1. MORE THAN A MILLION STUDENTS ENROLLED IN GOVERNMENT-FUNDED VET
TAFE Directors Australia also reports in its latest (18 July 2022), TDA Newsletter of the NCVER report recently released more than a million students enrolled in government-funded VET.
The article states, “A total of 1.25 million students were enrolled in government-funded vocational education and training (VET) in 2021, up by 5% compared with 2020.
More than half (52.2%) of enrolments were delivered by TAFE.
The vast majority of students (95.9%) were enrolled in in nationally recognised training. Of those enrolled in nationally recognised training, most (80.4% or 963,900) were undertaking training package qualifications.
NCVER Managing Director Simon Walker said the largest absolute increase was in qualifications (up 82,000 students or 8.6%), while the largest decline was in skill sets (down 21,100 students or 12.1%).
“Student enrolments increased most in the Community Services, Construction, Health, Automotive, Business Services and Electrotechnology training packages, clustered within Certificate III to Diploma level programs,” Mr Walker said.”
The NCVER “Government-funded students and courses 2021” report also highlights the NSW comparison between 2021 and 2020 as follows – New South Wales:
In 2021, 448 400 students were enrolled in government-funded vocational education and training (VET). They included 419 400 students enrolled in nationally recognised training and 56 900 students enrolled in non-nationally recognised training.
- students numbers decreased by 1.9% to 448 400
- full-year training equivalents (FYTEs) increased by 2.0% to 139 900
- students enrolled in nationally recognised VET decreased by 2.3% to 419 400
- students enrolled in nationally recognised programs increased by 5.8% to 347 400
- students enrolled in stand-alone nationally recognised subjects increased by 9.1% to 9 600
- students enrolled in non-nationally recognised training increased by 6.6% to 56 900.
An estimated 8.3% of the Australian resident population aged 15 to 64 years participated in government-funded VET in New South Wales in 2021.
From 2017 to 2021:
- student numbers increased by 14.7% to 448 400.
2. ESI TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION AND RAIL TRAINING PACKAGE VALIDATION
Australian Industry Standards (AIS) has advised that the ESI Transmission, Distribution and Rail Industry Reference Committee, its Technical Advisory Committee has considered all stakeholder feedback and revised draft Training Package materials for the Powerline Safety project.
A new Unit of Competency has been drafted to address the skills and knowledge required by non-Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) workers to work safely around electrical powerlines.
This will enable the education and build awareness of non-ESI workers across industries about the risks and hazards associated with working around electrical powerlines.
The ESI Transmission, Distribution and Rail IRC is seeking your feedback to validate this draft unit to ensure the proposed product meet industry needs.
Detailed mapping information, tracking changes to the existing Training Package, is also available to view.
VIEW DRAFT MATERIALS AND SUBMIT FEEDBACK
Submit your feedback by close of business Tuesday, 2 August 2022.
For more information on this project, please contact the Industry Skills Manager, Erin Knudsen, on M: 0418 434 302 | E: erin.knudsen@aistnds.org.au
3. UEE TRAINING PACKAGE ASSESSMENT CONDITION UPDATE (UEE RELEASE 3.2)
Australian Industry Standards (AIS) has provided a brief update on progress of addressing a series of issues in the units of competency in the UEE30820 – Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician qualification.
The report advises that AIS with the support of the Electrotechnology Industry Reference Committee (IRC) have been working for some time on identifying critical amendments required to the Assessment Conditions of a number of UEE Electrical units of competency to address concerns of some stakeholders. AIS has now received approval from DESE to publish the final drafts of the effected units via a minor update (Release 3.2 of the UEE Training package).
AIS expect to publish this update on training.gov.au (TGA) sometime in the next week. At the same time AIS under the guidance of the Electrotechnology Industry Reference Committee (IRC) will use the opportunity to fix some technical/typographical errors that don’t impact or affect outcomes which have been identified in a few of the units (e.g. there is a performance criteria numbering error in element 2 of UEEEL0025).
Electrotechnology stakeholders and relevant RTOs, will be advised shortly the update, as soon as it is published on TGA.
