The Australian Government is reviewing the skills assessment process for workers seeking to enter the country and will develop new standards for skilled migration assessing authorities intended to raise the integrity, quality and timeliness of migration skills assessments. They are seeking views on draft best practice principles and standards developed to provide an aspirational yet measurable foundation upon which assessing authorities will be expected to deliver skills assessments. The draft principles build on findings from the recent Review of the Migration System and learnings from the Skills Assessment Pilots. 

Learn more, access the discussion paper, and have your say

Thirteen of Western Australia's brightest training sector talents are celebrating a stellar win at this year's WA Training Awards, with eight individuals and five organisations named winners from 45 finalists at a ceremony at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. Now in its 29th year, the WA Training Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees, employers and training organisations. Individual winners receive $3,000, which can be used to further their training or kick-start their career.
Selected from a record number of applicants, winners included Kai Baharthah-King, who completed the Advanced Diploma in Cybersecurity at North Metropolitan TAFE. First enrolling in TAFE at the age of 15 to complete his Certificate III, he progressed through to the Advanced Diploma and secured a part time job as a security analyst at Woodside, following a recommendation from his lecturer at only 16.
Meanwhile WA School-based Apprentice of the Year for 2023, Robert Nicolosi, completed the Certificate III in Sport and Recreation​ at North Metropolitan TAFE. While working at BlueFit – Belmont Leisure Centre, Robert has gained a range of new skills while completing a Certificate III in Sport and Recreation. 

Explore the 2023 WA Training Awards and read Minister McGurk's full media statement

Screen industry trade periodical IF Magazine has released Green Screen, a free, detailed guide to practices and technologies that can underpin improved environmental sustainability for the screen industry in Australia. The publication features the work of new industry body Sustainable Screens Australia, as well as interviews and case studies highlighting best practice across the country. In 'Tales for the Trenches', Green Screen explores the various ways technology can support decarbonisation, including opting for virtual or hybrid sets over physical builds, and recruiting remote teams utilising an ever-growing suite of technology solutions- saving air miles in the process.

The need for training is highlighted- especially with relation to new reporting legislation- and Sustainable Screens Australia are rising to the challenge with a program of free, online short courses. Decarbonisation and sustainability form one of the four pillars of the newly released 2023-24 WA State Training Plan.

Learn more and explore Green Screen

The Australian Dance Council has received a grant of $60,000 to reinvigorate Ausdance WA, which has been running as a purely volunteer-run organisation since 2021. The funding is intended to reinstate the organisation as the State's leading service organisation for dance. The grant forms part of the final round of funding in the state Government's Arts 15k-plus program as it transitions to a new streamlined arts projects funding with  increased available funding limit of $80,000 per project.
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Read Minister Templeman's full media statement.

The state Government has launched a review of senior secondary school pathways aimed at ensuring 'all Western Australian students can reach their full potential through their post-school study, training, or employment pursuits.'
Pathways to Post-School Success is being led by the Department of Education in partnership with Catholic Education Western Australia and the Association of Independent Schools Western Australia, and will be spearheaded by a panel of education specialists, including principals and tertiary education leaders. A larger advisory committee, representing key stakeholder groups, will work with the advisory panel and provide direction for the review.
The review will explore whether current pathway options are effectively preparing students for the full range of further study, training, and work options available to them.

​Read Minister Buti's full media statement

Congratulations to:

• Top Tourism Town - Mandurah WA
• Tiny Tourism Town. Dwellingup. WA
• Top Tourism Guide - Rosanna Angus - WA

​Read Media Statement

As climate change is recognised as being a responsibility across workplaces, the sporting community is joining the action, with Water Polo Australia releasing their first Climate Action Strategy. The strategy acknowledges the United Nations Sports 4 Climate Action Framework and is working towards a target 50% reduction in WPA emissions by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2040.

A recent article published in Managing Sport and Leisure found that Australian's that chose to exercise at fitness centres were more likely to be motivated to exercise for physical health, including body shape, and mental health reasons. Whereas Australian's joining sporting clubs for exercise were more likely to respond with being motivated to participate for fun, enjoyment and the social aspect that comes from joining a sporting club. 

The West Australian Department of Communities has released a consultation paper that seeks the views of young people to inform the development of a new West Australian Youth Action plan. Topics to be addressed are centred around youth development and engagement, the positive promotion of young people and advocacy.