AIS Newsletter September 2021

 

CEO Update

How do we prepare for the future of work? On a global scale, one-third of all jobs are likely to be transformed by technology in the next decade, according to OECD estimates. By just 2022, the World Economic Forum estimates 133 million new jobs in major economies will be created to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. As jobs evolve, so will the skills needed to perform them.

 

In Australia, the federal, state and territory governments are working to ensure it has the right mix of skills in the economy, so that all Australians will be able to benefit from the opportunities arising from the changing world of work. Industry plays a critical role in specifying the skills needed today and into the future and enhancing the industry engagement arrangements is a key focus of skills reform to prepare Australians for the future of work. With the Department of Education, Skills and Employment facilitating ongoing consultations on the immediate priority reform areas, work is truly under way to shape the future workforce in Australia and prepare Australia’s VET system for the future of work.

 

Consultations are currently underway on Qualification Reform. I encourage you to have your say.

 

To further ensure Training Packages are meeting the skills needs of workers and industry we continue to work with Industry Reference Committee’s and industry stakeholders on many projects. You can find updates in this newsletter.

 

New releases of the Maritime, and Electrotechnology Training Packages were approved by the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) on 19 August for referral to Skills Ministers for endorsement.

 

The AISC also approved 14 new Training Package development projects to address priority skills needs for the Correctional Services, Electrotechnology, Public Safety, Water, Maritime, and Rail industries.

 

My congratulations to Michael Deegan on his recent appointment as the Australian Trucking Association’s (ATA) new Chief Executive Officer. We look forward to working with Michael in his new role, as well as continuing our positive relationship with the ATA.

 

In this newsletter, the spotlight shines on the good work being done by The Australian Mariners’ Welfare Society who provide scholarships to the children of current and former seafarers looking for maritime careers.

 

Also in this newsletter, diversity and inclusion are important tenets in any industry. The Clean Energy Council, Australian Power Institute and Electrical Trades Union are committed to these principles. They invite you to participate in their survey on Workforce Diversity in the Clean Energy Sector. Be the voice of change.

 

And last, but not least, it’s awards season! State and Territory training award events are happening over the next couple of months, recognising and celebrating outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training sector. Find out in this article who was South Australia’s Large Employer of the Year and who inspired this year’s Vocational Student of the Year award winner.

 

Be safe and be well.

 

Paul Walsh

CEO

 

Charting a course for future seafarers

The Australian Mariners’ Welfare Society (AMWS) is a charitable organisation providing financial support to the Missions to Seafarers and Stella Maris missions in 39 ports around Australia. It is a successor organisation to the Sydney Sailors’ Home which opened in 1865 in the historic rocks area of Port Jackson. The AMWS offers scholarships to those undertaking maritime courses and for tall sailing ship experiences to encourage a future interest in a maritime career. It also provides subsidised apartment accommodation for Australian ex-seafarers of modest financial means, giving donations to causes helping seafarers as well as representation on relevant Councils and Committees.

 

“COVID19 has provided many challenges on many fronts to seafarers, but one bright spark, hopefully among many, has been the AMWS scholarship scheme,” said Llew Russell, Chairman of the AMWS Scholarship Committee.

 

Educational Scholarships are offered to the children of seafarers or ex-seafarers who are of low to moderate financial means and are Australian citizens or hold humanitarian visas. Seafarers are broadly defined to include those serving in the merchant navy, the Navy and the deep-sea fishing industry. These scholarships which have been offered since 2006, are now worth $3000 for each semester. Scholarships have been provided to normally two applicants who meet the criteria at the Australian Maritime College each semester but also to students at TAFE’s In Newcastle and in Fremantle.

 

In addition, along with other charitable organisations, the AMWS assists young people to undertake voyages on the Young Endeavour sailing vessel in Sydney. The Society also provides scholarships to young people aged 15 to 19 who meet the criteria to undertake voyages on tall sail training vessels in Adelaide, Fremantle and Hobart.

 

AMWS has received many letters of appreciation from past applicants which is most gratifying.

 

“Whilst the Society is not able to track future careers, there are known cases of students which have been recipients that have had a successful career in the industry. It has been a successful programme to date but much more can be done to expand it, especially to more maritime training institutions and to other industries such as the deep-sea fishing industry,” added Llew.

 

The AMWS Council is keen to promote the availability of these scholarships to encourage eligible students to apply directly to AMWS.

 

New Training Package releases approved

New releases of the Maritime, and Electrotechnology Training Packages were approved by the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) on 19 August for referral to Skills Ministers for endorsement.

 

The Industry Reference Committees with responsibility for these Training Packages developed the new and updated materials contained in these releases through the projects below to address priority skills needs and current industry practices:

 

MAR Maritime Training Package Release 8.0

 

Maritime Operations (Linesperson)

One qualification and seven Units of Competency have been revised to address the skills and knowledge required to work with highly automated line equipment and safely perform mooring and unmooring operations.