For more information on this project, please contact the Industry Skills Specialist, Paul Humphreys, on M: 0429 670 588 | E: paul.humphreys@aistnds.org.au
4. GAS DISTRIBUTION TRAINER & ASSESSOR JOB IN SYDNEY
EnerTrain a highly respected RTO actively supporting the Gas Transmission and Distribution industries in VIC, NSW, TAS, SA & QLD has a position available for a Gas Distribution Trainer & Assessor.
They require an experienced gas industry operator with a Construction and/or Repair & Maintenance background, to take on the role of an industry trainer & assessor. This person must be passionate and enthusiastic about supporting the development of industry personnel.
The role will involve the following:
- Delivering gas industry training programs face to face
- Conducting assessments in a training environment and on site
- Conducting online sessions via Microsoft Teams
- Industry engagement with key stakeholders, to ensure training program and trainer knowledge currency
- Regional and interstate travel
The position is fulltime.
To apply or seek more details, visit the following link: GAS DISTRIBUTION TRAINER & ASSESSOR JOB
5. WORLDSKILLS REVEALS PLAN FOR ‘SPECIAL EDITION’ GLOBAL COMPETITION
TAFE Directors Australia also reports in its latest (18 July 2022), TDA Newsletter that “WorldSkills has announced the arrangements for a unique “Special Edition” format for the international skills competition that will replace WorldSkills Shanghai 2022 which was cancelled due to the pandemic.
A total of 15 countries across Europe, North America, and East Asia will host 61 international skill competitions between September and November.
The WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition (WSC2022SE) will see 1,000 competitors from 58 countries and regions participate.
WorldSkills Australia has announced the opening of entries for a series of regional competitions that will culminate in the WorldSkills International Competition in Lyon, France in 2024.”
The 2022 Special Edition competition will harness the expertise and resourcefulness of the WorldSkills global network to host the official skill competitions. Official WorldSkills Medals will be awarded, and Competitors will be called WorldSkills Champions.
“We are delighted by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the WorldSkills Members and Partners to ensure that our Competitors have an international WorldSkills experience in 2022,” said Chris Humphries, President and Chair of the Board. “We know that WorldSkills Competitions have a positive impact showcasing and motivating more young people to develop their technical and vocational skills. This will still provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Competitors and benchmarking for Members. Accordingly, we are so pleased to be able to deliver a special edition Competition in 2022.”
6. 2022 INDUSTRY OUTLOOK IDENTIFIES FIVE MEGATRENDS IMPACTING ENERGY & UTILITIES
Australian Industry Standards (AIS) has released the 2022 Energy and Utilities Industry Outlook that identifies five megatrends impacting these industries. Strategic planning and workforce development are among the keys to meeting the challenges and opportunities presented by these megatrends.
The Outlook focuses on the energy and utilities industries that AIS supports. These are Electrotechnology; Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) Generation; ESI Transmission, Distribution and Rail; Gas; and Water. The energy and utilities industries that Australian Industry Standards (AIS) supports make significant contributions to Australia’s economic prosperity. Together, they employ over 465,000 people, generating an annual revenue of over $165 billion in 2021-22.
The Industry Outlook is based on extensive research and consultation with Industry Reference Committees (IRC) representing these sectors. It provides an overview of each sector and presents a whole-of-industry view about the opportunities and challenges for the workforce and skills development necessary to meet industry needs.
The report is a snapshot of a continually evolving story that is intended to alert and inform a wide audience and enhance the industry’s capacity to act on workforce development initiatives. It also looks at the significant contributions of the energy and utilities industries to Australia’s economic prosperity.
The 2022 Energy & Utilities Industry Outlook can be found here: DOWNLOAD THE INDUSTRY OUTLOOK HERE
“The federal government’s plans for renewable energies are projected to drive $76 billion of investments, creating 604,000 jobs with five out of six new jobs in regional Australia.”
7. UPCOMING PD FOR TAFE TEACHERS, TRAINERS AND ASSESSORS – 2 AUGUST 2022
On Target Work Skills is holding a special webinar on competency-based training and assessment in August 2022. It is part of a PD Webinar for the VET Development Centre (VDC).
