1. APPRENTICE AND TRAINEE COMMENCEMENTS UP, HIGHEST NUMBER FOR A QUARTER SINCE 2012

The NCVER webpage states, “The latest data released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows that apprentice and trainee commencements increased by 23.6% in the March quarter 2022 compared with the same quarter last year.

Commencements in non-trade occupations contributed most to the increase, with numbers 41.1% higher than the March quarter 2021. Clerical and Administrative Workers, Community and Personal Service Workers, and Sales Workers had the highest absolute commencements in non-trade occupations. Commencements in trade occupations rose by 7.8%.

The industry sectors with the largest absolute increases in commencements compared to March quarter 2021 were Accommodation (51.0%), Manufacturing (37.7%), and Administrative and Support Services (21.7%).

A total of 387 830 apprentices and trainees were in-training as at 31 March 2022, an increase of 17.1% compared with the same time last year.  …

Completions also grew nationally by 11.5% in the March quarter 2022 compared with the same quarter in 2021. Completions in trade occupations increased by 9.6% while those in non-trade occupations rose by 13.8%. By industry, the largest absolute increases in completions were in the Construction, Accommodation, and Retail Trade sectors.

READ MORE HERE

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2. GOVERNMENT RELEASES EMPLOYMENT WHITE PAPER FOR CONSULTATION

The webpage promotion of the White Paper states, “The Employment White Paper (the White Paper) will provide a roadmap for Australia to build a bigger, better-trained and more productive workforce – to boost incomes and living standards and create more opportunities for more Australians.

The White Paper will build on the outcomes of the Jobs and Skills Summit and will have an overarching focus on the objectives of full employment and productivity growth for the benefit of all Australians, along with women’s economic participation and equality.

It will explore issues, frameworks and policy approaches relevant to the future of Australia’s labour market over the medium and long term and will take into account a diverse range of perspectives from across Australia, including from representatives of civil society, unions, employers and governments.”

The Terms of Reference

RESPONDING

The Government invites public submissions covering any aspects of the Terms of Reference up until midnight 30 November 2022.

Submissions may be lodged online via the link below (preferred) or by post.

Release date: 29 September 2022

Closure date: 30 November 2022

Consultation type: Consultation Paper

Email: employmentwhitepaper@treasury.gov.au

Lodge: Lodge your submission here

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3. MINISTER DETAILS STEPS TO TACKLING CHALLENGING SKILLS AND LABOUR SHORTAGES

The Minister stated, “The Summit was a timely opportunity to focus on the tangible things we can do as a nation to ensure we have well rewarded and secure jobs for Australian workers, and workers with up-to-date skills needed by Australian businesses.

However, there are systemic issues we must tackle.

We must focus on re-building and making both TAFE and the wider vocational education sector stronger.

We need this sector to work more closely with industry on the delivery of high-quality skills businesses like yours need, relevant and up to date skills, that equip students, apprentices and trainees for work now, and in the future.

It became clear to me in the first days of my role in the Skills and Training portfolio, that one of the biggest issues for the sector is the poor completion rates for our apprentices and trainees.

Over the last decade, the proportion of people completing apprenticeships fell, with the rate now at 55.7 per cent.

Low completion rates derail potential careers, they’re costly, and deprive the economy of much-needed skills.

That’s clearly not good enough.

There is also no point in boosting the number of apprenticeships if apprentices already in the system are not properly supported and leave before they get their qualification.

We need to fix the leaks in the bucket before we turn the tap on harder.

Our focus is on investing in priority occupations and providing the support apprentices need to complete their apprenticeship – alongside support from training providers and employers.

This Government will explore options to improve the apprenticeship support system, work with you to drive up completion rates, and create more opportunities for training that delivers more secure, more rewarding jobs. …

The Prime Minister announced a $1 billion one-year National Skills Agreement at the Jobs and Skills Summit, to provide funding for 180,000 fee-free VET places in 2023, focused on TAFE, with costs shared by the states and territories on a 50:50 basis.  …

State and territories which directly fund TAFEs and community RTO providers and recommend the courses that are to be funded, but I, in consultation with my Cabinet colleagues, have established the following priorities:

• Care, including aged care, early childhood educators, health care, disability care;
• Technology and increasing digital skills;
• Hospitality and tourism;
• Construction;
• Agriculture;
• Increasing our sovereign capability in areas like manufacturing, and Defence.

