Western Australia's first Creative Tech Innovation Hub has been launched in Bunbury. The WA Creative Technology Innovation Hub (WACTIH) is a State-wide network which is aimed at bringing together and supporting tech creatives both online and in person. The hub aims to build industry partnerships with regional innovation hubs, the startup community and the education sector. A first for the State, the Hub will be focused on supporting creative industries such as design, music, advertising, film, and media, as well as emerging technologies including gaming, digital software development and immersive technology. 
The state Government will invest $1.2 million over four years in WACTIH, which enables collaboration with Edith Cowan University, the City of Bunbury, industry and local communities.
WACTIH's first international initiative, the Creative Tech Exchange, will focus on developing new international partnerships with creative, tech and innovation collaborators from around the world.

Read Minister Dawson's full media statement

The state Government has appointed an expert panel to conduct an independent review of Western Australia's public university sector. 
Between 2010 and 2019, WA had the smallest percentage growth in university enrolments in Australia (13.6 per cent in WA, compared to 32.3 per cent across Australia). In 2020, WA attracted only 5.5 per cent of Australia's international student revenue. The WA university sector has experienced a more significant decline in its share of Australian competitive research funding than any other Australian State or Territory, falling from 11 per cent in 2001 to 2.9 per cent in 2022. 
The review will be led by a panel of eminent individuals with significant experience in the university sector, but without any current affiliations or any appointments in WA. Panel members include:

• Professor Sandra Harding AO (lead reviewer) - former Vice Chancellor and President James Cook University;
• Professor John Williams - Executive Dean Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics Adelaide;
• Dr Ian Watt AC - former Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet; and
• Professor Peter Shergold AC - former Chancellor of Western Sydney University. 

The review is expected to explore the various structural change options available to WA's university sector, and whether these changes would deliver improved performance and financial sustainability for the four local public universities. The terms of reference for the review include consideration of new structural models which can deliver improvements that meet the State's current and future knowledge and skills needs and strengthen relationships with business, industry and the vocational education and training (VET) and school sectors. 
​
Read Premier McGowan's full media statement

Main construction works have commenced on Edith Cowan University's newest campus – and the first comprehensive university to be situated within the Perth CBD – with a sod turning ceremony held at the $853 million ECU City site today.
ECU City will bring together creative industries schools the WA Academy of Performing Arts and the WA Screen Academy, with broadcasting, humanities, emerging technologies, business, and law offerings, and Kurongkurl Katitjin – the university's Centre for Indigenous Australian Education and Research. The university is set to introduce a community of more than 10,000 staff and students to the city, partially funded by the $1.5 billion Perth City Deal.
Due for completion in late 2025 and opening to students in the first semester of 2026, the 60,000 square-metre ECU City campus will feature next-generation learning, engagement and performance spaces, including:

• Six state-of-the-art WAAPA public performance venues, as home to more than 300 public performances every year
• Dynamic digital media façade and immersive entrance that envelopes the public plaza
• Digital smart labs and industry engagement hub
• Radio, television and film production studios
• Arts and design studios and workshops
• Public gallery and event spaces
• Technology enhanced learning commons and student support facilities

The landmark ECU City project is a collaborative partnership with the Australian Government committing $294 million, the Western Australian Government $199 million and ECU $360 million.
More information is available at www.citycampus.ecu.edu.au
Read Premier McGowan's full media statement

Jobs and Skills WA have expanded the Career Taster Portal website to include new careers resources for students, parents, careers advisors and industry.
The Careers page houses links to infosheets, websites, videos, interactive programs and teaching resources to help teachers and students explore a wide range of industries, careers and occupations. Resources are categorised by industry area, with short descriptions of each industry providing a quick overview and some example careers. 
Employers, peak bodies and industry associations, training providers and community organisations are invited to provide career exploration resources for the Careers page to showcase industries and occupations to students and teachers.
​The Year 9 Career Taster Program Team can be reached at
T: 08 6551 5084
E: [email protected]

More than 22,000 students across Western Australia are set to benefit from expanded creative learning curriculum through the State Government's Creative Learning Partnerships Program. Grants of up to $500,000 have been awarded to nine arts organisations and two schools, to support two-year creative learning programs for students in school years 2 to 9. The projects range from literature and visual art to theatre, music and digital creation, and will employ approximately 150 artists and creative practitioners. The program aims to provide enriched learning opportunities for students throughout the State by embedding creativity across the curriculum. 
Read Minister Templeman's full media statement
Learn more

Eligible new and existing regional TAFE lecturers in the Pilbara, Kimberley and Kalgoorlie will receive a one-off Temporary Regional Incentive for the 2023 academic year. The new $2.9 million Temporary Regional Incentive is part of a state Government initiative to help regional TAFE colleges attract and retain staff so they can continue to improve the skills and employability of their communities across all industry areas.
Eligible lecturers will receive up to:
$15,000 in the Pilbara and Kimberley; and
$10,000 in Kalgoorlie.
Lecturers will receive the payment on top of existing incentives for working in regional areas with part of the temporary incentive paid upfront and the remainder paid after 12 months.
The Pilbara, Kimberley and Kalgoorlie TAFE campuses have faced challenges recruiting and retaining lecturers to fill vacancies, which have intensified due to the tight labour market.
Read Minister McGurk's media statement

Print apprentices are back on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List, following 12 months of advocacy by PVCA, the Print & Visual Communications Association. Nine print-related qualifications were removed from the AAPL in 2021, leaving the industry without a nationally funded apprenticeship pathway. The full list has been reinstated as of January 2023 following the submission of industry specific data outlining growth across packaging, labels, digital and other print sectors nationally. Data was also gleaned from an Industry Skills Survey circulated by PVCA, which showed that 76% of respondents had at least two job vacancies, and 67% of those had been vacant for at least 11 weeks.

WA advice reflects the national picture, with ageing workforce issues a prominent concern for local industry. FutureNow is currently collecting data to inform the WA State Priority Occupation List and Western Australian workforce development and training policy for 2023.

​Read the full Print21 article
Complete the 2023 Print & Visual Communication WA Jobs Education and Training Survey