable Wayne Swan MP, Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia has released the 2010 - 2011 Commonwealth Budget. A key initiative of the Budget is the investment in skills for sustainable development, with $660 million to be spent over four years on training, apprenticeships and adult literacy and numeracy to ensure Australia has the skills it needs to support a growing economy.

The four-year skills package will deliver:

• up to 39,000 additional training places in sectors facing high skills demands through a $200 million investment in a new Critical Skills Investment fund;
• support for around 22,500 new apprenticeship commencements through an $79.4 million extension of the successful Apprentice Kickstart aimed at small to medium businesses;
• an offer to the States and Territories to provide a guaranteed entitlement to a training place for all Australians under the age of 25 years to ensure young people have every opportunity gain a qualification;
• Numeracy, literacy and language courses for up to 140,000 Australians to improve their quality of life, career prospects and productivity; and
• Better training for the 1.7 million Australians studying in the vocational training system.

To view the Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth component, click here.

For a direct link to the full 2010 - 2011 Commonwealth Budget, click here.

The Department of Training and Workforce Development is preparing a strategic plan which will apply from August 2010 until 30 June 2013.

A Reform Agenda has been developed and endorsed by the Department and will guide the work of the Department until the new strategic plan is finalised. The reform priorities, key objectives and strategies outlined in the Reform Agenda will form the basis for consultation during the development of the new strategic plan.

Input to the goals, strategies and measures for consideration during the development of the new plan are invited and welcome.  Please email Brenda Micale, A/Director, Policy, Planning and Research.

The Department of Training and Workforce Development  has released five Workforce Development Briefing Papers which highlight the key issues affecting the supply and demand of labour in Western Australia.  The issues have been consolidated into the key themes of:

• Western Australia's Changing Workforce;
• Attracting and Retaining a Skilled Workforce;
• Challenges to Workforce Participation;
• Training, Skills Formation and Productivity; and
• Workforce Development Planning and Coordination.

The Briefing Papers are available here.

The Department is also seeking written submissions to the Briefing Papers, which can be provided via the website or forwarded to the State Workforce Planning branch (swp@trainingwa.wa.gov.au).

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Australia and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA are working with the State Government to develop a WA Skilled Migration Strategy. As part of the consultation process CCI has established an online survey for interested businesses and staff members to fill in.

The WA Skilled Migration Strategy will:

• assess the role of the current migration system in meeting WA's workforce needs, including the implications of existing policies and practices; 
• assess the role temporary and permanent skilled migration plays in meeting such skill needs;
• identify barriers to WA being a destination of choice for skilled and business migrants;
• consider international students, business migration, interstate migration, a regional perspective, and the impact on social and hard infrastructure; and
• develop a policy framework that clearly outlines the role of migration, both interstate and international, to meet WA's future workforce needs.

The online survey is now available for completion during the period of 3 May - 14 May 2010. To complete the online survey please use the following link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WA_Skilled_Migration_Strategy_Survey

Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier was today confirmed as national chair of the new Workforce Development, Supply and Demand Principal  Committee. The principal committee forms part of the new governance structure for the Ministerial Council on Tertiary Education and Employment. "Workforce development is a key focus of the State Government as Western Australia embarks on a new era of sustained growth that is leading the national economic recovery," Mr Collier said."I am delighted to accept the role of chair for the new principal committee. Australia is on the verge of an exciting period of sustained economic growth and there will be a strong need for skilled workers in a range of industries.

Further outcomes of the Ministerial Council meeting are available from the council's website

Click here to read more.   

The State Government has given a $1.5 million boost to ten events across Western Australia. Tourism Minister Liz Constable announced the ten successful funding applicants and outlined the important role events play in growing tourism and  the need to attract diverse events that strike a balance between culture and sport to our state.

For further information on the ten funded events, click here.

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has agreed to introduce a range of measures to improve the safety and wellbeing of international students. The measures will be implemented as part of COAG's International Students Strategy for Australia (ISSA).

For further details, click here.

The inaugural Tourism Council WA Conference 2010 entitled 'You're the Voice' was held a the Burswood Entertainment Complex 18th - 20th April.  FutureNow participated in the event that provided a unique opportunity to bring the WA tourism industry together to voice its views on issues affecting the industry in this State and throughout Australia.  Guest speakers included Paul King - Seashells Hospitality Group, Kate Lamont - Tourism WA, John Anderson - Contiki Holidays, Barry Felstead - Burswood Limited, Andrew McEvoy - Tourism Australia, Darren Capewell - Wula Guda Nyinda Aboriginal Cultural Tours, John Spence - Karma Royal Group, Stephen Scourfield - West Australian, John Moriarty - Tourism Industry Consultant, Ian Simmonds - Levart, Stephanie Buckland - Tourism WA, Michael Malone - iiNet and Darren "The Gun" Flanagan. 

The conference concluded with a function at Parliament House where industry was able to meet and chat to politicians and demonstrate to Government how passionate we are of the tourism industry and that Tourism is a key economic driver for Western Australia, generating more than 80,000 jobs and injecting more than $7 billion into the State's economy.

Apex Human Resources Consultancy, led by former Football West chief executive Garry Chandler, has been engaged by FutureNow, in conjunction with the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Western Australian Sports Federation, to undertake a major project focusing on the learning and workforce development requirements of the sports industry within Western Australia. All State Sporting Associations will be emailed a copy of the project brief and survey to receive feedback with regards to the learning and workforce development needs within the industry and their organisation. This information will support future decision making, strategy development and related investment within the sports industry in Western Australia.

To complete the survey online, please click on the following link: State Sporting Associations Survey

For a hard copy of the survey, please contact Rachael Davidson at rdavidson@futurenow.org.au

Australian Government Gets Behind Kimberley Tourism: The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP and the Minister for Environment Protection, Peter Garrett AM MP, today announced the Kimberley region will be included in Tourism Australia's National Landscapes Program and will feature prominently within Australia's future international tourism marketing.

Indigenous Rangers Hold Key To Sustainable Tourism In The Kimberley: The Minister for Tourism, the Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP, spoke with rangers at the Kimberley Ranger Forum at Home Valley Station in Kununurra, Western Australia. 'These jobs are building on the synergies between tourism and the protection and promotion of both the natural environment and Indigenous culture and heritage,' Minister Ferguson said.

For the full Ministerial Media Releases, click here.

The revised Printing and Graphic Arts Training Package - ICP10 was endorsed on 5 April 2010 and will be available on the National Training Information Service website www.ntis.gov.au/ as well as on the IBSA website www.ibsa.org.au shortly.