For the five-year National Agreement that will commence in 2024, the government will invest significantly over the five-year period, predicated on reaching agreement with the states and territories.”

READ THE FULL SPEECH HERE

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4. MAE CAREERS PATHFINDERS SYDNEY SHOWCASE DAY FOR FEMALES

An exclusive event for female participants aged 16-64, careers advisors & influencers.

Held on location, Building S40, Horticulture Road, Hawkesbury Campus, Western Sydney University, Richmond NSW, attendees will have the opportunity to:

• meet and talk with female industry leaders involved in protected cropping, beekeeping, pollination, energy and electrotechnology industries
• gain hands-on experience
• access the latest career information & learn more about rewarding occupations
• ask questions and have them answered by industry experts
• register and reserve a place for obligation free opportunities to do work experience with local MAE industries
• free networking lunch

Showcase day participants numbers are limited and registrations are essential.

WHEN: Wednesday, 7 December 2022, 9:30 am to 2.00pm

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW FOR THIS FREE AND EXCITING EVENT

For more information contact Melissa by email mae@agrifooditab.com.au or call 0421830056; or visit the agrifooditab website

Download the flyer here

NOTE:
A MAE CAREERS PATHFINDERS SHOWCASE DAY IS ALSO BEING PLANNED FOR PARKES WITH ESSENTIAL ENERGY

WHEN: Thursday, 1 December 2022, 9:30 am to 2.00pm

For more information visit:  MAE Careers Pathfinders Showcase Day- Parkes

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5. AISC ENDORSES RELEASE 4 OF UET TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION AND RAIL SECTOR TRAINING PACKAGE

This is the fourth release of this Training Package. Date of release is 14 October 2022.

The Release 4.0 incorporates three (3) revised Qualifications, one (1) new Skill Set, four (4) new Units of Competency and 79 revised Units of Competency.  It also includes the deletion of three Qualifications, 18 Skill Sets and 35 Units of Competency.

Revised qualifications include:

• UET40422 Certificate IV in ESI – Network Systems
• UET40522 Certificate IV in ESI – Power Systems Substations
• UET60222 Advanced Diploma of ESI – Power Systems

New Skill Set:

• UETSS00054 Maintain Energised Rail Traction Networks Skill Set

Revised Units of Competency

• 79 revised Units of Competency

The revised Training Package has now been uploaded to the training.gov.au website and can be accessed as follows:

UET – Transmission, Distribution and Rail Sector (Release 4.0)

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6. RESTRICTED ELECTRICAL LICENCE (REL) ADVISORY IN THE ACT

The announcement states, “Access Canberra does not at this stage have the date that the Minister will sign the changes into law, but with delivery of the new Electrotechnology Training Package, under way it is important for ‘stakeholders’ to understand the changes we are proposing so RTO’s can plan to deliver the correct competencies.

OPTION 1: OLD ELECTRICAL TRAINING PACKAGE

1. has successfully completed one of the following units of competency in disconnect/reconnect issued within five (5) years prior to the date the application is made:
   1. UEENEEP010A Disconnect/reconnect appliances connected to low voltage installation wiring.
   1. UEENEEP012A Disconnect/reconnect composite appliances connected to low voltage installation wiring.
   1. UEENEEP014A Disconnect/reconnect water heaters connected to low voltage installation wiring.
   1. UEENEEP015A Disconnect/reconnect motors connected to low voltage installation wiring.

And

• has successfully completed one of the following units of competency within five (5) years prior to the date the application is made:
  • UEENEEP016A – Locate and Rectify Faults in Low Voltage Appliances.
  • UEENEEP017A – Locate and rectify faults in low voltage composite appliances using set procedures.
  • UEENEEP018A – Locate and rectify faults in low voltage control devices using set procedures.
  • UEENEEP019A – Locate and rectify faults in low voltage water heaters using set procedures.
  • UEENEEP020A – Locate and rectify faults in low voltage motors using set procedures.

And

• has a letter of need.

