ALA Blog - A catalyst for lifelong learning

Bold Ideas Better Lives Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:36:00 +0000

BOLD IDEAS BETTER LIVES CHALLENGE

Got a great idea for creating better lives for people in Australia? Want access to amazing mentors and a bucket of cash (up to $1million) to get your idea off the ground?

The Australian Centre for Social Innovation is giving you the chance to turn your big idea into big impact. We’re committed to supporting up to 10 projects that show the best and brightest ideas in social innovation across Australia. Your idea could deal with anything from healthcare to education, climate change to the internet as long as it addresses a social need faced by communities in Australia.

Want to know more? Get more information or apply online on our website - http://www.tacsi.org.au/challenge, or you can contact Erin Green (challenge@tacsi.org.au) to find out more.

e-works PD Program

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:21:00 +0000

Adding the 'e' to e-learning action learning PD Program.

This program begins 1 March 2010 and involves 5 days of face-to-face support with 1 hour elluminate sessions between these days.

Contact Debbie Soccio - Debbie.Soccio@eworks.edu.au for details

NCVER Papers

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 22:54:00 +0000

Just off the press ...
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Vocational education and training workforce data 2008: A compendium
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_Editor: Hugh Guthrie_
This is a compendium of three reports. The first examines the size and attributes of the vocational education and training (VET) workforce using a variety of data sources. The second looks more specifically at TAFE's workforce. The final report considers the feasibility of a national VET workforce collection.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2218.html
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The role of vocational education and training in the labour market outcomes of
people with disabilities
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_Cain Polidano, Kostas Mavromaras_
Low levels of education generally among people with a disability is one of the factors contributing to their lower rate of labour market participation. The role vocational education and training (VET) plays in ameliorating this is the focus of this report.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2215.html
******************************************************************************
What would it take? Employer perspectives on employing people with a
disability
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_Peter Waterhouse, Helen Kimberley, Pam Jonas, John Glover_
The purpose of this study was to answer the question 'what would it take' to enable employers to employ people with a disability.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2219.html
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Building capability in vocational education and training providers: The TAFE
cut
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_Hugh Guthrie, Berwyn Clayton_
This paper focuses on issues which affect the capability of TAFE providers to meet their clients' and stakeholders' needs and draws extensively on the reports of the consortium research program which examined ways to help build vocational education and training (VET) provider and workforce capability.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2224.html

Research Report

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 03:52:00 +0000

WIDE RANGING REFORMS NEEDED TO STRENGTHEN THE NOT-FOR-PROFIT SECTOR

There is a need for wide-ranging reforms to remove unnecessary burdens and costs faced by the not-for-profit sector and improve its accountability. This is the key message of a research report released by the Productivity Commission. Better regulation, improved funding arrangements and enhanced opportunities for innovation would improve outcomes for the community and the public’s confidence in the sector. Putting the Commission’s case for reform, Presiding Commissioner, Robert Fitzgerald, said ‘the proposed reforms would directly address concerns about the multiplicity of regulatory requirements, poor collaboration between the sector and governments and emerging capacity constraints. They would thereby create a much stronger foundation for this expanding sector‘.

NCVER Report

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:52:00 +0000

New research suggests vocational education and training (VET) improves employment outcomes for people with a disability who don’t have a job.

Released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), the report found that for an average person who is out of work and has a disability, completing VET increases the likelihood of getting a job from 9% to 29% in their first year after completion.

What would it take? Employer perspectives on employing people with a disability will be available from NCVER’s website on Friday, 12 February from 9.30am AEDT http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2219.

CONFINTEA VI

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:37:00 +0000

The Sixth International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VI) took
place from 1 to 4 December in Belém do Pará, bringing together more than
1,000 participants from over 150 countries.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks for the support that the
delegation of ICAE lent to this crucial UNESCO Conference, which contributed
greatly to its success.

We should like to draw your attention to the CONFINTEA VI website
(http://www.unesco.org/en/confinteavi/), which provides a day-to-day record
of the proceedings of and presentations made during the Conference. We are
currently updating all online materials in order to provide a full range of
documents, offer a precise account of the presentations made by panellists
and speakers, and incorporate last-minute amendments.

