The recent release of the Vocational Education Training (VET) Qualifications Register for Secondary Students for the 2024 school year coincides with a period within the school system when students are considering or have already identified career options, particularly pathways for years 11 and 12. Having recently navigated this space as a parent, I am acutely aware that this can be a confusing and challenging time for both students and parents.
Whilst the recent conversation around Vocational Education and Training (VET) tend to focus on the enrolments, completions and employment outcomes, in addition to this CSWA also like to focus on the stories and the impact training can have on individuals, organisations and communities. Access to meaningful and attainable VET training can change lives by giving individuals confidence and choices that they may not have thought possible.
The recent release of the McGowan Government’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Regional Workforce Action Plan presents an opportunity to further highlight the challenges currently facing the sector and more importantly explore potential solutions. This includes the expansion of the ECEC Job Ready program and providing some clarity around migration pathways.
When undertaking consultations with industry stakeholders, one of the most common comments we hear is how confusing it can be to navigate the training options available, including when looking to engage trainees. As part of our role in promoting vocational training to our sector, we aim to reduce this confusion and help connect the dots to make the process smoother.
https://mailchi.mp/3a80de5e80f8/cswa-newsletter-aug-17047961
During the month of March, we celebrated International Women’s Day and as such I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the incredible work of our small team of women at CSWA. Not only are they highly competent and knowledgeable, but they are also incredibly passionate and what unites us is a commitment to making a difference.
Read our full newsletter below:
https://mailchi.mp/bde87d7680df/cswa-newsletter-aug-17023505
The CSWA team are currently immersed in compiling WA Jobs, Education, and Training (WAJET) survey responses for submission to the Department of Training and Workforce Development and I want to thank those who took the time to complete the survey. We are acutely aware of how time-consuming surveys can be however once again this information is incredibly valuable in informing advocacy for training and workforce strategies on behalf of our sectors. Over the coming weeks, the team will continue to undertake qualitative research and I would encourage anyone who has information they seek to have included, to contact the CSWA team.
Happy New Year to all our readers, though, like most of you, I’m wondering where January went. We anticipate another busy year ahead and look forward to working with key stakeholders to continue to achieve real outcomes for our sectors that support workforce development. This will include, among other things, continuing to promote training initiatives established in 2022, such as Community Health and Wellbeing Pre-Traineeship, Integrating Mental Health Practice Skill Set, Community Support Skill Set, and Early Childhood, and Ageing and Disability Job Ready Programs.
https://mailchi.mp/6fa855f825ee/cswa-newsletter-aug-16997073
On behalf of the Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD), Community Skills WA (CSWA) is undertaking the WA Jobs, Education and Training (WAJET) survey for 2023. The purpose of this survey is to understand the skill needs in Western Australia and the various pathways available to meet these skill needs. The WAJET survey will be used to inform the development of the State Priority Occupations List (SPOL), WA Skilled Migration List (WASMOL), Graduate Occupation List (GOL), Priority Industry Qualifications List (PIQL) and other training priorities for the State.
To identify the skill needs of industry, the WAJET Survey 2023 has been developed to seek your input on the following:
Please help us continue to advocate for and develop strategies to support workforce development across the Community Services, Health and Education sectors in WA, by completing the relevant survey below.
Surveys close on 21 February 2023 at 5pm.
Note: For your convenience, please complete the survey on a desktop computer rather than a smartphone device.
Early Childhood Education and Care
Intensive Care Ambulance Paramedics
The recent announcement of 18,800 free training places represents a significant opportunity for our sectors to engage with Vocational Education and Training (VET), especially given the allocation of 8500 places for the care sector. While many of the qualifications and skill sets were already on the Lower fees, local skills list, the signing of the new 12-month skills agreement with the Commonwealth will ensure funding is maintained and access to free training is expanded throughout the community.
https://mailchi.mp/6fa855f825ee/cswa-newsletter-aug-16997073
According to the most recent available data, 774,000 children aged 0-14 years lived in poverty in 2017-18, accounting for 1 in 6 Australian children. Poverty has an impact on young people’s dreams and aspirations, and these statistics are confronting and unacceptable.
Reducing child poverty requires advocacy to ensure the development of a range of strategies and policy changes, especially in light of rising living costs. While CSWA can continue to support the advocacy and effect change through training strategies that create pathways and build capacity, the symposium highlighted the impact of one of our current projects.
https://mailchi.mp/7ef93691e81a/cswa-newsletter-aug-16605541
During the last month, the Community Skills WA team has remained focused on the implementation of Job Ready Programs for both Early Childhood Education & Care and Ageing & Disability. We will be organising and participating in several forums throughout regional Western Australia over the coming months, to discuss the community health workforce and opportunities to build capacity including amongst the existing workforce.
https://mailchi.mp/6cc389be63cf/cswa-newsletter-aug-16601553
Ahead of the National Jobs and Skills Summit in Canberra on 1st and 2nd September, Community Skills had the opportunity to provide input to the Department of Training and Workforce Development and other peak submissions.
https://mailchi.mp/5745610196ad/cswa-newsletter-aug-16529881
