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.

Two reports, which may be of interest to educators and trainers, recently released; Use of Electronic Media and Communications: Early childhood to teenage years and Educating the Net Generation: A handbook of Findings for Practice and Policy 2009 include statistical and other data suggesting that there are implications for educators as a result of rapidly changing nature and availability of digital technologies to young learners.

The original reports were produced by the Australian Communication and Media Authority and the Australian Learning and Teaching Council.

The National Quality Council has endorsed the enhanced Music Training Package. The CUS09 Music Training Package contains 14 qualifications covering a range of disciplines including; Music, Music Business, Technical Production and  Sound Production. A new skill set in Music tutoring equips music teachers with the business and training skills to operate private music tuition services.

Click here for an overview of the Music Training Package (CUS09).

Talented indigenous musicians are being encouraged to apply for a new scholarship supported by the Liberal-National Government.

The inaugural Australian Indigenous Music Scholarship, funded by the State governments of Western Australia, Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, will be administered by One Movement for Music Perth, chaired by Mark Grose, manager of ARIA-winner Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu.

Read more here.

The Hon Peter Collier, MLC, Minister for Energy; Training met with the Board of FutureNow on Friday 14 August to discuss key issues identified by FutureNow and the State Governments' blueprint for training Training WA - Planning for the Future 2009-2018. The promotion of careers, VET in schools, increasing the uptake and retention of apprenticeships and traineeships and working with robust and reliable data were among the key issues with the Board outlining the challenges and possible solutions. The Minister complimented the Board and praised the work of FutureNow and its foresight in combining its strategic direction with the blueprint outlined by the government.

For the latest information from Service Skills Australia, the National Skills Council for the service industries, click on the links below:

The New Deal - report available.

This report was undertaken by Service Skills to investigate industry concerns about the quality of training and assessment within the national VET system. The report details how Service Skills can contribute to quality training through the development of policies, practices, programs and services in the provision of best practice delivery and assessment in the industries under their coverage. Click here for further information.

Service Skills Australia 2010 Conference.

The conference will be held from 1-2 March 2010 at the Sydney Convention Centre. For more information, click here.

Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package Update.

The SIS09 training package continues to move through final quality assurance processes prior to submission for endorsement. At this time, Service Skills Australia is working with key industry stakeholders to finalise Outdoor Recreation content. A functional analysis for the Fitness Training Package Review was held in Melbourne on 28 July with 40 industry experts. Discussions and information signed off on will be available from Service Skills shortly. For further updates, visit the Service Skills website, or contact Katrina O'Hare kohare@serviceskills.com.au

 Wanted: Innovative Providers.

Service Skills are seeking training providers to include in a Innovative Providers project. The project will identify and highlight good practice and the benefits  to both industry and training providers of innovative industry-focused training delivery. If you are interested in participating, click here.

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day has announced a new grants program that would provide $600,000 a year over four years for regional communities to improve participation and development in cultural and arts activities. Follow the link to the Ministerial Media Statement.

The Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, presented awards to winners of the 2009 Minister's Awards for Excellence in recognition of and to reward organisations and individuals who make an outstanding contribution towards the training of Australian Apprentices. Congratulations to Aquarena in Geraldton -the winner of The Ministers Award for Excellence for Employers of Australian Apprentices in the Central and South Eastern WA Region.

The Federal Government has released Australia's Digital Economy: Future Directions outlining how government, industry and the community can maximise the benefits of the digital economy for all Australians. For a copy of the report click here.

Getting into the tourism industry has been made easier thanks to a series of new online resources developed by Tourism WA. The Jump Start Guide for tourism business and the Tourism e-kit assists new tourism businesses and those wanting to improve their existing business, and can be downloaded from Tourism WA.

The Australian Hotels Association (WA) has recently developed a new and useful tool for industry with particular consideration to the current labour market.
The 'Quick Guide to Hospitality Retention' is proudly supported by Tourism WA, and covers a range of topics from the importance of staff training through to strategies to assist hospitality businesses overcome the global downturn. The Guide is available to download or for a hard copy email Christine Cole at Tourism WA.

John Welborn, Chairman and Mal Gammon CEO represented FutureNow at the inaugural meeting between the Training Minister Peter Collier, the State Training Board, training councils and the Department of Education and Training held on Thursday 28 May. This meeting was the first since a review of industry training advisory arrangements last year and focussed on developing strategic directions to align industry priorities with the State Government's plan to transform WA's training sector. Key issues included the role of the training councils, the development of industry workforce development plans and the recent amendments to the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Act. The amendments to the VET Act, which come into effect on June 10, are designed to modernise the training system in WA and bring legislation in line with today's workforce requirements.

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Council has released for consultation a proposal for strengthening the AQF. The aim of is to ensure the framework is nationally and internationally robust and supports flexible cross-sectoral linkages and pathways. Click here for more information.

Training Minister, the Hon Peter Collier has unveiled a $47.4 million blueprint which will transform the future of the State's training system. Training WA: Planning for the Future 2009-2018 outlines a series of initiatives which will ensure the skills needs of industry are met and to give individuals greater access to training.

