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TAC UPDATE – DECEMBER 2023

As 2023 draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect on a year marked by substantial progress, innovation, and planned sector reforms. The Council extends its appreciation to all TAC regulated Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) for their ongoing commitment to learners and to the delivery of quality training and assessment through out the past year.

Over the last 12 months, the Council has implemented:

  • The Regulatory Strategy: The release of the Focus on Quality: TAC Regulatory Strategy 2023-2025 contains specific areas the Council has identified as posing the highest risks to the quality of VET and actions to monitor and minimise those risks.
  • Strategic Audits: TAC conducted two strategic audits into Units of Competency leading to High Risk Work Licences in Western Australia, and First Aid units of competency.
  • RTO and Stakeholder Surveys: The biennial RTO and Stakeholder Perceptions of Performance Survey gathered valuable feedback to guide TAC’s continuous improvement.
  • TAC Auditor Panel Refresh: the appointment of additional Auditors and Accreditation Reviewers strengthened TAC’s capacity to assess and monitor RTO performance.
  • Extensive Education Program: TAC delivered a comprehensive range of education programs, including the annual TAC Event, webinars, podcasts, and Fact Sheets.
  • Improved Online Presence: The launch of the new TAC website at wa.gov.au/tac provided stakeholders with a user-friendly platform to access essential information and resources.
  • Fit and Proper Person Requirements: Changes to the Fit and Proper Person Requirements implemented a more robust framework for ensuring the integrity and suitability of individuals involved in RTO governance.  

At the national level, the VET Sector has experienced:

  • Sector-wide Consultations: The year saw extensive consultations on the Skills Reform agenda, including Qualification Reform, Foundation Skills, and quality reform with the release of the Draft Revised Standards for RTOs and pilot activities, as well as the Blueprint for the VET Workforce.
  • Jobs and Skills Councils: The establishment of 10 new Jobs and Skills Councils responsible for workforce planning, training product development, implementation and monitoring, and industry stewardship.

As we look towards 2024, the Council remains committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver high-quality education and training outcomes that meet the needs of learners and industry.

To view full TAC update, please follow this link:  TAC News 

FEE FREE TRAINING TO HELP WOMEN INTO THE WORKFORCE

11th December 2023

Courses to support VET teaching workforce. 

The State Government has added six courses to the fee free course list for 2024, including a program to help women make a new start following a break from the workforce.

The Certificate I in New Opportunities for Women (NOW) course has been added to the fee free list in 2024, as part of the State Government’s expanded measures to support increased VET and workforce participation for under-represented groups.

The NOW course has been developed specifically to help Western Australian women, who have been out of paid employment for a long period or are considering vocational education and training (VET) pathways, to refresh and boost their skills to be job ready.

The program provides participants with the opportunity to explore various career options, build self-confidence, and gain the necessary foundation skills – such as reading, writing and maths – to progress to other VET courses or take up entry-level jobs. NOW is open to women of all ages and backgrounds and provides full-time or part-time training options with flexible hours to suit women with family responsibilities.

To further support women participating in training and the workforce, special provisions have been made to fully subsidise the resource fees associated with undertaking the course.

Additionally, the new Diploma of Vocational Education and Training and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment have been added to the fee free list for enrolments in 2024 to help grow the TAFE teaching workforce.

The qualifications will enable industry leaders, passionate about sharing their knowledge and training others, to pivot or expand their careers into teaching at TAFE.

Qualified VET teaching staff will also be able to upskill through fee free Assessor, Facilitation and Work Skill Instructor Skill Sets. This also complements the State Government’s targeted lecturer recruitment campaign to encourage industry experts into a VET teaching career through the TAFE ‘Be More’ campaign.

The new additions align with the agreed national priorities under the State Government’s new $1.34 billion National Skills Agreement with the Commonwealth Government to improve outcomes for under-represented groups and bolster the VET workforce.

To learn more about the NOW program or the other new VET teaching fee free courses, please visit jobsandskills.wa.gov.au or contact your local Jobs & Skills Centre on 13 64 64.

For more information about teaching at TAFE, visit wa.gov.au/Be-more-as-a-TAFE-lecturer.

Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk said, “Making training affordable and accessible for women who have had a break from the workforce is a key priority for our Government. We know that many people who have not engaged in the VET system require extra support to do so. Under our Government’s $1.34 billion National Skills Agreement with the Commonwealth, we are increasing our investment in TAFE training and services to help break down barriers and boost access to foundation skills training for priority groups. Adding the NOW course to the fee free list in 2024 and making special provisions to further subsidise the resource fees ensures there are no out-of-pocket training costs – providing equal access to all WA women, regardless of their economic circumstance. We hope that in making this important investment, more women can transform their lives through training and reconnect with the workforce.”

Women’s Interests Minister Sue Ellery added, “Women often face significant barriers to training and upskilling, which can be amplified when they have been out of the workforce or haven’t engaged in the workforce before. One of these barriers is often the cost, which can hold women back from participating in training, limiting their opportunities to engage in paid employment and achieve economic independence. The NOW program gives women the foundation skills, employability skills, and confidence to pursue a pathway to work or study. Removing the training costs associated with the NOW program is another way our Government is supporting WA women to be part of the workforce and thrive in our communities.”

Read the full media statement here

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