The Final Conference Report will be completed and made available in the near
future.

E-standards Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 02:02:00 +0000

E-standards - updated for 2010!

The vocational education and training (VET) system’s e-learning standards (e-standards) for the creation of online resources have been updated for 2010, supporting e-learning accessibility, affordability and interoperability.

The 2010 e-standards – which are available both online and in printable Word and PDF formats – are published by the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework), and endorsed by the National Senior Officials Committee (NSOC).

Key updates in the 2010 e-standards include revised operating system, browser and plug-in support to bring the standards for development and testing into line with the systems commonly used in VET. Accessibility requirements have also been updated to improve access for a greater proportion of users. For more information on the updates, click here.

The e-standards are supported by the revised, user-friendly VET E-learning Content Development Guidelines. These guidelines are easy to use, setting out three basic steps for developing VET e-learning content – develop, package and describe.

E-standards and the VET E-learning Content Development Guidelines are essential documents for anyone involved in the planning, development or management of VET resources.

The Framework’s E-standards for Training Business Manager, Kristena Gladman, said that the e-standards are a vital part of the national e-learning infrastructure, and have substantial benefits for the VET system.

“E-standards support collaboration irrespective of organisational boundaries or location. They establish a common technical platform which facilitates the exchange, development and testing of online resources. This can save organisations time and money, as resources can be easily shared and reused and development costs can be spread across a greater number of users,” Kristena said.

“Learners also benefit from increased access to high quality e-resources which can be easily customised by trainers to suit learners’ individual needs.”
E-standards for Training will be revising other key e-learning resources, including the m-learning standards, the VET Teacher E-learning Toolkit, and VET tools for e-learning content, throughout 2010. Stay tuned to the E-standards for Training website for updates: http://flexiblelearning.net.au/e-standards

NSW Teacher Accrediation Fees

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:55:00 +0000

INSTITUTE OF TEACHERS AMENDMENT (ACCREDITATION FEES) REGULATION 2010

The object of this Regulation is to amend the Institute of Teachers Regulation 2005 as follows: (a) to increase the annual fee (to $100) for teachers who are accredited (other than transition scheme teachers who are conditionally accredited), and (b) to increase the application fees for: (i) a preliminary assessment of a teacher’s level of professional accomplishment or professional leadership (to $65), and (ii) accreditation of a teacher at professional accomplishment level or professional leadership level (to $605 and $715, respectively) (less $65 if the applicant has been preliminarily assessed in relation to that level within the last 3 years).

On line e-Gems session

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:27:00 +0000

2010 E-learning Innovations applications - the Dos, Don’ts and Musts!

Date: Thursday 18 February 2010
When: 12:30pm – 1:30pm AEDST
Where: http://tinyurl.com/2010-egems-fundingfrenzy

This e-Gems session will outline the key aspects that your E-learning Innovations funding application needs to address, and provide hints on the dos, don’ts and musts. This includes priority areas, funding categories, risk strategies, the project management plan, impact and sustainability, and budget.

Visit http://flexiblelearning.net.au/e-events for more information and to register for this free online event. This session will be archived and available online through the e-events site for further reference.

E-learning funding

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:26:00 +0000

- online applications open

Online applications for E-learning Innovations funding have opened around the country.

Provided by the national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework), this $5.3 million in funding and support will help registered training organisations develop innovative e-learning solutions to better support the training needs of business and industry.

The online application has streamlined the process of applying for funding, with RTOs now able to log in, work on their application, and save their work along the way.

Applications close 2 March. For more information, application guidelines and local Innovations Coordinator contact details, visit: http://flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

NCVER Paper

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:14:00 +0000

Work-life issues and participation in education and training

Natalie Skinner National Cente for Vocational Education Research

01 February, 2010

Using data from the 2009 Australian Work and Life Index, this report examines how work-life pressures influence the capacity and motivation of individuals, particularly low-paid workers, to engage in education and training.

Skills Strategy to Benefit Retrenched Workers in Tasmania

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:16:00 +0000

Premier and Minister for Education and Skills, David Bartlett, announced that retrenched workers will be among those guaranteed a place in education and training from 2010. At the official opening of major labour hire company Skilled Group's state headquarters redevelopment in Burnie, Mr Bartlett said that the inclusion of retrenched workers was a key part of Tasmania's first-ever comprehensive Skills Strategy.