The Training Package includes a range of new digital printing competencies a Certificate II in Printing and Graphic Arts (Digital Printing) and a Certificate III in Printing and Graphic Arts (Digital Printing).  Digital printing competencies have also been included as electives in the Certificate III in Printing and Graphic Arts (Printing).

IBSA will be running information sessions for industry and Professional Development workshops for Registered Training Organisations in the near future. To register you interest in attending either of these programs, please contact the IBSA Events Team on: 03 9815 7000 or events@ibsa.org.au  

If you would like further information about the competencies or qualifications please contact Eddie Hardman on eddie@ibsa.org.au, or Ali Wilson on ali@ibsa.org.au

The ICT10 Integrated Telecommunications Training Package  is now endorsed. It will be available shortly on the IBSA Review & Feedback Register and NTIS. There have been numerous changes to the ICT10 Training Package to bring it to the forefront with industry requirements.

With the Federal Government driving the agenda with a number of initiatives including the National Broadband Network (NBN), Digital Education Revolution (DER) and sustainability practices to reduce carbon emissions and greenhouse effects on the environment there has been major work to refresh this Training Package to meet the needs of the Australian industry and the community. The emerging technologies coupled with convergence of many industry sectors has been the reason for the traditional name change of this Training Package.

For further details, including Training Package documents, click here.

The Department of Training and Workforce Development website has now been launched.  To visit the website please follow the link :http://www.dtwd.wa.gov.au/dtwd/detcms/portal/

In addition to and distinct from functioning as a web-based information system the website will also be used as a communication tool for all stakeholders to facilitate the ongoing workforce development consultation process. Feedback is welcomed on the new website and any other workforce development issues via the feedback form on the website Feedback

Reflecting the broader responsibility of the Department of Training and Workforce Development for both training and workforce development, the website now details:

• Western Australian Workforce Profiles with historical data on Population, Economy, Labour Market, Training, Industry, Regions and Indigenous.
• Background on the Plan, key workforce development areas to be addressed and current information on phase 2 of the Plan.
• Workforce development related initiatives currently being progressed.

The second phase of the Plan's development will see a series of workforce development briefing papers released in the coming weeks. These papers will address the key themes below and form the basis of the industry, community and government information exchange sessions to be held in May 2010.

• West Australian Workforce and Migration
• Attraction and Retention
• Workforce Participation
• Training and Productivity
• Planning and Coordination
• Indigenous Workforce

To register your interest in these information exchange sessions please do so online via the Registration of Interest Form on the Department of Training and Workforce Development website Registration of Interest Form

If you have any further queries please contact the State Workforce Planning Branch on (08) 9238 2673.

The State Government will join forces with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Australia (CCIWA) and Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) to develop the WA Skilled Migration Strategy, a key component of the Liberal-National Government's co-ordinated Workforce Development Plan, to ensure additional labour requirements are met.

The WA Skilled Migration Strategy will address the following key areas:

• assessing the role of the current migration approach in meeting WA's workforce needs, including assessing the implications of existing policy and practices
• specifying the role temporary and permanent skilled migration plays in meeting such skill needs
• identifying barriers to WA being a destination of choice for skilled and business migrants
• developing a policy framework that clearly outlines the role of migration, both interstate and international, to meet WA's future workforce needs
• considering international students, business migration, interstate migration, a regional perspective, and the impact on social and hard infrastructure.

The opportunity for industry to contribute to the development of the strategy and policy framework for State migration matters is invited. If you would like to provide any feedback on these issues, please email FutureNow via info@futurenow.org.au or phone (08) 9285 8555.

FutureNow - Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council is pleased to announce an exciting new Apprenticeship for the hospitality industry in Western Australia with the establishment of the Patissier Apprenticeship.

The Patissier Apprenticeship Certificate III in Hospitality (Patisserie) qualification provides apprentices with specialist skills in the preparation and production of petit fours, iced desserts, couverture (Belgian chocolate) sugar work, hot and cold desserts, pastry work, buffet and marzipan to name a few.

Click here for further details.

FutureNow welcomes Rhyl MacFarlane to the team as the new Project Manager for the Creative Industries. Rhyl has worked within the training sector for over 12 years as the Coordinator for Graphic Design and Media at Great Southern TAFE. Rhyl holds qualifications in Visual Art and Design, has studied Dance and Dance Teaching and is currently completing the Diploma of Training and Assessment. Previously Rhyl operated her own graphic design, print brokering and web development business, DesignPrintWeb Pty Ltd with her husband and continues to freelance as a designer.

Rhyl will be taking over from Zoe Nicholson who is finishing at FutureNow on Friday 9 April to return to university for further study. We wish Zoe all the best in her future endeavours.

The WA Tourism Awards which are hosted by Tourism Council WA (TCWA) are in their 38^th year. The Awards celebrate and acknowledge tourism businesses and employees that have demonstrated outstanding achievement and success throughout the year and are recognised as the most prestigious Awards in the tourism industry.

The WA Tourism Awards are held annually and are a submission based competition. The Awards Gala Dinner Saturday 20^th November 2010 will provide the opportunity to publicly recognise and exhibit the State's finest tourism operators.

FutureNow is the proud sponsor of this year's Tourism Education and Training Award Category and in partnership with Tourism Council WA encourages businesses and training organisations participating in hospitality/tourism education and training across Western Australia to consider entering the Awards as essentially they are the backbone of the future of the tourism industry and should be showcased for their efforts. 

Additionally if you know of a 'Young Achiever' in the tourism industry that you would like see recognised for their efforts, nominate them for the Sir David Brand Young Achiever Medal for consistent contribution to tourism by a person under the age of 30.

For more information about the WA Tourism Awards 2010 and a full list of Award categories, visit the website at: www.watourismawards.com.au

Visit the FutureNow - Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council stand at the forthcoming Careers, Education & Employment Expo - Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre - 13 to 16 May 2010.

The event will showcase a broad range of quality options for people planning their future or considering a change in career path.  The Expo's primary objectives are to demystify career and training options for students and adults and deliver employment opportunities for those seeking a first job or a new job.  School registrations to date have been significant with nearly 5,000 students already pre-registered.

The FutureNow stand will offer a wide range of career, training and apprenticeship / traineeship information as well as specialist advice from industry project managers across the creative and leisure industries.

For more information, visit the Expo website. We hope to see you there!

Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, the Hon Julia Gillard recently spoke at a breakfast meeting held at the Burswood Entertainment Complex. Ms Gillard outlined the Governments plan to continue to work with industry and the state and territory governments to make sure that the apprentice and training systems are responding to real change in economic demand and are investing more in skills development to take advantage of future opportunities. Announced was an allocation of $40 million directly to fund training for nearly 11,000 extra existing workers in more than 2,350 enterprises across all states and territories. A further $10 million will fund a second round of applications. 65 percent of the places will be at Certificate IV and above, meaning high-level trade skills.

Click here to read the Media Release

The State Training Board has appointed Nexus Strategic Solutions to investigate the interface between the ApprentiCentre and Australian Apprenticeship Centres (AACs) to improve support services to apprentices and trainees in Western Australia.

The specific aim of the project is to develop an appropriate model for Apprenticeship Support Services in Western Australia, to replace the current model, from September 2011 and which will reduce duplication and streamline services within existing Commonwealth contractual arrangements.

In Western Australia, there are currently five AAC service providers in four regions of the state: two respectively in the Central and South Eastern, and Southern regions; one in the Northern region and four in the metropolitan region. The role of the AAC is to assist employers, apprentices and training providers throughout the duration of the apprenticeship, to administer incentive payments to employers, and to market and promote apprenticeships in their local area. Support services are also provided by the ApprentiCentre and there are recognised areas of overlap.

The project will develop a comprehensive proposal on the best model for the delivery of Australian apprenticeship support services in Western Australia to reduce duplication and streamline services.

Have your say on what you think should be done by responding to the e-survey here.

Closing date for survey responses is 31 March 2010.

Tourism Minister, Liz Constable has announced the appointment of FutureNow Chairman Mr John Welborn to the board of Tourism WA. As a passionate supporter of workforce development - a key area of importance for tourism, John will bring his experience in corporate finance and company administration to the board.

Click here to read the Ministerial Media Statement.

FutureNow has submitted to the Department of Training and Workforce Development a draft Environmental Scan incorporating an overview of the Tourism, Hospitality and Events; Sport, Recreation and Racing; and Creative Industries, as well as identification of industry critical occupations. The Environmental Scan is the first stage in the development of a state-wide workforce development plan.

Feedback and consultation from industry on the draft Environmental Scan will be invited - further information on how you can be part of this process will be forwarded shortly.

With very positive long term growth potential for the Western Australian economy, labour and skill shortages represent a significant challenge. To address this issue, the Western Australian Government and The West Australian have joined forces to provide a free public event to showcase industry areas and occupations that are in demand by Western Australia employers. This event - Skills West Expo - will promote occupations, encourage study, training, employment and career change opportunities that are key to the State's future success.  The Expo will be held from 3 - 5 September 2010 at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre.

For futher details, click here.

Skills Australia have released Australian Workforce Futures - A National Workforce Development Strategy. The vision of the strategy is to ensure that Australia has the workforce capability it requires for a productive, sustainable and inclusive future, and that Australian enterprises have the capacity to develop and use the skills of their workforce to maximum advantage for the benefit of industry and the community. Critical to the vision will be the objectives of sustaining economic growth, avoiding future skills shortages and raising productivity by increasing and deepening the skills of Australia's workforce.

To view the document, click here.

Applications are now open for the WA Training Awards 2010. The WA Training Awards recognise and reward outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees and vocational students, and the contribution to training made by trainers, training organisations and employers.

In 2010 there are twelve categories in the WA Training Awards; five student categories, one trainer category and six organisational categories.

Winners at the WA Training Awards may be eligible to represent the State at the Australian Training Awards in Sydney on 19 November 2010.

Applications close 14 May 2010. For further details, visit the WA Training Awards 2010 website.

The working title for this new Training Package project has been broadened to encompass both dance performance and the technical support required for performing arts. A discussion paper has been developed based on national consultation and feedback is being sought through an interactive online discussion forum and face-to-face meetings with stakeholders.

For further details please click here.

The Integrated Telecommunications Training Package is currently with the State and Territory Authorities prior to submission to the NQC. It has been updated, enhanced and refreshed to reflect current industry requirements and ensure that it remains technically relevant for future innovations and emerging skill needs. Changes include units of competency, qualifications, skill sets and a school-based program.

Follow the link for more details. 

The Printing and Graphic Arts Training Package project objective is to selectively add qualifications and units of competency in digital printing to overcome a gap and to re-align the qualifications, revise the current assessment guidelines and create pathways within the Printing Training Package. It is currently with the State and Territory Authorities prior to submission to the NQC for endorsement.

Click here for more details.

The report on Lean Skills across all the IBSA Training Packages is now available on the IBSA website. Lean has been successfully implemented in manufacturing industries for the last 25 years, but only recently have organisations begun using Lean office as a business operating philosophy and key productivity factor, to streamline and eliminate waste from administrative processes, improve quality and achieve bottom line savings. For more information please contact Maria Deak.

The report can be found here.

IBSA's environment scan (Escan) gathers annual industry advice on the skills and workforce development needs of businesses in IBSA's six industry sectors. Following validation by the Sector Advisory Committees and approval by the IBSA Board, Escan 2010 was submitted to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations at the end of February. Escan 2010 is a detailed, evidence-driven report, which presents qualitative and quantitative analysis of skills in demand data and information.

Escan 2010 identified:

• skills and workforce development priorities for IBSA's six industry sectors
• priorities for Training Package continuous improvement activities, and
• apparent and emerging skills issues at the sector and cross sectoral levels.

The Escan 2010 overview and sector specific reports are available by clicking here.

The final report incorporating recommendations and a project action plan for the development of a revised Information and Communications Technology (ICA) Training Package is now available on the IBSA website.

The Digital Game Development (Game Art, Animation and Programming) report is also available on the website and its recommendations will be incorporated into the development of the ICA Training Package. Click here to view.

Diploma of Fitness units of competency have been modified based on feedback received from the Diploma of Fitness Focus Group, and draft 2.3 of these units are now available for review.

To view the draft Diploma of Fitness units, and for information about submitting feedback, follow the link to the Service Skills Australia website.

Feedback on the content of these units closes on Friday 15 March 2010.

Service Skills Australia, the Industry Skills Council for the service industries has released its 2010 Environmental Scan. The scan is developed to provide an industry specific overview of trends and developments in the service industries, including the sport and recreation; and hospitality, tourism and events sectors. Follow the links below to view the scan documents:

• 2010 Environmental Scan (full document)
• 2010 Sport and Recreation Scan
• 2010 Tourism, Hospitality and Events Scan

By the end of 2010, and for the first time, there will be national qualifications for Visual Artists and Ceramicists at professional practice level.