The WA State Government has released its 2009-10 State Budget with $47.4 million allocated to training in the next three years as part of the economic stimulus package. Training initiatives within the budget include:

• Additional foundation skills qualifications
• Course fee exemptions for unemployed people
• Small business training institute response team
• Career development services and Employment Directions Network funding
• Critical support unit
• Recognition of prior learning leaders
• Workers' compensation rebate
• Recognition of prior learning course fee concessions
• Marketing and information awareness

For further information on the State Budget, click here

The Federal Government's response to the Bradley Review of Higher Education was handed down within the 2009 Budget as Future Directions for Higher Education - the Government's response to the Reviews of Australian Higher Education and National Innovation System. Some key features in Future Directions for Higher Education include:

• Student centered funding system - student demand driven
• Funding to support low socio-economic status students participation
• Reform of student income support
• Strengthening the system - indexation
• Strengthening research
• Introducing a quality system to meet the challenges of the future including VET at a later date
• Performance funding
• Improving regions
• Investing in infrastructure
• Workforce needs of the future - through Skills Australia

Minister for Training, the Hon Mr Peter Collier has provided to Parliament an update on how training in Western Australia is responding to employers and individuals adversely affected by the economic downturn, and outlined a number of initiatives currently being undertaken to assist those who are in need of training support.

Read the ministerial statement here.

Innovation and Business Skills Australia (IBSA) have released their 2009 Escan. The Escan reports on critical issues affecting workforce and skills development in the industry sectors of: business services; cultural and related industries; education; financial services; information and communications technologies; and printing and graphic arts.

The West Coast Small Business Training Institute is an initiative of the Western Australian Government which gives small businesses access to personalised one-on-one mentoring from qualified and experienced small business professionals via the tailored Small Business Solutions® program. Practical support is provided on a wide range of issues including business planning, cash flow, finance, marketing, staff management and customer service.

Follow the link to the Small Business Solutions website for further information.

Training Minister, the Hon Peter Collier, has called on Western Australia's TAFE colleges to prepare an action plan to assist workers and employers affected by the global economic downturn. Under the plan, the TAFE colleges will provide a dedicated point of contact for its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) service so existing or retrenched workers can pursue a formal qualification.

The Service Industries Environmental Scan 2009 draws together intelligence and research about existing and emerging trends in the service industry sectors (wholesale, retail and personal services, tourism and hospitality, sport and recreation) and how these impact on skills and labour needs. Click here to read more.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gilliard has announced a new $145.6 million package to assist in the security of jobs and training for apprentices and trainees in the current economic downturn. The Securing Apprenticeships initiative will provide assistance through wage subsidies for employers and Group Training Organisations who take on an eligible out-of-trade apprentice or trainee. In addition, a further $9.7 million is available to assist trainees and apprentices who have lost their jobs to continue with their qualification through a Registered Training Organisation. Click on the Media Releases below for further information:

• $145 million to secure jobs and apprentices
• Securing apprenticeships through training

Following State Training Board recognition, the new industry training advisory arrangements came into effect on Monday 2 February 2009 with the commencement of our newly incorporated name, Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council Inc underpinned by a new set of Rules of Association and new service agreements with the Department of Education and Training.

We welcome the new industry sectors of hospitality and tourism, printing, information and telecommunications to our coverage. The synergies between these industry sectors are well documented and fall into the globally accepted definitions of the creative and leisure industries.

Minister for Training, the Hon. Mr Peter Collier has announced an injection of funding to implement the Goldfields-Esperance Workforce Development Plan which outlines existing and anticipated skill and labour shortages for key industry areas in the region until 2018.

Click here to read the Media Statement.

The Minister for Education, the Hon Ms Julia Gillard has released the final report of the Review of Australian Higher Education by the independent, expert panel led by Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley AC. Established in March 2008, the review examines the current state of Australia's higher education system against international best practice and proposes a comprehensive package of reforms to Australia's tertiary education sector.

Legislation has been passed by Parliament this week which will revolutionise the State's training system. The new legislation updated the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996 and replaced the Industrial Training Act 1975. These changes will ensure a clear direction for VET in WA and will deliver a modern, streamlined training system which will better equip training providers and industry to meet the challenges facing the sector.

Click here to read the Media Statement

The first informal meeting of the proposed new Board members from the creative and cultural, sport and recreation, hospitality and tourism, information, media and printing industries will be held on Wednesday 10 December 2008. Industry leaders will meet to discuss the new direction for FutureNow as it prepares itself to take on board the new industry training advisory arrangements announced by the previous government and subsequently endorsed by the new Training Minister, the Hon Peter Collier MLC.

Winners of the 2008 Australian Training Awards were announced at a ceremony held in Darwin last night. The Australian Training Awards are the peak national awards for vocational education and training, recognising innovation and excellence in the training sector by apprentices, trainees and organisations.

For information on the award winners and finalists, follow the link to the Australian Training Awards website.

Education and Training Ministers have met in Darwin to deliberate on the future of the national training system and how to best meet the nation's skills needs. High on the agenda was discussion of the work currently being carried out through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) on reform in the VET sector.

Click here to read the Media Release