The Minister for Training and Workforce Development has today announced the 41 finalists in the running for the WA Training Awards 2024.  

The WA Training Awards recognise and celebrate excellence in the State's vocational training sector, with 31 individuals recognised across eight award categories, and 10 organisations competing in four categories.   

This year the WA Training Awards received a record number of submissions - building on last year's record ­- with industry judges commending the standard of applications as 'outstanding'.

For more information visit: www.dtwd.wa.gov.au/watrainingawards/winners-and-finalists 
Minister McGurk's full media statement may be accessed here

Creative Industries think tank A New Approach (ANA) have released a new report exploring international best practice examples of cultural diplomacy to ask what Australia can do to shift its global arts and culture standing. Pathways to Becoming a Cultural Powerhouse takes a deep dive into case studies of South Korea, France, and Brazil, examining policy commitments, reporting techniques, and impact planning.

Pathways to Becoming a Cultural Powerhouse may be accessed here.

Following the announcement of Brendan O'Çonnor retiring at the next federal election, Andrew Giles has moved from the immigration portfolio to the Federal Minister for Skills and Training.
More information about this portfolio can be found here.

The world-renowned French theatrical and pyrotechnics company, Group F, who have produced heart-stopping firework shows at landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, will deliver an explosive event at Perth’s second annual EverNow Festival. Favourites from last year including Boorna Waanginy: The Trees Speak and Song Circle will return in 2024.
EverNow attracted about 100,000 people  last year and is a free multi-sensory festival that celebrates WA’s biodiversity and Indigenous culture.
EverNow will take place at the same time as the World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit in Perth, providing the hundreds of global leaders who will be in WA an opportunity to experience the event.
The Trees Speak will be held at Kings Park and  Song Circle and the light show will be held at Burswood Park. The festival runs from October 3 to 6.

​More information about the festival can be found here.

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) have released the VET in Schools 2023 report, which shows a significant increase in uptake of formal vocational training by Australia's secondary students. Enrolments increased 4% year-on-year, with the most popular training packages being Tourism, Travel and Hospitality; Business Services; and Retail Services. In 2023, about a quarter of Australian school students aged 15 to 19 participated in VET in Schools.

The NCVER Vet in Schools 2023 report may be accessed here.