The title of this 3-hour webinar is, ‘How to design competency-based training and assessment’.
Alan Maguire, Principal Consultant at On Target Work Skills has created a webinar rich in content. It is content that is practical. And it is content that has been used and proven to work. Four topic areas shall be covered:
Topic 1. Competency-based training
Topic 2. Clustering units
Topic 3. Competency-based assessment
Topic 4. Integrated assessment.
Go to the VDC website for more information or to register.
Alan provides a sneak preview of some of the PowerPoint slides that he has developed for the ‘How to design competency-based training and assessment’ webinar. This virtual workshop will cover designing competency-based training, clustering units, designing competency-based assessment, and integrated assessment.
There is a charge for the event, but the information and return on investment, given Alan’s 35+ years’ experience as a trainer, instructional designer, quality manager, project manager, program manager, RTO auditor, RTO manager and VET adviser will be worth it.
8. A PROACTIVE WORKPLACE APPROACH TO MENTAL FITNESS @ WORK
Metal health of employees is a growing concern for all Australians. The NSCA Foundation is an important webinar regarding mental fitness at work. The promotion for the event states, “Supporting the mental health of employees is an issue of growing importance.
The evidence is clear that creating a mentally healthy workplace boosts productivity, reduces accidents, and improves employee engagement.
HSE Global’s Mental Fitness model takes a proactive and preventative approach to workplace mental health through reducing stigma, promoting psychological flexibility, and building resilience. This session will provide an overview of evidence based, best practice interventions for workplace mental health, practical application of the Mental Fitness 3 key actions and how to successfully implement sustainable outcomes.
Key learning outcomes include:
- Understand the Mental Fitness Continuum
- How to recognise signs of declining mental health in employees and colleagues
- Develop 3 key actions to pro-actively offer support
- Application of strategic organisational approaches proactively manage mental health
Note: NSCA Foundation members receive complimentary tickets to the webinar.
WHEN:
DATE: Wednesday, 3 August 2022
TIME: 1:00pm – 02:00pm AEST
RSVP: By COB, Tuesday, 2 August 2022
COST: FREE for NSCA Foundation members | $50 for non-members
9. NEW APPRENTICE INCENTIVE PAYMENTS COME INTO EFFECT
The National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN) July 2022 Newsletter reports of the new apprentice incentive payments come into effect on 1 July 2022.
The article states, “There are major changes to apprenticeship incentives following the release of the new guidelines and payment structure that commenced on 1 July.
The new Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System (AAIS) Guidelines replace the Boosting Apprenticeships Commencements wage subsidy. See the new AAIS Guidelines here.
Also, the government has issued the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List which identifies the priority occupations for the AAIS. See the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List Factsheet. The list includes:
- Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic
- Electrical Lines worker
- Electrician (General)
- Electrician (Special Class)
- Technical Cable Jointer
- Cabler (Data and Telecommunications)
- Telecommunications Cable Jointer
- Telecommunications Lines worker
- Telecommunications Technician
NAEN extends its appreciation to officials from the Apprenticeship Program and Services Branch of the (then) Commonwealth Department of Education, Skills and Employment for the comprehensive briefing provided to NAEN members on the new incentives in late June.
In light of the new payment arrangements, the government has also published a Grandfathered Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program (AAIP) Guidelines, effective 1 July 2022.
See the updated AAIP Guidelines on the DESE website.”
Support for Women in trades
Additional support is available for women who commence in eligible trade occupations on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List. Eligible occupations are occupations that have had historically low rates of female participation. Eligible Australian Apprentices will have increased access to comprehensive wraparound support through the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network. This includes personalised advice and information on career options and apprenticeships pathways, pastoral care, career and industry mentoring, access to professional networks and entrepreneurship training. These non-financial supports will help more women to complete their apprenticeship and go on to have successful careers.
For further information on the incentives available, including information on eligibility, contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.
