- THE INDUSTRY VIEW – REFRAMING TRAINING PACKAGES
- 1. Part 3: The Industry View – Part 3 – Too many qualifications in VET?
- 2. Part 4: Improving Training Product Development
- NATIONAL SKILLS REFORM CONSULTATION IS UNDERWAY
- NCVER PUBLICATIONS – VET QUALIFICATION COMPLETION RATES 2018
- SMART AND SKILLED UPDATE NO. 122 – 11 DEC 2020
- DRAFT ASQA COMPLIANCE POLICY AND UNDERTAKINGS TO REMEDY FEEDBACK
- AIS STAKEHOLDER SURVEY 2020
- HAZARDS OF WORKING IN HEAT AND IN AIR POLLUTION
- ACROSS THE DITCH PROSECUTIONS OF ELECTRICAL WORK
- CENTRE WHS – SEEKING REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CONSTRUCTION AREA
- SAFEWORK NSW – CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DOMINATES OCTOBER WHS PROSECUTIONS
1. THE INDUSTRY VIEW – REFRAMING TRAINING PACKAGES
In this week’s News Service we cover Part 3 and 4 of a four part series on National VET Products and direction authored by Ms Jenny Lambert, Director, employment and skills at the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. You will recall Part 1 and 2 were covered in last week’s News Service and were available from Campus Review.
These remaining two Parts are a must read for VET policy makers and practitioners. They cover the issue of whether there are too many qualifications in VET and suggested ways to improve current training product design and development without yet more wholesale reform. These two parts are accessible in full from Jenny’s LinkedIn account.
The NSW UE ITAB congratulates Jenny on the excellent four part series and supports such initiatives and continued public discourse on these important issues.
1.1. Part 3: The Industry View – Part 3 – Too many qualifications in VET?
The 3rd Part in the quattro of this excellent series, Jenny takes us on a journey about the criticism that some proponents and policy holders have there are too many qualifications in VET, many of which have few to no enrolments. While on the face of it, this can be seen to be true, we need to be very clear about the causes of this before we consider what the solution is. Part 3 of the Industry View of training product design and development explores this issue. Visit the LinkedIn URL for Part 3: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/industry-view-part-3-too-many-qualifications-vet-jenny-lambert/
1.2. Part 4: Improving Training Product Development
4th and final part of the series on industry’s view of training product design and development, Jenny outlines how the development process can be improved without throwing the whole system out yet again. Visit the Campus Review URL for Part 4: CAMPUS REVIEW – PART 4 IMPROVING TRAING PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Jenny’s four-part series is extremely important and timely in light of the recent release of the National Skills Reform Consultation program that is now underway and reported in the next article.
For access to this important and timely full four Part series visit the following URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-lambert-9b2a759/detail/recent-activity/posts/
2. NATIONAL SKILLS REFORM CONSULTATION IS UNDERWAY
Training Services NSW has advised that the Federal Government has embarked on a consultation process regarding its intention to immediately progress reforms in the following key areas:
- strengthening the role of industry and employers
- improving VET qualifications
- raising the quality of training
It should be noted that all Australian Governments have agreed (both at the national and state and territory level) have agreed to immediately progress these reforms. The Government website states, “These reforms are the next step in improving Australia’s VET system, building on previous consultations and feedback received from across the sector.
We are asking for your views on how to improve the VET system. There will be multiple opportunities for you to provide your feedback, views and thoughts on improving VET. This will include discussion papers, workshops and online surveys. We will continue to update this page with opportunities to engage in the coming weeks and months.
To receive updates on these opportunities and skills reform more broadly, register below.
REGISTER HERE” (this link will help you subscribe to the Skills Reform email distribution list to receive updates and information on Skills Reform)
Other themes being covered include:
It is understood Skills Ministers will consider the feedback from stakeholders to inform future arrangements for the VET sector. To receive updates on the opportunities and skills reform more broadly, you can register on a mailing list through the Engagement Hub.
“Have your Say
Have your say through the Skills Reform Engagement Hub: www.dese.gov.au/skills-reform-consultation
The Engagement Hub is a central location to stay informed, be engaged and provide feedback throughout the consultation process. Consultations through the Engagement Hub will take place via discussion papers, surveys and online workshops.
Developing the new National Skills Agreement
In July 2020, all Australian governments signed a Heads of Agreement for Skills Reform. The Heads of Agreement sets out reforms to improve the VET sector and an approach and priorities for developing a new National Skills Agreement to replace the National Agreement on Skills and Workforce Development by August 2021.”
For more information visit the URL: https://www.dese.gov.au/skills-reform-consultation
3. NCVER PUBLICATIONS – VET QUALIFICATION COMPLETION RATES 2018
NCVER has released its latest report on VET qualifications rates. This important statistical report is worthy of review and helps develop understanding of the completion rates for nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) qualifications; namely training package qualifications and accredited qualifications, at certificate I or above.
This report provides a forecast of completion rates for VET qualifications commenced between 2015 and 2018 at certificate I or above. Completion rates are projected for the first 3 years, with actual rates available from the fourth year on.
