Tourism operators from all over the world came together recently at The World Indigenous Tourism Summit (WITS) in Boorloo (Perth) and collectively endorsed unanimously and enthusiastically, a First Nations Climate Statement document. The statement read:
As proud descendants of Indigenous people from around the world, we, the 2023 WITS Delegates, recognise and accept our inherent social and cultural obligation gifted to us from our 'Old People' (Ancestors) to protect, heal and preserve our lands; or in essence "look after country.

​More information regarding the statement

Restrictions imposed by governments to manage COVID-19 infections have forced many individuals and organisations to consider moving events online. Workforce development events are no exception. The Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) reported that its 2020 Annual Conference - held online from Monday 27th to Friday 31st July -  succeeded in delivering a program that had been designed to provide the most value to swim schools as well as giving them the opportunity to remain connected.

ASSA General Manager, Emily McNeill advised that with the global pandemic, the Association had not been able to deliver an in-person conference instead running the event in a virtual format over five days, with sessions running three hours per day that included a series of networking and round table discussions.   Key areas of focus were Leadership, Product, People, Promotion and Performance, with McNeill stating “we had over 20 incredible industry and non-industry experts deliver these topics who both inspired and engaged.  Read more

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) had a busy month in, with the 29th 'No Frills' conference held online for the first time between 7 and 10 July, and the release of research and teacher resources.  The conference theme was: Workforce ready: challenges and opportunities for VET.

Apprentices and Trainees:

• Australian VET statistics: Apprentices and trainees 2019 — December quarter is available at NCVER Publications.
• For Information on employment outcomes, reasons for non-completion, and satisfaction with training for apprentices and trainees, view Apprentice and trainee experiences and destinations 2019.

Research:

• A discussion paper exploring the theme ‘Workforce ready: challenges and opportunities for VET’ was released in preparation for the 29th National VET Research Conference ‘No Frills’ .
• The use of RPL in VET is decreasing, according to a new report released by the NCVER.  Exploring the recognition of prior learning in Australian VET.

VET Practitioner Resources:

• NEW PODCAST: Responding to Industry 4.0 - what works.  Digital skills are now essential for most occupations in Australia. So what does this mean for VET courses and, therefore, our VET educators? Join Steve Davis as he talks to Suzi Kuti, Metro Trains Sydney, and NCVER researchers Michelle Circelli and Bridget Wibrow about what teaching digital skills means for VET educators, their integration into VET delivery, and why they should become key foundation skills for all VET students.  LISTEN: VET's response to Industry 4.0 and the digital economy: what works
• Good practice guides Incorporating digital skills into VET delivery and Teaching digital skills: implications for VET educators are available on the NCVER Portal.