10. NEW TRAINING PARTNERSHIP TO BUILD ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR MODERN GRID TRANSFORMATION
Thomson Bridge Pty Ltd reports in its latest 15 July 2022 Media Release that Endeavour Energy and Thomson Bridge have entered into a new collaboration that will deliver essential safety and skills training for workers in the NSW energy and infrastructure sectors.
The announcement states, “Commencing this month, workers and contractors who are involved in developing, operating and maintaining electrically significant infrastructure will have access to short courses and training at Endeavour Energy’s state-of-the-art training facility in Hoxton Park, to gain the qualifications essential for their work.
Delivered by Australia’s leading Registered Training Operator (RTO) for the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI), Thomson Bridge, the training aims to build the necessary skills to support the NSW Government’s significant pipeline of new energy infrastructure including the regional Renewable Energy Zones (REZs), and other critical infrastructure including transmission lines, rail networks and the growing pipeline of infrastructure required for the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
Endeavour Energy General Manager Andrew Pitman said the partnership seeks to address anticipated workforce skills shortages and aims to deliver a highly skilled and adaptable workforce ready for the future.”
11. LEARNING MOMENT – REPLACE 65 MOTORS WITH ONE MOTOR FAULTS PRACBOX
Is it possible to replace 65 motors with one Motor Faults Pracbox? Infinispark’s CEO, Husnen Rupani says yes it is.
This week, Infinispark shares an updated learning moment on understanding how the Motor Faults Pracbox can be used to replace 65 motors. The latest Motor Faults Pracbox has two motors – a three phase induction motor and a single-phase induction.
Infinispark has installed the latter in a way that it can be wired as four (4) different motors. So, including the three-phase motor, essentially there is five (5) working motors.
Husnen says, “we can temporarily induce 30 sets of faults in each of the two motors. Usually, installing faults in motors is a permanent process, so to replicate what our fault system can do, you will need 60 faulty motors on top of the 5 working motors discussed above.
There is not only a massive cost saving here, but this also reduces the storage requirements substantially. And imagine the amount of time the trainers will save by moving a class set of Motor Faults Pracbox, instead of 65 motors!”
He states, “We have made a 16 min demonstration video of Motor Faults Pracbox that covers the following
- Explains the benefits of the Motor Faults Pracbox
- Component identification and 3 practical demos
- A testimonial, featuring Jo O’Mahoney, a former Electrical trainer at Go TAFE, who cared deeply about her students and always gave excellent feedback.
Watch the video to see how (especially from the 4:20 timestamp) – Watch the full demonstration video
Find out more learning moments and Infinispark offerings by visiting https://infinispark.com.au/
Infinispark is a corporate affiliate of TDA Australia – TDA Australia Corporate Affiliate
If you would like to know more about the Motor Faults Pracbox for UEEEL0024 of UEE30820 (Old unit UEENEEG006A of UEE30811) or would like to book an onsite demo, please email Husnen at info@infinispark.com.au or call him on 0421 621 390.
12. NEW MECHANICAL SERVICES LICENSING COMING TO NSW
The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) reports in its 15 July 2022 HVAC&R News that major changes are afoot in licensing mechanical services in NSW in October 2022.
The articles states, “The NSW government is preparing to implement a new licensing system for mechanical services in October 2022. The changes were prompted by the need for medical gases licensing, but also include provisions that impact mechanical services workers across refrigeration, air conditioning and plumbing.
The Building Amendment (Mechanical Services and Medical Gas Work) Bill 2020 amends the Home Building Act 198 to provide for the licensing of contractors, and the certifying of supervisors and tradespersons who carry out mechanical services work including medical gas systems work. The new licence will be administered by NSW Fair Trading.
The Bill was introduced in response to two incidents in Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital in 2016. Medical gases were incorrectly piped in one of the operating theatres, leading to two babies being administered nitrous oxide instead of oxygen. One of the babies, Amelia Khan, was left with severe brain damage. The other baby, John Ghanem, died.
As well as regulating work on medical gas systems, the Bill also covers mechanical services in general. This includes the construction, installation, replacement, repair, alteration, maintenance, testing or commissioning of a mechanical heating, cooling or ventilation system in a building, which is associated with the heating, cooling or ventilation of that building.