Highlights of the completion rates for VET qualifications commencing in 2015, the first year for which observed actual rates are available, were:
- 41.4% for all qualifications
- 42.0% for training package qualifications
- 35.7% for accredited qualifications
- 30.0% for qualifications at certificate I
- 36.1% for qualifications at diploma or higher
- 46.6% for government-funded qualifications undertaken by domestic students
- 33.5% for fee-for-service qualifications undertaken by domestic students
- 58.3% for fee-for-service qualifications undertaken by international students.
- By level of education, completion rates were highest for certificate IV qualifications (47.0%) followed by certificate III (44.5%).
To download a copy of the report visit the following link: VET QUALIFICATION COMPLETION RATES 2018
4. SMART AND SKILLED UPDATE NO. 122 – 11 DEC 2020
https://www.uensw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Smart-and-Skilled-Update-No-122-11-December-2020.pdfSmart and Skilled Update No. 122 (attached) – 11 December 2020, covers the following:
- VET Student Outcomes Snapshots published today
Visit the Smart and Skilled qualification prices (Skilling for Recovery) following links:
Version 11.2
Smart and Skilled qualification prices, student fees, and additional payments over and above the subsidy (known as “loadings”):
- Smart and Skilled: Prices and fees – v11.2 [Pdf]
- Smart and Skilled: Prices and fees – v11.2 [Excel]
Skilling for Recovery – Priority Part Qualifications List (Version 2.1)
- Priority Part-Qualifications – v2.1 2/12/2020 [Pdf] Version 2.0
- Priority Part-Qualifications – v2.1 2/12/2020 [Excel] Version 2.0
For more information visit: https://www.training.nsw.gov.au/smartandskilled/index.html
Or, for technical support in relation to this update, contact Training Market Customer Support at Training.Market@det.nsw.edu.au.
5. DRAFT ASQA COMPLIANCE POLICY AND UNDERTAKINGS TO REMEDY FEEDBACK
https://www.uensw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Consultation-Paper-Draft-ASQA-Compliance-Policy-and-undertakings-to-remedy.pdfReminder to submit feedback to the ASQA consultation feedback process on its ‘Draft Compliance Policy and Undertakings to remedy feedback’.
“The draft ASQA Compliance Policy describes what a provider can expect from ASQA if we identify a non-compliance, and the range of regulatory tools we will use to ensure the provider addresses the non-compliance and has systems to monitor and ensure ongoing compliance.”
Consultation paper
Between 25 November 2020 and 10 January 2021, ASQA is seeking feedback from stakeholders on the draft ASQA Compliance Policy and undertakings to remedy through a consultation paper. The purpose of this consultation paper is to:
- Introduce the draft ASQA Compliance Policy as a key document to describe our approach to compliance responsibilities. It forms part of the ASQA Regulatory Risk Framework (which will be updated to reflect changes to our approach).
- Explore a new component of our regulatory toolkit that we are introducing from April 2021, called ‘undertakings to remedy’. We are working with the sector to co-design this component, and the guidance information that will support its use.
- This consultation paper describes the proposed features of our approach toward undertakings to remedy, and seeks stakeholder feedback on some key questions.
Submitting feedback
You can submit your feedback on our compliance policy consultation paper via an online form. There are 11 questions in total, and responses can be submitted until midnight, 10 January 2021.
https://www.asqa.gov.au/working-together/asqas-approach-compliance-consultation/submit-your-feedback
6. AIS STAKEHOLDER SURVEY 2020
Australian Industry Standards (AIS) advises that it is conducting a stakeholders survey. AIS states, “At AIS we are continually striving to improve the way we meet your needs as valued stakeholders, and the needs of the industries we support.
To this end, we have developed a survey designed to help inform best practice in our work.
It would be greatly appreciated if you could take around 10-15 minutes to complete the survey via the button below.”
The survey will remain open until close of business on Friday, 22 January 2021.
7. HAZARDS OF WORKING IN HEAT AND IN AIR POLLUTION
SafeWork Australia has released its latest advice in relation to working in heat and in air pollution. It states it n latest newsletter, that, “working in heat and/or in air pollution can be hazardous and can cause harm to workers in both indoor and outdoor work environments.”
Further it reminds us that, “Employers must take precautions this summer and know the risks of working in heat and/or air pollution and protect worker health and safety.
Over the 10 years from 2009-10 to 2018-19p, there were 1,774 workers’ compensation claims resulting from working in heat.
1,679 of these claims were from working in the sun
- 940 of these claims were cancer-related
- 441 of these were claims regarding heat stroke or heat stress
- 95 of these claims were from working in hot indoor conditions”
SafeWork Australia also provided a host of accessible and downloadable working in heat resources at the following links:
- Managing the risk of working in heat fact sheet – describes how to identify, assess and control hazards relating to working in heat.
- Working in heat FAQs on our website – addressing the most frequently asked questions relating to working in heat.
- Working in heat infographic – provides a quick reference guide on ways to control risks.
- Checklist for managing the risks of heat in the workplace – provides a list of risks to consider when managing and controlling the risks caused by working in heat.