OPTION 2: CURRENT ELECTRICAL TRAINING PACKAGE

1. has successfully completed one of the following units of competency in disconnect/reconnect issued within five (5) years prior to the date the application is made:
   1. UEERL0004 Disconnect – reconnect electrical equipment connected to low voltage (LV) installation wiring.

And

• has successfully completed one of the following units of competency within five (5) years prior to the date the application is made:
  • UEERL0005 – Locate and rectify faults in low voltage (LV) electrical equipment using set procedures.

And

• where the applicant has the unit of competency UEERL0004 (Disconnect – reconnect electrical equipment connected to low voltage (LV) installation wiring) the unit of competency UEERL0001 attach cords and plugs is also required.

And

• has a letter of need.

We also wish to advise you that all students undertaking the REL course should hold an ACT Permit for the REL. This will ensure workplace evidence is collected through recognised work and where Access Canberra has issued a REL Permit, the holder meets our occupation requirements to be granted the REL once training has been completed.

• RAC and Plumbing Apprentices do not need a Permit to undertake the training as part of their apprenticeship.
• RAC and Plumbing Apprentices will not be issued the REL licence until they obtain the Cert III in their trade.

I trust this advice is suitable for you to advise on course delivery in 2022/23 and I will update you again when the new Qualifications Schedule has been signed by the Minister.”

Visit the Access Canberra website for the latest news: www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/s/

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7. FEEDBACK SOUGHT FOR NSW SKILLS LIST REVIEW METHODOLOGY

The aim of the consultation is to develop a dynamic methodology that ensures all qualifications continue to meet the needs of the labour market and achieve good student outcomes.

The Discussion paper details the Department’s new approach for selecting qualifications for government subsidy and inclusion in updating the NSW Skills List.

Training Services NSW seeks your feedback on its new approach.  The Discussion paper can be access at the following link: Skills List Review discussion paper

What is the NSW Skills List?

Qualifications on the NSW skills list are eligible for government subsidy under NSW Smart and Skilled.

The NSW Skills List includes a range of vocational qualifications to support the diverse skills needs of NSW employers.  The Skills List covers all industry sectors in NSW and includes qualifications up to Advanced Diploma.

Training Services NSW develops the NSW Skills list in consultation with industry, training providers and the community.

It enables people to make more informed choices about their training, so they can get the skills they need to get a job, advance their career or continue onto further study.

Have your say by Friday 21 October 2022

For more information email: marketdesign.implementation@det.nsw.edu.au

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8. RELEASE OF HOTLINE SURVEY OF ADULT LITERACY AND NUMERACY PROVIDERS

The first is a research report, Insights from the classroom – a survey of adult literacy providers.  

This report provides a summary of outcomes from our national survey of adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy (LND) needs. The survey was completed by adult literacy and numeracy teachers, trainers, tutors and managers offering LND programs and services. The research provides a snapshot of the significant unmet needs identified across Australia and the barriers experienced by both providers and learners in accessing these programs. Survey respondents also gave valuable insights into what works best for adult literacy learners.

Findings include:

• 82% of respondents identified one or more barriers to offering/delivering LND programs
• 85% of respondents identified one or more barriers for learners

The second is a new free resource Reader friendly communication: A guide to using plain language.  It explores how to

• use plain language
• understand your readers
• design your message
• present your information in different ways to reach as many people as possible.

The Guide also includes case studies of those in government, education and community organisations currently providing great models to make their communications more reader friendly.  Open this link, Listen to Jo Medlin, to hear the President of the Australian Council for Adult Literacy describe the guide.

For more information visit the Reading Writing Hotline – www.readingwritinghotline.edu.au/

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9. ARC SUMMER CAMPAIGN ADDS TV TO THE MIX

The Media Release states, “ARC’s annual Summer Campaign has added TV commercials to its media mix in order to take the “look for the tick” message to even more consumers through more channels.

Each year the campaign helps to direct people who are looking for air conditioning services to contact the licensed technicians in their local area.

This year’s campaign began at the start of October with the proven mix of Google Search, Google Display, Facebook Lead Ads and Facebook Website Click Ads.

But now it also includes animated TV commercials on YouTube and Connected TV.

ARC chief executive officer Glenn Evans said Connected TV added another dimension to a campaign which last year made 200,000 phones ring with enquiries about air conditioning and refrigeration servicing and installations. …

The Summer Campaign runs for five months to the end of February, with the Google and Facebook images based on stills from the TV commercials.”

See the commercial for home air conditioning here: https://youtu.be/hpQbZ-w8wTg

For more information contact Greg Shoemark on 0412 577 526 or gshoemark@arctick.org

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10. CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CALLS FOR FAIR ACCESS TO STANDARDS

The article states, “The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has commended Master Electricians Australia (MEA) for hosting an important industry forum with the support of the Electrical Trades Union of Australia (ETU), and several leading national construction industry organisations to discuss serious concerns potentially affecting anyone reliant upon access to Australian Standards.

Every day, millions of Australians are kept safe across multiple industry sectors, consumer products and transport systems as a result of the work done by Standards Australia.

On the 100th anniversary of Standards Australia, 12 October 2022, the industry convened not in celebration, but to jointly request that Standards Australia not proceed with planned increases to commercial arrangements for access to their legislated standards without further consultation with the industry.

Standards Australia have advised members of the electrical industry that changes will be made to future Licence Agreements, arguing current agreements are now considered well below the value of the content and a new structure is intended to be introduced to ensure Standards Australia’s commercial viability.

…

Despite this, it is understood the cost to access these critical standards may be at a level the already struggling sector will not be in a position to afford.

“The construction industry has already been among the hardest hit by current economic conditions including skilled labour shortages, exorbitant material price rises, delayed payments and construction company collapses,” NECA chief executive Oliver Judd says.

READ MORE HERE

It might be recalled that the Senate’s Economics References Committee inquiry into “Non-conforming building products: the need for a coherent and robust regulatory regime”, December 2018 (ISBN 978-1-76010-877-9) at page xiii and page 55 – “Recommendation 8:

4.40 The committee strongly recommends that the Australian Government consider making all Australian Standards freely available.”

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11. HIA – SUPPORT FOR TRADE TRAINING CAN MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE

The article states, “The Housing Industry Association (HIA) says that increased support for training in the building and construction industry can make a real difference. It adds that funding arrangements put in place during the pandemic have proven their worth in increasing the uptake of building trade training.

“The incentives have clearly been instrumental in generating employment and training opportunities during the last few years. Those arrangements concluded in the middle of this year although the final months saw the strongest uptake,” HIA executive director, industry policy, Geordan Murray says.

“The latest release of apprenticeship and training data by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows very strong numbers of workers commencing training in the construction industry.”

Geordan adds that 17,165 apprentices commenced an apprenticeship in the construction industry in the March quarter of 2022. This was 35% higher than in the comparable period prior to the pandemic.

“There has been rapid growth in the number of apprentices in training over the last few years. There are now 111,800 construction apprentices in training which compares to 83,400 immediately prior to the pandemic, an increase of 34%,” he explains.

READ MORE HERE

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12. FAULTY ELECTRICAL CONNECTION CAUSES ICE MACHINE FIRE

The dangerous incident, IncNot0043142 categorised as ‘fire or explosion’ in an ‘underground metals’ environment.  The article states, “An ice machine located near an underground crib room caught fire due to a faulty electrical connection. The fire was extinguished with a hand-held fire extinguisher.” 

Recommended advice to the industry by the Regulator was, “Mine operators must have documented life-cycle maintenance strategies for plant and ensure that maintenance is undertaken in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular inspections and testing must be carried out on all equipment.”

READ MORE HERE

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13. ELECTRICIAN SUFFERS FRACTURED FINGER IN ROLLER INCIDENT

The dangerous incident, IncNot0043177 occurred in an ‘underground coal’ environment and was reported in the 14 Oct 2022 Weekly Incident Summary.  The article states, “An electrician was cleaning a proxy sensor on a conveyor roller when their finger was caught between the sensor and the roller. The worker suffered a fractured finger, lost the fingernail and suffered soft tissue damage. The injury required surgery.”

Recommended advice to the industry by the Regulator was, “Workers should never place their hands or fingers near rotating components. When a task involves working near rotating components, the equipment must be isolated first.

READ MORE HERE

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14. ASSESSMENT PROGRAM – ELECTRICAL ENERGY METALLIFEROUS MINES AND TIER-1 QUARRIES

It states in the Fact Sheet, “Electrical energy is a hazard which can occur within various mining environments and can potentially cause serious and/or fatal injuries to workers if not controlled effectively. This fact sheet is primarily based on the critical controls for electrical energy risks within the metalliferous and quarry sectors and should be considered by mine operators when assessing the risk at their operation.

As a result, the Resources Regulator is commencing a program of planned inspections and targeted assessments which will be focussing on the below criteria and ensuring compliance across the metalliferous and quarry industries in NSW.

• Identify electrical service
• Energy isolation
• Basic electrical protection
• Reduced voltage
• Switchgear design
• Fault protection
• Shelter from lightning
• Earthing

Mines should consider the above criteria as a minimum and ensure that such information is included within their respective principal hazard management plans and associated documentation.

Oher relevant safety alerts and bulletins published by the NSW Resources Regulator:

• SB22-11 Photovoltaic and battery energy supply systems and their connection to a mine electrical system
• SB20-03 Electric shocks in the mining industry
• SB18-13 Alternators and IS equipment
• SB17-04 Uninterruptible power supply installations at mines
• SA15-03 Electrician injured after making contact with live high voltage conductor

DOWNLOAD THE FACT SHEET HERE

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15. VOTE IN FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA BOARD ELECTION 2022

The number of positions available exceeded the number required, resulting in the need to conduct a ballot.  To be eligible to vote, a voter must represent, or must be, a current member of Fire Protection Association Australia (FPAA).

To vote, respective members will have received a voting URL for the election. Nominees on the ballot are:

1. Ben Parkhill
2. Douglas White
3. Glen Gugliotti
4. Stuart Yarnall
5. Gerard Mignone
6. Leigh Gesthuizen
7. Russell Porteous
8. Benjamin Douglas Peters
9. Tess Wardle
10. Robert (Bob) Grieve
11. Brett Ryan

Of note is that Ben Peters from has been nominated as one of the candidates running in the election.  Some industry stakeholders would recognise the name, as Ben has been involved in training support at Superior Training Centre (STC) and Electrotechnology/Mechanical Services industry for a considerable time.  If you are a FPAA member and know Ben, you may wish to discuss the nomination accordingly, with him directly, before voting in the election.

Voting opened at 5.00pm (AEDT) on Monday 10 October 2022, until 5.00pm (AEDT) on Monday, 24 October 2022.

All enquiries concerning the election should be directed to Nick Koerbin at AES on telephone 0418 568 093 or elections@fpaa.com.au

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16. NSW REVIEWING SAFETY RULES FOR AMMONIUM NITRATE STORAGE

The article states, “Acting head of SafeWork, Andrew Gavrielatos said the consultation period is now open on a proposal to introduce mandatory separation distances between ammonium nitrate facilities and surrounding infrastructure, to add an extra level of protection for communities and workers.

“NSW has a strong multi-agency regulatory regime for the storage of explosives and explosive precursors like ammonium nitrate. This proposal would strengthen that regime and raise NSW safety standards to the same level as other Australian states,” Gavrielatos said.

“Although there is unlikely to be an incident at an ammonium nitrate facility, international incidents such as the explosion in Beirut two years ago show that the consequences can be catastrophic when ammonium nitrate is stored too close to residential, industrial, and other public infrastructure.

“This ‘Have Your Say’ proposes to strengthen an already robust regulatory framework and ensure clarity and consistency for industry.”

Under NSW legislation all storage of ammonium nitrate requires a licence from SafeWork NSW.”

Consultations close on November 3, 2022

READ MORE HERE

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17. ENERGYCO RELEASES DRAFT NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY FOR NSW

The Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) is the Infrastructure Planner for the first five NSW Renewable Energy Zones set out in the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act 2020. It coordinates where the generation, long duration storage and firming capacity will be built.

EnergyCo is responsible for planning the location of Renewable Energy Zones and contracting and overseeing the suppliers delivering the transmission network infrastructure required to connect the generation built in Renewable Energy Zones to the electricity grid.