Proposed new Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications will become the basis for visual arts and ceramics training in TAFE, private colleges, and some higher education institutions in Australia. These programs provide key skills development for practitioners as well as pathways into university courses. Innovation and Business Skills Australia (IBSA), the national industry skills council for the cultural industries, is responsible for this work. IBSA wants to hear the views of practitioners, industry organisations and educators about the new qualifications.

At the same time, IBSA is also updating art, craft and design qualifications at lower levels. Those qualifications affect the delivery of preparatory training programs, including vocational programs in schools.

FutureNow encourages you to share your opinions and experiences. Click here to find more information and details of consultation sessions in your area during March.

By the end of 2010, and for the first time, there will be national qualifications for Graphic Design at professional practice level.

Proposed new Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications will become the basis for Graphic Design training in TAFE, private colleges, and some higher education institutions in Australia. These programs provide key skills development for designers as well as pathways into university courses. Innovation and Business Skills Australia (IBSA), the national industry skills council for the cultural industries, is responsible for this work. IBSA wants to hear the views of working Graphic Designers, industry organisations and educators about the new qualifications.

FutureNow encourages you to share your opinions and experiences. Click here to find more information and details of consultation sessions in your area during March.

The following training packages have been updated in the last three months. Click on the links below for more information on the new version.

The Museum, Library/Information Services (CUL04) Training Package-version 2.1

Screen and Media Training Package (CUF07)-version 1.1

Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier today announced a team of young Western Australians who will represent the State on the national skills stage. FutureNow congratulates the team of more than 50 members from metropolitan and regional areas of WA who will compete in the national WorldSkills competition in Brisbane in May.

Students representing the Creative and Leisure Industries are:

• Joanne Cauilan of Henley Brook, Printing & Graphic Arts
• Cassandra Ball of Sawyers Valley, Printing & Graphic Arts
• Nathan Wood of Warnbro, Information Technology VET in Schools
• Ryan McAlinden of Wembley, Cookery
• Wei Wei Chuah of Leeming, Cookery
• Emma Fedele of Spearwood, Food and Beverage VET in Schools
• Sarah Cotter of Kalgoorlie, Commercial Cookery VET in Schools
• Natalee Hibbins of Armadale, Jewellery
• Nicholas Mattiaccio of Busselton, Jewellery

Eligible medallists from the competition will then have the chance to represent Australia at the 2011 International WorldSkills competition in London.

The January 2010 ABS labour force data released today shows an increase in employment and a slight decrease in unemployment in Western Australia.

Western Australia's unemployment rate decreased in January to 5.0% from 5.1% in December.  This month's result sees WA as having the second lowest rate of all states (South Australia being the lowest at 4.4%) and significantly below the national rate of 5.3%, which decreased slightly by 0.2 percentage points.  The number of unemployed people in the State decreased by 1,400 to 61,700 persons.

Employment increased during January by 0.1% or 1,500 persons.  This included a rise of 1,600 full-time positions offset by a decrease of 100 part-time.  Over the year, employment increased by 12,240 persons or 1.1%.  Nationally, employment increased by 0.5% on a monthly basis and 1.7% on an annual basis.

Western Australia's labour force participation rate decreased in January to 68.2% from 68.4% a month ago and compares to 68.5% a year ago.  This month's result remains the highest rate of all states and well above the national average of 65.3%.

The youth unemployment rate increased to 18.9% in January from 17.9% in December.  A year ago it was approximately 9.2%.  This month's WA youth rate remained well below the national average of 25.2%.  The number of unemployed teenagers looking for full-time work in WA in January increased to 7,800 persons.

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, has announced a number of changes to the general skilled migration program including:

• removal of the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL)
• a new skilled occupation list from mid-2010 as determined by independent authority Skills Australia

• setting a maximum number of offshore General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa applications made before 1 September 2007 that could be granted.

For the full media release, click here. For further information about the changes to the skilled migration program, click here.

FutureNow, the Western Australian Training Council for the creative and leisure industries seeks an experienced creative industry practitioner with an understanding of Vocational Education and Training (VET)  to take a lead role in brokering the provision of best practice training and workforce development solutions for the creative industries. For further details, follow the link to the Seek advertisement.

FutureNow - Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council is hosting free workshops to ensure that WA artists, designers, practitioners, educators and training organisations can have their say into proposed new national qualifications.

Visual Arts, Crafts and Ceramics

Workshop to be held on Thursday 11th March from 9.00 - 11.30am. Click below for further details:

• Visual Arts, Crafts and Ceramics Invitation
• Project Information

Design/Graphic Design

Workshop to be held on Thursday 11th March from 1.30 - 4.00pm. Click below for further details:

• Design/Graphic Design Invitation
• Project Information

To RSVP to either of the above workshops, please contact Zoe Nicholson, Project Manager - Creative Industries at znicholson@futurenow.org.au or phone (08) 9285 8555 by COB Monday 8th March.

Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier has announced a new target of 47,100 apprentices and trainees in training by 2012, an increase of 26 per cent over three years. Mr Collier said this represented an additional 10,000 workers on the last peak, which was reached in 2008. The new apprenticeship and traineeship targets have been based on wide consultation with industry to reflect its future skills need.

Click here to read more.

Premier Colin Barnett and Tourism Minister Liz Constable have launched Western Australia's new tourism brand - Experience Extraordinary - which will promote the hundreds of extraordinary destinations and experiences across the State. The new brand will highlight the many extraordinary experiences and destinations unique to Western Australia. It is expected that the tourism promotion will also reflect positively on, and increase interest in tourism training.

Funding to implement e-learning

There are a number of funding opportunities available to Registered Training Organisations in 2010, through the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, for projects which implement e-learning in your organisation.   

For information on all funding opportunities through the Framework, click here. 

For information specifically on E-learning Innovations Project funding in Western Australia, visit the flexible learning website at www.flexiblelearning.net.au/wa

E-learning Professional Development - Free

There are a number of Professional Development events planned for 2010, commencing Monday 8 February at 1.00pm WST, with a look at the virtual conferencing product, "Eluminate - Getting Started". The "Learn @ Lunch" online series starts again on 15 February and there are also face-to-face sessions available for Term 1.  

For further information on both funding opportunities and e-learning PD, go to the WestOne website.

An increasing number of students are opting to study at publicly-funded training colleges this year, with a 17 per cent rise in the number of offers to students. Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier has revealed 12,903 students received first-round offers to study in semester one, compared with 10,985 last year and 9,870 in 2008. The most popular courses include Mining and Engineering; Building and Construction; Business and Management; Computing and Information Technology; Community Services, Health and Education; and Arts and Entertainment.

Click here to read the Media Statement.