- Guide for managing the risks of working in heat – provides information on how to manage heat risks and what to do if a worker begins to suffer from a heat-related illness.
- First aid for heat-related illness – provides advice and guidance on providing first aid to someone experiencing a heat-related illness.
- Guide on exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation – provides practical guidance for managing health and safety risks associated with exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR).
- Heat and work injury prevention – a shared responsibility – an expert panel discussing key issues on heat and work injury (video).
- Working in heat – videos demonstrating how four different organisations manage the risks and hazards of illness and injury associated with working in heat.
SafeWork Australia provide further advice on contacting your, “your WHS regulator” for guidelines specific to your jurisdiction.
It includes resources that can be accessed and downloaded in relation to air pollution/bushfire smoke:
- Bushfire smoke infographic – information about how to prepare for working in bushfire smoke.
- Managing the risks from air pollution: Advice for PCBUs – provides information about managing the WHS risks.
- Working outside webpage – provides information on air quality including working near bushfires.
SafeWork Australia recommends you contact your WHS regulator for guidelines specific to your jurisdiction.
8. ACROSS THE DITCH PROSECUTIONS OF ELECTRICAL WORK
Our friends across the ditch have been very busy guarding their jurisdiction on matters of electrical safe work practices. Electron Issue 105, a publication of the New Zealand Electrical Workers Registration Board cites in its December release of a prosecution that ensued on 16 September 2020. The article is restated here and the relevant URL link in provided there after.
“Prosecutions: Electrical Workers Registration Board v Mr MP
On 16 September 2020, in the District Court at New Plymouth Mr MP pleaded guilty before a community magistrate to one charge of carrying out prescribed electrical work when not authorised. Mr MP was the Operations and Customer Service Manager for the HRV Franchisee in Taranaki. A customer who had installed an HRV system at the property they were renting wanted a quote to move it to their new property. The quote was higher than what they were told at the time of installation. Unknown to HRV, Mr MP agreed to uninstall and reinstall the system for the cost of parts. This was performed in late May and early June 2019 and was not recorded in HRV’s record-keeping system. Mr MP was not appropriately licenced to carry out prescribed electrical work under the Electricity Act 1992. Mr MP was fined $1,000 and ordered to pay court and solicitor’s costs.
Keeping you up to date with the latest regulatory changes, exam reports, technical issues, consultation results and other issues affecting electrical workers – published December 2020.” URL Link: ELECTRON ISSUE 105
The News Letter also cites a series of other disciplinary hearings the Board conducted in July 2020 that included a “case where a Line Mechanic Distribution failed to adequately test the polarity of a mains supply. The supply had been transposed and around eight months after it was livened and a person received an electric shock.”
For more information on these important decisions and actions by the New Zealand Electrical Workers Registration Board: DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS
9. CENTRE WHS – SEEKING REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CONSTRUCTION AREA
The Centre for Work Health and Safety (WHS) advises that it is “is currently conducting research on the impact of psychosocial hazards and preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders.”
It writes in it latest email, “Professor Jodi Oakman and her team from Latrobe University have commenced a qualitative study with interviews of people working in the nominated high risk industries in small, medium and large businesses.
Latrobe would like to interview representatives from the construction area. This is a great opportunity for a HSE representative in your business to be involved and help shape the direction of the research.
Please find attached letter and information from Latrobe University, you can register your interest through the link provided.
SafeWork NSW appreciates your consideration and support in this important area.”
Attached is a copy of a letter of recruitment for the research activity: “Research Study Title: Tools, psychosocial hazards and preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders’ (WMSD)”. The recruitment letter states, “This research has been reviewed and approved by The La Trobe University Human Research Ethics Committee. If you have any complaints or concerns about the research study please email humanethics@latrobe.edu.au or phone +61 3 9479 1443 quoting the following number HEC20337.”
It also includes a further registration document (attached) related to “Managing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)”.
10. SAFEWORK NSW – CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DOMINATES OCTOBER WHS PROSECUTIONS
SafeWork NSW has released in its latest SafeWork Wrap Dec2020 information of the major prosecutions it followed through on in October 2020. It state, “During October 2020, six of the nine WHS prosecutions in NSW were against construction companies. This is reflective of prosecution trends over several years, with the construction industry accounting for the largest percentage of WHS matters before the courts.
Th e amount of prosecutions within the construction industry highlights the high-risk nature of the work and makes it clear that there is still more that construction companies can do to keep their workers safe.
The six construction companies were fined a total of $1,364,000 as a result of preventable incidents. In addition to the fines, a number of training orders were issued that require the prosecuted business’ staff to undertake WHS related training to help improve the safety culture.”
For more information visit the URL (CONSTRUCTION PROSECUTIONS) and also tune into the SafeWork NSW’s new SafetyCast’s audio files and podcasts, which deliver safety content for construction workers on site. To listen to SafetyCast, visit www.buzzsprout.com/1344256.
Download also, the latest series of the SafetyCast on “Construction Site Security” at: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1344256/6763858