 

Dredging Operations

A new Skill Set and Unit of Competency has been drafted to address the skills and knowledge requirements for seafarers undertaking dredging operations, with a focus on safety standards.

 

UEE Electrotechnology Training Package Release 3.0

 

Variable Refrigerant Flow AC Systems

A new Unit of Competency and Skill Set have been developed to address the skills required of air-conditioning technicians engaged in to install, commission, service and maintain variable refrigerant flow air conditioning systems.

 

Emergency Lighting and Alarm Systems/Fire and Smoke Control Systems

This project developed a new Unit of Competency and Skill Set to support the skill needs of electricians engaged in the inspection, testing and maintenance of emergency lighting and alarm systems, and in the inspection, testing and repair of fire and smoke control features of mechanical services systems.

 

Renewable Technologies

This project developed a new Unit of Competency and Skill Set to support safe work practices when working with renewable technologies.

 

Advanced Diploma of Instrumentation and Control Engineering

UEE61511 Advanced Diploma of Instrumentation and Control Engineering was deleted in release 2.0 of the UEE Training Package but is being reinstated in this release due to current enrolments.

 

New Training Package development projects

Cases for Change for Training Package development, submitted by the Correctional Services, Electrotechnology, Public Safety, Maritime, Rail and Water IRCs were also approved by the AISC at its meeting in August.

 

The following projects have commenced, and Technical Advisory Committees are being formed. The projects will address priority skills needs and ensure qualifications, Skill Sets and Units of Competency reflect current technologies, industry practices, and regulations for the respective industry.

 

Correctional Services

 

Correctional Practice

This project will review two qualifications in the Correctional Services Training Package, Certificate III (30120) and Certificate IV (40120) in Correctional Practice, and 38 Units of Competency to ensure the training products continue to align with current job roles and work practices. Two new units will also be developed for the Certificate III to address skills requirements of Correctional Officers working within the courts or in the transportation/escort of offenders.

The project will also develop a Professional Wellbeing and Resilience Skill Set to address the skills and knowledge required by Correctional Officers to better identify and deal with stressful situations to protect their mental health and wellbeing.

 

Image source: Queensland Corrective Services

 

Electrotechnology

 

Hazardous Areas

The Hazardous Areas project will review two qualifications and develop 11 new Units of Competency to reflect AS/NZS4761.1:2018 Competencies for working with Electrical Equipment for Hazardous Areas (EEHA).

 

Rail Signalling

This project involves the review one qualification and 20 Units of Competency to address current rail signalling technology and contemporary industry practices and systems.

 

Electricity Meters

The Electricity Meters project will review one existing Unit of Competency, UEEEL0013 Install, set up and commission interval metering, and develop one skill set to ensure they reflect current technologies, industry requirements and work practices. The review and development of materials will incorporate legislative requirements and support installation of advanced digital meters, and the replacement of older-style basic or accumulation meters.

 

Advanced Diploma of Engineering and Technology – Electrical

The Advanced Diploma will be reviewed and five new Units of Competency developed to better reflect the intent of the qualification and needs of its target audience. These units will cover higher level theoretical concepts, which will be more appropriate for the vocational destinations of graduates.

 

Renewables

The Electrotechnology workforce need to have the necessary skills for the installation and maintenance of renewable energy technologies. This project will review and update eight qualifications and 50 Units of Competency to reflect current technologies, industry practices, regulations, and accreditation. The project is in place of the Instrumentation and Control project, which was originally approved at the AISC August meeting, as the IRC has determined that the renewables project has a higher priority for review.

 

Water

 

Water Network Maintenance

This project will develop four new Units of Competency to address specific skills for maintaining and cleaning water networks, and for non-destructive investigation of water assets.

The new units will enable operators to develop the skills and knowledge to clean and maintain water assets, as well as use new technologies to identify assets requiring repair. This will lead to quicker, cheaper and more efficient maintenance of Australia’s water reticulation networks.

 

Flood Site Operations

Four new Units of Competency will be developed to address specific skills for maintaining and cleaning water networks, and for non-destructive investigation of water assets.

The new units will enable operators to develop the skills and knowledge to clean and maintain water assets, as well as use new technologies to identify assets requiring repair. This will lead to quicker, cheaper and more efficient maintenance of Australia’s water reticulation networks.

 

Public Safety

 

Emergency Care

Five units will be reviewed to ensure alignment with changed industry guidelines and terminology. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, they will also be updated in line with community safety regulations, industry skills requirements and changing community expectations. These skills are essential to building the capability of public safety workers.

 

Emergency Management

This review will focus on the skills required to build a disaster resilient Australia. The project will review 16 Units of Competency which address essential skills and knowledge such as effective communications, teamwork, resource management, search and rescue coordination, risk management, fire investigation, causes of fires and evidence gathering.

In addition, four new Units of Competency will be developed to address human factors during response and recovery activities, community evacuations, evacuation centre management, and lessons learned management to ensure that the qualification meets updated community safety regulations, industry skills requirements and changing community expectations. These skills are essential to building the capability of public safety emergency management leaders.