Minimum Hours for Part-time Apprenticeships and Traineeships - Survey Questionnaire

The WA Department of Training and Workforce Development has requested feedback regarding all Training Councils’ position on the possibility of reducing the minimum part-time hours to 15 hours for industries within their coverage.

The minimum hours of employment and training for apprentices and trainees (including any off the job training component) has always been 20 hours per week in Western Australia, despite lower minimums in some other states and territories. More recently, part-time arrangements for the traditional trades were introduced in 2007 with a minimum of 20 hours.

The Department is now testing support for a reduction to 15 hours but in an effort to keep the training system simple and easy for employers to understand, there should be a uniform minimum part-time employment and training hour requirement across the State for all apprenticeships and traineeships. Training Council feedback in this matter will assist the Department in formulating a position on this policy for the Minister's consideration.

If you would like to participate in this important survey that may affect your business in the future, please click on the following link:

http://futurenow.org.au/surveys/questionnaire.php?MinHrsPTAppsJan10

Workforce development will build, attract and retain a skilled workforce to meet the economic needs of Western Australia.

In December, FutureNow CEO Mal Gammon and Project Manager Michelle Sidebottom attended briefing sessions to provide their input into the scope of the WA Workforce Development Plan. This plan will assist the Government and the Department of Training and Workforce Development to guide workforce development policy and training in line with the needs of the economy.

The WA workforce development plan: A skilled workforce for the future issues paper invited Western Australian businesses and community to take part in shaping their future workforce and contribute the development and coordination of future skills and labour needs. Input from Western Australian businesses and community will guide workforce development policy and training that truly reflects industry and community needs.

FutureNow encourages stakeholders to utilise the opportunity to contribute through the feedback form or written submission to gary.fitzgerald@trainingwa.wa.gov.au.

FutureNow Hospitality Industry Projects 2010 - Survey Questionnaire

FutureNow is currently working on multiple projects to improve the delivery of apprenticeships and traineeships in the hospitality industry.  Current hospitality submissions being prepared for the WA Office of the State Training Board include:

• Establishment of a Pattissier Apprenticeship
• Classification Review of Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) Apprenticeship
• Variation of a Traineeship (Nominal Term) - Certificate II in Hospitality (Kitchen Operations) School-based Traineeship
• Variation of a Traineeship (Nominal Term) - Certificate III in Hospitality (Operations) Traineeship
• Variation of a Traineeship (Part-time Arrangements) - Certificate III in Hospitality (Gaming) 

We value the advice and feedback we receive from our industry stakeholders and would appreciate your participation in our online survey regarding some of these projects.  Please click on the link below to commence the survey.

http://futurenow.org.au/surveys/questionnaire.php?HospitalityGrp2Feb2010

Survey closes 1st February 2010.

For more information about these hospitality industry projects, please contact FutureNow Project Manager - Tourism and Hospitality, Michelle Sidebottom on Email: msidebottom@futurenow.org.au or Phone: (08) 9285 8555.  

Employers, including group training organisations, are invited to give their feedback on Apprenticentre's online survey.

The Department of Training and Workforce Development is reviewing how it processes travel and accommodation allowance claims for apprentices/trainees who may be eligible for financial assistance to assist them undertake off the job training.

Employers, including group training organisations are invited to give their feedback on how the handling of apprentices/trainees' travel and accommodation allowance claims could be improved.

If this applies to you, please complete and submit this brief survey.

E-Learning Innovations Funding for 2010 has been annouced by the Australian Flexible Learning Framework. This is an exciting opportunity for WA RTOs to apply for a share of $566,300 in funding to develop innovative e-learning solutions and better support the training needs of WA business and industry.  WA's funding is part of the $5.3 million allocated to E-learning Innovations nationwide in 2010 to encourage the development of flexible training solutions that equip RTOs, business and industry to respond to the training needs of Australian businesses and workers.

For more information please read the 2010 E-Learning WA Innovations Guidelines. A working version of the 2010 E-learning Innovations Application Form is available by clicking here.

Funding applications must be made using the online application form by 5pm on Tuesday 2nd March. All applicants are encouraged to contact the Framework's WA Innovations Coordinator, Diane McLaren, by phone: (08) 9319 5516 or email: diane.mclaren@trainingwa.wa.gov.au to discuss project ideas.

FutureNow congratulates all recipients of the 2009 Career Advisor Scholarships, and extends a special acknowledgement to WA winners:

Glynis Barber - Applecross SHS
Marija Clark - Association for the Blind of WA Inc.
Wanda Thomas - Broome SHS
Camellia Lindsay - Cecil Andrews SHS
Theresa  Ilsley - Coodanup Community College
Kristy Warrick - Curtin University of Technology
Elizabeth Sorrenson - Ngaanyatjarra School, via Warburton Ranges

The two categories of scholarships awarded allow career advisors to participate in industry or study placements. Click here for more information. Click here to view al list of all recipients.

On-shore student visa applications have fallen by almost 10% in the first four months of the 09/10 financial year while offshore applications fell by almost 23% according to figures released by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

The most significant changes in student visa applications relate to:

• India (down 29% overall and 46% offshore)
• Nepal (down 65% overall and 85% offshore)
• Korea (down 6% overall and 20% offshore)
• Brazil (down 11% overall and 20% overall).

To view the DIAC website, including legislation changes which came into effect on 1st Jan 2010, click here.

Information about the Commonwealth Government's Job Ready Program has been added to the DEEWR website.

The program began this month and will be undertaken by all people applying for a skills assessment in order to gain permanent residency.

For more information about the program click here. To view a set of Q&As click here. 

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) has released an issues paper which examines the higher costs of providing education in regional areas and the appropriateness of regional loading.

Regional loading is paid to eligible higher education providers in recognition of the higher costs of provision and totalled $31 million in 2009.

DEEWR is calling for responses to the paper: Review of Regional Loading - Issues for Regional Provision. Submissions are due 26 February. Click here to view a background note from the Department. Click here to view a media release about the review.

The December 2009 ABS labour force data released today shows an increase in employment and a slight decrease in unemployment in Western Australia. Western Australia's unemployment rate decreased in December to 5.1% from 5.2% in November.  This month's result sees WA as having the lowest rate of all states and significantly below the national rate of 5.5%, which decreased slightly by 0.1 percentage point.  The number of unemployed people in the State decreased by 400 to 63,500 persons.

Employment increased during December by 0.6% or 7,100 persons.  This included a rise of 7,600 part-time positions offset by a decrease of 500 full-time.  However, over the year, employment fell by 9,400 persons or 0.8%.  Nationally, employment increased by 0.3% on a monthly basis and 1.0% on an annual basis. Western Australia's labour force participation rate increased in December to 68.4% from 68.2% a month ago and compares to 69.5% a year ago.  This month's result remains the highest rate of all states and well above the national average of 65.2%.

The youth unemployment rate increased to 17.9% in December from 17.4% in November.  A year ago it was approximately^[1] 10.5%.  This month's WA youth rate remained well below the national average of 23.8%.  The number of unemployed teenagers looking for full-time work in WA in December increased to 7,500 persons.

^[1]It needs to be noted that the sample size of the Labour Force Survey was reduced by 24% in July 2008, making all labour force estimates but particularly State youth unemployment statistics more volatile and less reliable on a monthly basis. 

Michelle Sidebottom, FutureNow Portfolio Manager for Tourism and Hospitality attended the launch of the national long term tourism strategy today by Tourism Minister, Dr. Liz Constable. The National Long Term Tourism Strategy (NLTTS) was developed by the Tourism Ministers Council which consisted of Australian and New Zealand tourism ministers and addresses a number of supply issues affecting tourism, such as investment, labour and skills, climate change, research and infrastructure.

Click here to read the Minister's Media Release

The National Quality Council (NQC) has endorsed key reforms to the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) Essential Standards for Registration. These important changes strengthen the AQTF and ensure regulators have the tools they need to protect the interests of all students undertaking Vocational Education and Training in Australia. The changes are:

• Strengthened Essential Standards for existing RTOs
• New Standards for RTOs registering for the first time

For further information about the changes, click here.

The National Quality Council (NQC) has approved a range of measures that will respond to requests from industry, employers and learners for more choice and greater flexibility. Changes include:

• One third or more of total units required to gain a VET qualification will be electives
• The choice of elective uits can be broadened, to allow one sixth of total uits to be included from other qualifications in a Training Package, other Training Packages and accredited courses
• Licensed and trade occupations will be exempt from these measures
• All units will be called either core or elective. Recommended combinations of electives for particular specialisations will be presented as groups.

Click here to read more.

Service Skills Australia Training Packages:

• SIS09 Sport and Recreation - The Sport and Recreation Training Package is expected to be submitted for endorsement in March 2010. Due to the need for further consultation on training package content, the Fitness Training Package will be submitted separately. Draft 2 of the fitness content is now available for comment on the Service Skills Australia website.
• SIT07 Tourism, Hospitality and Events Training Package - Version 2 of the SIT07 Training Package is currently being submitted by Service Skills Australia for national endorsement.  Version 2 includes: New qualifications; new units of competency; deleted units of competency; updated units of competency; imported units of competency; and included skill sets.  

IBSA Training Packages:

• ICA05 Information Communications Technology Training Package - Currently undergoing scoping review & whole of ICA05 Information and Communications Technology Training Package re-development.
• ICT02 Telecommunications Training Package - Currently in the final stages of an update, enhance & refresh project, with significant work on re-structuring of qualifications & new/ revised unit development - new & convergent technologies, wireless, broadband; plus work on non-carrier/applications, pathways, ACMA licensing, OH&S, skills/knowledge & assessment guidance. There is also a focus on fast tracking the development of tailor-made skills set(s)/ qualifications for the National Broadband Network rollout workforce
• ICP05 Printing and Graphic Arts - The final phase of the ICP05 Printing and Graphics Arts Training Package Enhancement has now been completed and the Phase 2 recommendations signed off by the National Project Reference Group (NPRG). In addition, another key change is that relevant environmental sustainability units have been included as a core component in every qualification and competitive manufacturing units as electives. The units and qualifications have now been placed on the IBSA website and feedback is required by COB 7 December.
• CUE03 Entertainment Training Package - Currently scoping and developing performing arts (dance) components for the creation of a new Performing Arts Training Package to include material from the Entertainment Training Package. Anyone wishing to receive direct updates on this project should register on the Verve Website
• CUS09 Music Training Package - CUS09 was endorsed in August 2009 after a full CUS01 Music Training Package review. The Training Package has now been uploaded onto NTIS and the CUS09 purchasing guide outlining nominal hours is currently being developed for WA.
• CUV03 Visual Arts, Crafts and Design Training Package - Scoping & development of high level qualifications in Visual Arts Craft and Design (VACD) (based on access to accredited courses). Focus is on adding Diploma and above qualifications and also considering "fitness-for-purpose" of lower level qualifications in the CUV03 Visual Arts Craft and Design (VACD) Training Package, refining and updating content to meet stakeholder needs and current policy requirements.

AgriFood Skills Australia is in the first stage of preparing the 2010 Environmental Scan. This involves consultation with industry to capture contemporary views on:

1. Factors impacting on agrifood's workforce skills and labour supply
2. Specific job roles and skills being affected
3. Magnitude of impact
4. What needs to be done to respond to new and emerging skill and workforce development needs

AgriFood Skills Australia welcomes comments and written submissions on these key questions from individuals, enterprises and industry organisations. For further information about the Environmental Scan and details on how to provide input, click here.

Following nation-wide consultation meetings, Draft 2 of the Fitness Training Package is now available for comment. All feedback will be reviewed and amendments made to the final draft, which will then be presented to the Fitness Training Package Reference Group for sign off. It is anticipated that the Fitness Training package will then go through Quality Assurance checks before being submitted for endorsement in early 2010.

Feedback is encouraged until Thursday 10th December 2009. Follow the link to the Service Skills Australia Fitness Review page for details.

Congratulations to the City of Melville, winner of the FutureNow-sponsored Commitment to Professional Development Award, presented at the Sport and Recreation Industry Awards at Burswood Entertainment Complex on Friday night. The Sport and Recreation Industry Awards recognise innovation and exceptional achievement across all areas of sport and recreation in Western Australia. FutureNow would also like to congratulate the two other worthy finalists - the Royal Life Saving Society (WA) and the West Australian Football Commission.

John Welborn, Managing Director of Prairie Downs Metals and Director of Rugby WA was re-elected Chairman of FutureNow-Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council at its Board meeting held on Monday 23 November 2009. At the same meeting, Barry Felstead, the CEO of the Burswood Entertainment Complex was re-elected Deputy Chairman.

Click here to read the FutureNow media release.

The Council has changed its name to FutureNow-Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council Inc in line with its new branding.  Please note that we have discontinued the Learning for Life business name, and while we will still use the FutureNow brand on its own from time to time (one word), the full name will be our preferred option.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, today hosted a national Keep Australian Apprentices Working Roundtable to address continuing trade skill shortages across Australia. The Roundtable agreed to promote and support the Government's Apprentice Kickstart initiative which more than triples the first year incentive paid to employers who take on an eligible apprentice this summer. The increased bonus will be available between 1 December 2009 and 28 February 2010, or until 21 000 apprentices commence in skill shortage trades.

