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

Feedback is invited until Friday 20 August 2010.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to read the media release.

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

 Click here for further details.

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

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

For further information, click here. 

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

Click here to read more.

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

Click here for further details.