 

Fire

Additional skills and training needs have been identified to improve workforce capabilities and the interoperability of fire agencies. This project will review and update three qualifications in Fire Investigation, Firefighting and Emergency Operations. In addition, three new Units of Competency will be developed to address the roles of Field Liaison Officer, Liaison Officer working with an Incident Management Team and Jurisdictional Liaison Officer working with a State Control Centre.

 

Transport & Logistics

 

Rail Traffic Pilot

The Rail industry is experiencing rapid infrastructure growth and skills development is required to ensure our rail networks remain safe for traditional and autonomous rail traffic and the community. 

This project will develop a new Unit of Competency and Skill Set for Rail Traffic Pilots, who help ensure safe, efficient, and effective rail traffic movement across rail networks.

 

Maritime 

 

Autonomous Maritime systems

The IRC has identified that the Autonomous Maritime Systems (AMS) market is experiencing a period of high growth due to the increased uptake and application of new technology by industry.

Eight new Units of Competency and three new Skill Sets will be developed to enable a national and standardised approach to training for the following emerging job roles related to Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) and Underwater Surface Vessels (USV).

 

Next AISC meeting

At its next meeting on 12 October the AISC will consider Cases for Endorsement for new releases of the Gas, ESI Generation, and Transport and Logistics Training Packages. Cases for Change for new Gas Industry Skills and Mobile Crane Operations projects will also be considered.

 

Powering Diversity in the Clean Energy Sector

The Clean Energy Council, Australian Power Institute and Electrical Trades Union are committed to the principles of inclusion, equity and diversity. Through collaboration with its members, it seeks to cultivate workplaces and an industry that are respectful of and value a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and talents. To realise this goal, it first needs to ascertain the demographic diversity of the Australian renewable energy workforce to set as a baseline for improvement.

 

As a result, it invites you to participate in the Clean Energy Council, Australian Power Institute and Electrical Trades Union’s Survey on Workforce Diversity in the Clean Energy Sector, which will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The survey will allow them to identify where systematic barriers and inequities may exist within policies and processes, and pinpoint areas that need improvement.

 

As part of its commitment to improving diversity, for every completed survey, the Clean Energy Council, Australian Power Institute and Electrical Trades Union will donate $1 to the GO Foundation (up to a maximum of $1000), and you will also be eligible to enter a competition to receive one of three one-hour mentoring sessions from renewable energy career specialists Airswift, Capstone Recruitment and NextWave Partners by providing your suggestions on what actions could be taken to improve diversity in the Australian renewable energy industry.

 

Please be advised, responses to this survey are voluntary, strictly confidential and anonymous, and the information from this survey will only be used in aggregated formats to understand the clean energy workforce and design initiatives to boost inclusiveness.

 

Complete the survey.

 

The survey will close at 5.00pm AEST Friday 17 September 2021.

 

Training season kicks off in SA!

State and Territory training award events are happening over the next couple of months, recognizing and celebrating outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training sector. Winners will go on to the Australian Training Awards to be held from Perth on 18 November.

 

Among the winners at the recent South Australian Training Awards were SA Water who took out the Large Employer of the Year Award, and Thomas Alexander who was named Vocational Student of the Year.

 

Thomas successfully completed a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) through the PEER’S VET in School program at Norwood Morialta High School.

 

“Undertaking my Certificate II course through PEER was a turning point for me,” says Thomas. “It fuelled my passion for my chosen career path and has led to my electrical apprenticeship with PEER and my host employer, Ken Hall Plumbers.”

 

“My grandfather was my inspiration to pursue a career path as an electrician,” he says. “He was an electrician who worked on projects including the Snowy Scheme, set up his own electrical business, and trained apprentices.”

 

The 2020 winner of PEER’s VET Student of the Year (Electrical), Thomas says he is excited by the infinite possibilities that await him in the future and determined to realise his dreams of running his own business in the electrical industry, while continuing to engage in lifelong learning.

 

“I am grateful for the educational opportunities and mentorship that I have received, and I look forward to sharing what I have learnt, and to fostering and mentoring others in the future,” he says.

 

SA Minister for Innovation and Skills, David Pisoni, congratulated all finalists and winners for their achievements.

 

“Now in their 25th year, it is terrific to see the South Australian Training Awards promoting the opportunities available to trainees and apprentices in South Australia and showcasing VET as a pathway of choice for our current and future workforce,” Minister Pisoni said.

 

Image source: Department for Innovation and Skills

 

Qualifications reform consultations open

The Department of Education, Skills and Employment (the department) is conducting consultations to inform work to modernise training product design, retaining and building upon the existing strengths of the vocational education and training (VET) system.

 

Feedback is being sought through a Qualifications Reform Survey on how new qualification design concepts might work in practice. The survey is open until 20 September.

 

The department is also holding two webinars to discuss qualification design concepts and provide an opportunity to ask questions about the reform and the new approach to qualification design.

 

The webinar dates and registration details are at: