PwC have released a new report exploring how the national conversation around skills, upskilling and workforce development has shifted in the post-Covid-19 environment. Where next for skills? considers changes arising from the pandemic, how businesses need to deliver more embedded and effective upskilling, and the role governments can play in supporting improved upskilling. The report outlines 3 actions recommended to address Australia's post-Covid challenges:
*Business to consider elevating the upskilling agenda so it becomes the responsibility of the CEO and executive leadership team
Business to work with Government to deliver a national micro-credentialing system
Government to prioritise the digital divide to remove barriers of access, affordability, and digital ability

​Learn more and download the report

SkillsIQ are undertaking a project to develop a new Unit of Competency to equip customer-facing workers, including in the hospitality sector, with the skills and knowledge to manage disrespectful, aggressive or abusive customers.
The proposed Unit of Competency will contain information on strategies to deal with the customer, along with mental health and wellbeing of the worker and environmental means to prevent or assist in dealing with volatile customer situations. I have attached the unit of competency for your reference.
SkillsIQ is conducting consultation on the appropriateness of the proposed unit of competency and are inviting submissions until Friday, 4th September.
For further information and background on this project, please visit the project page on the SkillsIQ website.

The Western Australian Government has rolled out free short courses in infection control to help customer-facing businesses work safely and train staff in safe infection control practices in the workplace.  The HLTSS00065 Infection Control Skill Set (Retail) is suited to retail settings and has been tailored to meet industry needs.

This free course is available online at your local TAFE college and participating private registered training organisation, providing flexibility for your business to train staff when it suits you.

Staff will learn:

• how to use personal protective equipment safely;
• how to prevent the spread and transmission of infection; and
• how to maintain a clean work environment.

Download course information (638KB PDF)
For further course and enrolment information:   jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/skillsready or contact your local Jobs and Skills Centre:  13 64 64.

The McGowan Government's Regional Traineeship Program has been launched to boost training, skills and employment opportunities across regional Western Australia.
This involves a funding round of $2 million of one-off grants of up to $30,000, which will be available to Community Resource Centres (CRCs) and eligible local government authorities (LGAs) to support trainees and address business and industry needs in regional areas.
In the 2019-20 grant funding round, 51 trainees were supported in courses including tourism and visitor information services, community services, horticulture, events, communications, digital media and technology.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will invite eligible organisations to lodge a grant application for the funding, with applications open for six weeks.
Read the full media statement here.

The Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference will be held in Margaret River from 1-3 December 2020. The theme Revolution, Driving Evolution is aimed at attracting a diversity of attendees that can contribute to a revolution in the tourism world at a critical time for the industry after disruptions from the bushfires and COVID-19. The conference will provide an opportunity to come together, draw on the collective strengths of industry, government and academia to re-assess, reflect and recover.

As part of the State's COVID-19 recovery the government is inviting proposals for new tourism attractions, experiences and concepts for Western Australia's national and marine parks and conservation reserves. The call for nature-based tourism opportunities is part of the State Government's Market-led Proposal Policy, with Problem and Opportunity Statements released to harness innovative ideas from the private sector that will stimulate the economy and create jobs. Proponents are encouraged to put forward ideas for new, high-quality tourism experiences for lands and waters managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). Closing date: 11 September 2020.
For more information, click here and to read the full media statement, click here. 

The McGowan Government is calling on a range of businesses to submit plans about they could help activate the new Museum.
Requests for proposal are open and being called for programs that improve knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture in WA; a range of cultural events and experiences for a wide audience; and a public program based around the principles of health and wellbeing.
Events and experiences can be programmed within a range of new Museum spaces including in the heritage buildings; the Woodside Learning Studios; contemporary public spaces; and the outdoor City Room at the entrance of the new Museum.
Operators are encouraged to put forward ideas for exciting programs for visitors of all ages and backgrounds, to be delivered using their indigenous knowledge and creative practices.
Information about the requests for proposal (RFP) can be viewed here.  
Applications close on September 11, 2020.

Read the full media statement here.

The state government will invest $150 million in the tourism sector as part of its $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan. Many of the State's natural icons are set to undergo major improvements, which will create a pipeline of jobs, help get people back into work, and people out visiting the WA attractions and supporting local businesses. Destinations to benefit from the package include Perth Zoo, Kings Park, Margaret River, Karijini National Park, Monkey Mia, the Pinnacles, Rottnest Island and Ningaloo with upgrades to or construction of new visitor facilities such as camp sites, cafes, boardwalks and paths, bridges, jetties, and trails.
The program also includes funding for; Aboriginal cultural tourism, affordable regional air travel, road enhancements to improve access to destinations, and the Tourism Attractions Case Management framework to bring unique and innovative attractions to WA.

Read the full media statement here.