The new system will sit alongside the existing air conditioning and refrigeration licensing regime.
Although the Bill was passed in 2020, the implementation has been postponed twice, and industry awareness of the new licence remains low.
12.1. AIRAH’S SALARY SURVEY IS ON NOW
Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) is seeking feedback to its efforts to collect and benchmark wages in the Australian HVAC&R industry.
Practitioners are invited to participate in the 21-question Salary Survey today – and go in the draw to win one of three $100 gift cards!
Visit the link and provide your feedback: SALARY SURVEY
13. WORKER STRUCK WITH FLUID ON THE ARM
The NSW Resources Regulator reports in its 15 July 2022 Mine Safety News, weekly incident summary of a worker being struck with fluid on the arm. The incident occurred in an underground coal mine and was classed a ‘Dangerous Incident’ – IncNot0042489.
The article states, “A worker was standing on a roof support when a high set hose failed on the adjacent support. The worker was struck with fluid on the arm. The mine uses a fluorescent dye additive in the longwall fluid. An inspection with a black light revealed emulsion in a pre-existing abrasion on the worker’s arm. The worker was later cleared of injury when they attended the hospital.”
The Regulator’s comments to the industry states, “Mine operators must develop and adhere to strict inspection and maintenance standards to avoid hose failure due to damaged and aged hoses. The life cycle of hydraulic hoses must be managed. High-risk hoses should have hose replacement schedules documented in the mines’ maintenance systems.”
Fluid power systems are used as an energy source on mechanical plant in mines. They offer the advantage of high-energy transfer in confined areas. Fluid power systems rely on the transmission and storage of pressurised fluid energy.
Fluid power systems present a range of unique safety hazards. One of the most dangerous of all is being struck by high pressure fluid escaping at high velocity. This results in high-pressure injection injuries.
For further information refer to: MDG-41-FLUID-POWER-SYSTEMS AT MINES
14. SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA A-Z HAZARDS LIBRARY
Safe Work Australia advises that it has updated it A-Z Hazard Library. Hazards are anything that can cause harm.
Topics are listed in alphabetical order and each hazard provides introduction, an overview along with WHS duties, managing risks and available resources.
Duty holders with a role in managing the risks of hazards include:
- persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs)
- designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers and installers of plant, substances or structures, and
- officers.
Workers and other persons at the workplace also have duties under the WHS Act, such as the duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety at the workplace.
A person can have more than one duty. More than one person can have the same duty at the same time.
Early consultation and identification of risks can allow for more options to eliminate or minimise risks and reduce the associated costs.
The WHS Regulations include more specific requirements for PCBUs to manage the risks of hazards.
Visit the A-Z Hazards Library: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards
15. RECLAIM PV, CIRCULAR PV ALLIANCE ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT ON PANEL RECYCLING
Editor Sean Carroll in the latest Electrical Connection newsletter of 15 July 2022, reports on a milestone MOU between Reclaim PV Recycling and the Circular PV Alliance (CPVA) to drive the reuse and resale of solar panels and enhance the solar energy circular economy.
The article states, “Both organisations strongly believe in the mantra of ‘Repair, Reuse and Recycle’ and that solar panels should be tested for potential safe reuse rather than going straight to recycling.
“As there is no legislation in place in Australia to govern the reuse of panels, we believe this agreement is the first step in establishing a second-hand PV market in Australia with the appropriate certification to keep the industry to a high standard when it comes to the testing and verification of panels for reuse,” Reclaim PV director Clive Fleming says.
CPVA co-founder, Megan Jones, says that the solar energy circular economy is largely in its infancy: “An industry-led approach to facilitate the transition to a circular economy is one of the core tenets of CPVA and is the basis for this principles-based MOU with Reclaim PV which we hope will set the pathway for industry to get on board.”
In 2021 both Reclaim PV and CPVA (with PV Lab) undertook separate used solar panel testing projects in response to the increasing prevalence of functional solar panels being dumped at waste stations.”