Click here to read more.

The winner of the FutureNow sponsored Tourism Education and Training award at the WA Tourism Awards on Saturday 20 November was Challenger TAFE for their Marine Tourism Training Program.  Jean Menzies, Challenger's Aquaculture Program Manager,  in accepting the award at the gala function in the Grand Ballroom at Burswood Entertainment Complex attended by more than 850 industry practitioners,  thanked the FutureNow team for their support.   Earlier, the Minister for Tourism, the Honourable Dr Elizabeth Constable MLA, in her opening comments, noted that brand marketing and workforce development and training were the two biggest issues facing the tourism industry in WA.  FutureNow would like to congratulate Challenger TAFE and all of the other winners from the evening for their success and contribution to the tourism industry.

Ministers today have agreed to strengthen the tertiary education sector and its capacity to meet Australia's future demands for a highly skilled workforce. Included in discussions were key reforms and structures to improve the quality and integrity of Australia's tertiary education sector and agreement on steps to mitigate the current economic climate. Australia is one step closer to a stronger more inter-connected tertiary sector as a result of today's Ministerial Council.

Click here to read the communique.

FutureNow congratulates Daniel Lowe, runner-up in the category of Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year at the 2009 Australian Training Awards held in Canberra last night. Daniel was mentored by FutureNow prior to taking out the WA School-based Apprentice of the Year for his training in Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) enabling him to represent the state at the national awards.

For further information on all Training Award winners and finalists, click here.

IBSA is currently undertaking a project which aims to scope Lean Skills across all the IBSA Training Packages. Lean has been successfully implemented in manufacturing industries for the last 25 years. It is only recently that organisations are using Lean office as a business operating philosophy and key productivity factor, to streamline and eliminate waste from administrative processes, improve quality and achieve bottom line savings. The project will involve national consultation, and those from WA wishing to attend small face-to-face meetings in Perth on December 7^th and 8^th should contact Zoe Nicholson znicholson@futurenow.org.au. 

To view and respond to the discussion paper for the project, click here.

For further information about Lean Skills click here.

Parliamentarians together with FutureNow CEO Mal Gammon, and chair John Welborn were today treated to a display by Team Australia Skillaroos who took WorldSkills Australia Try 'a Trade to Parliament House. The Skillaroos impressed those present with their medal winning skills while passing on some of their world class techniques on the lawns of Federation mall, Canberra.

Click here for further details.

The Federal Government has released the long-awaited Crawford review, which has recommended major changes to the administration of Australian sport. The review suggests that the success of Australian sport should be measured not only through elite sporting achievement, but also by participation rates in community sport. Content of the review includes:

• Defining our National Sports Vision
• Reforming the Australian Sports Commission to Lead the Sports System
• Merging our Institutes of Sport
• Building the Capacity of our National Sports Organisations
• Putting Sport and Physical Activity Back Into Education
• Building Community Sport With People and Places
• Ensuring Australia's Sport System is Open to All
• Sustaining the Funding Base for Sport

To read the full review, click here.

The October 2009 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) labour force data released today shows a significant decline in unemployment and youth unemployment in Western Australia. The State's unemployment rate decreased from 5.7% in September to 5.0% in October and sees WA as having the lowest unemployment rate of all states, significantly below the national rate of 5.8%. Employment increased during October by 0.8% or 8,900 persons. This included a rise of 1,800 full-time and 7,100 part-time positions.

For further labour force data, visit the ABS website.

Service Skills Australia (SSA) has published a scoping report outlining its vision for a nationwide workforce development strategy for the sport and recreation sector, and is calling for industry feedback.

For further information, follow the link to the Service Skills Australia website.

Download the scoping report.

The development and validation of higher level qualifications for inclusion in the CUV03 Visual Arts, Craft and Design Training Package will explore the option of incorporating re-accredited or newly developed qualifications from States/Territories into specialised national qualifications. Additionally, the project includes a 'fitness for purpose' review of the package.

To view the Report on Visual Arts Craft and Design Qualifications (Diploma & Advanced Diploma), Final Recommendations 2005 click here, of for the report on Visual Arts, Craft and Design Training Package Future Work Requirements, Potential Development of Higher Level Qualifications, Update and Review of CUV03, July 2000 click here. For further information regarding how to get involved please contact FutureNow Project Manager Zoe Nicholson who is also a member of the National Project Reference Group representing WA. 

Are you running your own business and finding it tough to keep your head above the rising water?  Are you needing help with a business or marketing plan? If this is your experience then you will be delighted to know that a solution has been found.

Through a new Western Australian Government initiative, small business operators have access to business skills advisors who will work with you in your workplace to identify and address critical issues to improve your on-going business performance.As well as providing a comprehensive business health check, our business skills advisors can help in a variety of areas including planning, finance, training, staffing, sales and marketing, through a tailor made solution.

A Government subsidised program, it costs only $350, tax deductible, for 3 hours of one-on-one practical advice  in your workplace, at times to suit you!  You may also be eligible for a Small Business Smart Business $200 training voucher which would reduce your cost to $150 for three hours.

Don't do it tough any longer - for more information call the West Coast Small Business Training Institute on 1300 40 60 80 or refer to the Website:  www.smallbusinesssolutions.wa.gov.au

The development of dance qualifications and skill sets for inclusion in a Performing Arts Training Package is being undertaken as part of IBSA's continuous improvement strategy for all its Training Packages.

As part of the national consultation, FutureNow today coordinated a workshop in Perth for a range of stakeholders from industry as well as Registered Training Organisations, and peak bodies. This workshop sought to outline a training needs analysis and skills profile of the industry in WA.

The project has built in ongoing opportunities for engagement and consultation with the dance community and relevant stakeholders. For further information or if you wish to provide further input following today's workshop, please contact Zoe Nicholson, Project Manager for Creative Industries at FutureNow on znicholson@futurenow.org.au. Zoe is also a member of the National Project Reference Group for this project representing WA.

The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, has announced the funding of up to 11,000 additional training places for small and medium business in a $25 million program designed to address skills shortages as the economy improves. The Enterprise Based Productivity Places Program (EBPPP) will provide up to 90 per cent of the cost of training from Certificate III to Advanced Diploma level. It is designed to increase the skills of existing workers especially in occupations on the priority occupations list.