In its role, EnergyCo advised on the 30 Sep 2022 that it had released its Draft Network Infrastructure Strategy for NSW. 

The webpage states, “The Draft NIS provides further information about the delivery and coordination of NSW REZ transmission network infrastructure, downstream network augmentations and network connections for large-scale renewable energy and storage projects.

In the Draft NIS, EnergyCo has deliberately put forward ideas to stimulate feedback which will be used to shape the Final NIS – expected to be released in 2023.

• Download the Draft Network Infrastructure Strategy
• Download the Draft Network Infrastructure Strategy snapshot
• Download the Draft Network Infrastructure Strategy appendices

For more information, visit Network Infrastructure Strategy for NSW

CONSULTATION

EnergyCo welcomes input on the Draft NIS. We have crafted a series of questions to help stakeholders form submissions over the consultation period included below. To provide feedback on the Draft NIS, please send your submission to contact@energyco.nsw.gov.au.

The consultation period closes on Friday 28 October 2022.

EnergyCo will also be hosting a webinar on Thursday 13 October 2022 to provide a better understanding of the draft strategy and an opportunity to give feedback.”

Click here to register for the draft NIS webinar

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18. SHELL JV UNVEILS PLAN FOR “ONE OF THE BIGGEST” BIG BATTERIES IN NSW

The article states, “A joint venture between Ampyr Energy and global oil giant Shell will develop one of the biggest batteries yet proposed for New South Wales; a 500MW/1,000MWh facility that will be used to “smooth the grid” in the state’s Central West.

Ampyr Australia, the local arm of Singapore-based outfit Ampyr Energy says it has agreed with Shell Energy Australia to jointly develop, own and operate the battery energy storage system in Wellington.

Once operational, Shell Energy will hold the rights to charge and dispatch energy from the BESS.

The 500MW, two-hour Wellington BESS – which Ampyr says has been under development for more than 18 months – will connect to the TransGrid Wellington substation.

Ampyr says it will complement the existing and proposed pipeline of renewables projects in the Central West Orana REZ, smooth fluctuations in electricity supply, and provide system security and other network services.

Full speed ahead on shift to renewables, storage

The new battery plans come little more than a week after NSW launched the first in a series of renewable energy and energy storage auctions to replace the state’s retiring coal-fired power stations.

The historic tender, launched alongside the landmark NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, marked the first of a 10-year schedule of rolling tenders that are expected to incentivise around $32 billion in private capital. …

See RenewEconomy’s Big Battery Storage Map of Australia

READ MORE HERE

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19. RELIABLE AND EVER MORE RENEWABLE – AER STATE OF THE ENERGY MARKET 2022 REPORT

The article states, “The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has recently released its annual State of the Energy Market report, providing an overview of each part of Australia’s energy sector. The report finds that network charges are at their lowest levels in a decade, consumers continue to benefit from improving reliability, and that the grid is rapidly heading to a more interconnected, and distributed future which looks different from the recent past.

Network charges lowest in a decade

As shown in Figure 1 below, a typical residential electricity retail bill is made up several cost components – the wholesale costs of electricity, network costs for transporting electricity, environmental scheme costs, and retail costs and margin.

Electricity network charges typically account for 40-50% of customer electricity retail bills. Crucially, network charges are the lowest they’ve been in over 10 years, which has helped mitigate some of the pressure on the retail bills that customers are increasingly faced with.

AER 2022 State of the Energy Market Report

Reliability continuing to improve

Even with networks costs down, reliability is still improving, highlighting how the AER’s incentive-based system is delivering for customers.

…

A distributed energy future

Renewable energy generation continues to grow with renewable output in the national electricity market (NEM) accounting for 25% of total grid generation in 2021. Rooftop solar is also achieving new milestones with energy generation across the NEM reaching 10GW in December 2021. Rooftop solar has a capacity of 14GW as of January 2022, making it the second largest fuel type after black coal.

…

As demonstrated in the AER’s report, networks have continued to improve reliability despite the ever-changing composition of energy in Australia. Moreover, this has been done while average network charges have declined, highlighting that in a time of dynamic market changes networks continue to be the most stable part of the energy supply chain.

READ MORE HERE

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