16. APGA REPORT SHOWS ELECTRIFYING GAS APPLIANCES COSTLY
The Australian Pipeliner in its 12 July 2022 newsletter alludes to a new report that shows the cost for Victorian households to transition gas appliances to electric appliances could be more than estimated by the Victorian Gas Substitution Roadmap.
The article states, “The report, commissioned by the Gas Appliances Manufacturers Association found that $1600 to $4000 would have to be saved on electricity bills every year to recover the cost of electrification for free standing homes, said APGA national policy manager Jordan McCollum.
“And yet the Victorian Gas Substitution Roadmap estimates households will save just $1025 to $1250 a year on electricity bills, leaving many households well out of pocket.
“The report finds that Victorians could save from $7500 to $15,500 by retrofitting renewable gas ready appliances rather than converting to all electric appliances.
Replacing those appliances with similar electric ones would cost from $21,500 to $42,000. Even future energy cost savings would fail to recover the additional amount spent on electrification as the Victorian Gas Substitution Roadmap shows,” said McCollum.
According to McCollum, hydrogen is already being injected into the gas distribution system in SA and in NSW.”
17. CONSULTATION COMMENCES ON DRAFT CWO REZ ACCESS SCHEME DECLARATION
The NSW Government advises that it has reached another important milestone in delivering the Central-West Orana REZ Access Scheme (CWO REZ), with the release of the:
- Central-West Orana REZ Draft Access Scheme Declaration
- CWO REZ Access Rights and Scheme Design: Position Paper
- Guidelines for Access Scheme Declarations
- Final REZ Access Standards
It states in its 15 July 2022 NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap mailout, “Access Schemes are a key part of the NSW Government’s plan to coordinate new renewable energy and storage investment in REZs across the state.
The Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) is the NSW Government-controlled statutory authority that is responsible for leading the delivery of NSW REZs. EnergyCo coordinates REZ transmission, generation, firming and storage projects to deliver efficient, timely and coordinated investment. EnergyCo is taking a holistic view of REZ planning and consultation and is working with communities to ensure the benefits of investment are equitably shared within host regions.
Feedback:
Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the draft CWO REZ Draft Access Scheme Declaration by submission to electricity.roadmap@dpie.nsw.gov.au.
18. REPORT FINDS WIND, SOLAR CHEAPEST FOR ENERGY
Government News 14 July 2022 edition reports on a recently released CSIRO Report that wind and solar are the cheapest source of energy generation and storage in Australia.
The CSIRO and the national energy market operator, AEMO released the GenCost 2021-22 report on the 11 July 2022. The article states, “… renewables will continue to be the cheapest sources of new electricity generation, and along with batteries, are likely to get even cheaper once the current inflationary cycle ends.
The report, delivered annually, provides updates of electricity generation and storage costs based on current and future cost estimates and global electricity scenarios.
Need to invest in renewables
Climate and energy minister Chris Bowen says the report underlines the need for Australia to invest in renewable energy.
“The government is determined that Australia will lead the way in reducing emissions and this report shows that renewable energy is the most cost effective way to achieve that,” he said in a statement.
The release of the report came a day before prime minister Anthony Albanese told an energy forum in Sydney that he wanted to make Australia a “renewables superpower”.
19. EVS AND THE GRID – INTERNATIONAL INSIGHTS FOR AUSTRALIA
Energy Networks Australia (ENA) and Australian Energy Council (AEC) report in their joint 14 July 2022 publication, EnergyInsider of the challenge Australia has, as it doesn’t yet have the policy settings in place to ensure the electricity grid can cope, suggesting Australia needs to get moving before the EV wave hits.
The article states, “There has been huge growth internationally in the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs). In countries like Sweden and Norway where there are supportive policy settings, the EV market share has almost tripled in just a few years. While Australia is something of a laggard in uptake, adoption is increasing and as more supply of vehicles becomes available, we could see an explosion of growth. The challenge is we don’t yet have the policy settings in place to ensure the electricity grid can cope and we need to get moving before the EV wave hits. We look at what can be learned from international experience.
For more, contact Monaaf Al-Falahi, Energy Networks Australia
Download a copy of the News Service 96 – HERE