Read more

As part of IBSA's continuous improvement plan, a scoping review of the ICA05 Information and Communication Technology Training Package v3.0 is currently being undertaken.  The first stage of the review took place in WA today with an excellent turn out from RTOs and industry alike. Hosted by FutureNow for consultant Dr. Marcus Bowles of the Institute for Working Futures, participants discussed how the Training Package can be revised so that: endorsed components meet current and anticipated future vocational training and skills recognition needs; the design of qualifications and pathways minimise the use of pre-requisites and provide flexibility and; ICT sustainability and convergence issues are addressed in qualifications.

Please contact FutureNow Project Manager for Creative Industries Zoe Nicholson znicholson@futurenow.org.au for details on how to contribute your input to the project or Gabriele Giofre gabriele@ibsa.org.au from IBSA for more information.

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard today announced that the Rudd Government will invest $100 million in a new Apprentice Kickstart program to support up to 21,000 young Australians entering traditional trades this summer. Bonuses to employers who take on apprentices in traditional trades will be more than tripled. The bonus will be available for apprentices who are hired between 1 December 2009 and 28 February 2010 or until 21,000 apprentices have commenced in traditional trades such as butchers, bakers, bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, hairdressers and pastry cooks.

Read more

The Museum, Library/Information Services (CUL04) Training Package has recently undergone an ISC upgrade from Version 2.0 to Version 2.1. Updates of the Version Modification History have been made for clarity.

Likewise, the Screen and Media Training Package (CUF07) has gone from Version 1. 0  to Version 1.1. Click here for the Version Modification History and a description of the changes.

FutureNow in conjunction with Service Skills Australia would like to extend an invitation to RTO's delivering fitness qualifications and fitness industry representatives to attend a workshop to review and validate the draft Fitness Training Package. For further details contact Rachael Davidson on (08) 9285 8555 or rdavidson@futurenow.org.au

Arts Minister Peter Garrett and the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Bill Shorten, today commended the Cultural Ministers Council for endorsing the National Arts and Disability Strategy at their national meeting. "Arts and culture enriches us all - and with one in five Australians experiencing some form of disability, it has been an imperative to include and enable everyone who wishes to engage with such a vital part of Australian life," said Mr Garrett.

The National Arts and Disability Strategy came out of a consultation process between the Cultural Ministers Council and the arts and disability sector, including organisations and individuals, and with submissions from arts practitioners and arts consumers in the sector. "We now strongly recommend that state and local governments, venue owners and others review this important document and incorporate it into their future planning and approach.," Mr Garrett said

Four priority areas are set out in the National Arts and Disability Strategy: finding ways to address barriers to participation, as audiences or in arts practice; aiding ambition, and helping emerging professional arts practitioners; growing audiences for work created by those with a disability; and empowering people to participate in arts policy development and planning.

For copies of the Strategy, including accessible formats, see the Cultural Ministers Council website.

Skills Australia has released a comprehensive discussion paper Workforce Futures - a bold new approach to workforce development in Australia which goes beyond simply planning for future skills shortages. Recommendations of the paper include a broader and more multifaceted response from federal, state and territory governments, industry and education providers to the nation's future workforce challenges.

Submissions in response to the paper are invited until 6 November 2009. Click here for further information.

Registrations are now open for this year's Adult and Community Education (ACE), Making Connections Conference. The ACE conference is a biennial event which provides professional development for community educators, trainers, providers, learners, administrators and others interested in the area of adult community education.

For further conference details, click here.

An interview with John Welborn, Chair of FutureNow - Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council has featured in the latest issue of Training Matters. Training Matters provides high quality and informative editorial about the latest news and developments in the Western Australian vocational education and training sector. The full colour magazine has a distribution of 10,000 and is published quarterly by the Department of Education and Training.

Training Matters readers include:

• training providers, including staff at TAFE colleges and registered training organisations
• VET practitioners, including secondary high school VET coordinators and career advisors
• industry advisory groups
• other key personnel within the field.

To read the FutureNow article featured on page 15 in Training Matters, click here.

Strengthening the AQF: An Architecture for Australia's Qualifications consultation paper was released by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Council on 28 September 2009. The paper details the proposed levels-based structure of the AQF with levels attributes and criteria, revised AQF qualification types descriptors and a notional duration of student learning.

The consultation paper is available on the AQF website. Written submissions can be sent to the AQF Council at aqfc@saugov.sa.gov.au by October 16, 2009.

Is your RTO business participating in the Productivity Places Program (PPP) and delivering qualifications in retail, wholesale, community pharmacy, tourism, hairdressing, fitness, outdoor recreation or hospitality? Service Skills Australia (SSA) has launched a survey and invites your RTO to participate. The survey takes 10 minutes to complete and will close in mid-October.

Complete the survey now by clicking here.

A report from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) Employers' views on improving the vocational education and training system tracked employer views about training. The most pressing recommendation emanating from the report was the need for better support from Government for apprentices and their employers. To view the report, click here.

FutureNow Project Manager Zoe Nicholson today attended the launch of West Coast TAFE's new brand,  The West Coast Institute of Training, which was unveiled in response to Training Minister Peter Collier's call to provide colleges with greater independence.

Click here to find out more via the media statement.

FutureNow Project Managers Michelle Sidebottom, Zoe Nicholson and Rachael Davidson attended the WA Training Awards presentation evening held on Friday 4 September - the night where training excellence is acknowledged, rewarded and celebrated. FutureNow congratulates Daniel Lowe who won the 2009 WA School-based Apprentice of the Year award for his training in hospitality, as well as the other deserving finalists from the creative and leisure industries: Harry Winton, Sally Hanbury and Haydn Solomon. FutureNow would also like to congratulate Kimberley TAFE music lecturer Bel Skinner for winning the WA Trainer of the Year.

Follow the link to view all 2009 WA Training Awards winners and finalists.

Michelle Sidebottom, Acting FutureNow CEO attended a breakfast forum hosted by the Minister for Energy; Training, Hon Peter Collier MLC, to launch Training together - working together which will focus on the participation of Aboriginal people in skilled employment, particularly at local and regional levels. The aim of the initiative is to increase the number of Aboriginal people in training for ongoing employment in Western Australia.

The State Government has taken a further step towards preparing Western Australia for the next surge in the resources industry with a continued focus on skills training and education.

Premier Colin Barnett today announced the creation of the Department of Training and Workforce Development (a shift from the combined Department of Education and Training) to ensure a more focused delivery of both education and training services to the community. The new department will focus on elevating training across the State and working across government, at both the State and national level, to plan and prepare Western Australia's workforce to avoid gaps in both skilled and unskilled labour

Follow the link to read the Media Statement.