Directory of Services for Older Australians

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:05:00 +0000

The free directory provides important information for older people and their families with chapters on accessing aged care, legal rights, finance and health.

This year the directory has been printed with spiral binding allowing it to lay flat, larger type to make it easier to read and tabs to make finding the relevant section of the directory even easier.

Copies of the directory are available by contacting the Aged Care Information Line on 1800 500 853, by contacting a Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222, or through Centrelink offices.

An online version is available online on the Department of Health and Ageing website www.health.gov.au

Jenny Macklin speech

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:17:00 +0000

ADDRESS TO THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SOCIAL INCLUSION CONFERENCE, MELBOURNE

The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, discussed the Community Development Financial Institutions initiative to provide people and organisations, excluded from mainstream banks and services, with access to appropriate and fair financial products - mostly loans; a new income management system will be rolled out nationally aimed at fostering individual responsibility; providing a platform for people to move up and out of welfare dependence and to tackle the destructive, intergenerational cycle of passive welfare; and national standards for out of home care and improving the simple sharing of information between agencies.

Industry e-learning

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:08:00 +0000

$75,000 funding to embed e-learning in industry

Industry sectors, in partnership with a registered training organisation (RTO), can apply for $75,000 in Industry Integration of E-learning funding and support for 2010. The national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework), is providing the funding to help one new industry sector meet workplace skills needs through the use of e-learning.The successful industry sector will need to:

be in a position to begin its proposed plan at the end of February 2010
develop a two year plan, although funding for 2010 only is available at this stage.

Funding submissions for the remaining industry sector close at 12.00 noon (AEDST) Monday 15 February 2010. For more information, including selection criteria, download the 2010 Industry Guidelines.Commencing in 2008 and 2009, nine industry sectors have received ongoing funding and support to embed e-learning in workplace development. These industry sectors will receive continued combined funding of $575,000 in 2010.Case studies of the funded industry sectors are available:

dairy and stainless steel industries
housing and child and family welfare industry sectors
aviation industry.

If you would like to discuss your application, please contact:

Jenny Dodd, Industry Integration of E-learning Business Manager, on (02) 6207 4955 or jenny.dodd@cit.act.edu.au

Kerry Manikis, Industry Integration of E-learning Senior Project Officer, on (02) 6207 6267 or kerry.manikis@cit.act.edu.au

For information about E-learning for Industry visit the website: http://industry.flexiblelearning.net.au. This website provides rich resources, such as the online Practical guide to e-learning for industry where employers can discover how to make e-learning work in their business. You can also access the 2009 Guidelines for supporting learners using e-learning in workplaces report which investigates a range of e-learning strategies used by businesses that have received Framework funding over the past few years.

New ABS figures

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 01:37:00 +0000

Seven in ten adults have insufficient problem-solving skills for everyday life

Almost seven out of ten Western Australians had insufficient problem-solving skills for the demands of everyday life, according to analysis released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

For prose, document, numeracy and health, approximately half of Western Australian adults (15-74 years old) assessed were found to be below the minimum literacy requirement deemed necessary to function effectively in a complex society.

Literacy was found to be poorest in the older age groups, among those with lower levels of education and those who were not in the employed labour force. Lower literacy was also associated with lower income earners.Individuals with poor literacy were more likely to watch television; less likely to enjoy reading or use a computer or the internet; and less likely to participate in both formal and informal learning activities.

Levels of adult literacy in Western Australia were generally found to be similar, or slightly above, the national average.

NCVER

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:05:00 +0000

Just off the press ...
=========================
Approaches to research priorities for policy: A comparative study
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_Diana Wilkinson_
This paper uses two contrasting case studies of Scotland and Australia to consider the extent to which it is feasible to align academic research investment with policy priorities.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2223.html
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Higher education in TAFE: Research overviews
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_Gavin Moodie, Leesa Wheelahan, Stephen Billett, Ann Kelly_
Five research overviews have been developed to accompany a research report on this issue; these are 'Research overview on Status', 'Research overview: Implications for Teachers', 'Research overview: Implications for Staff Development', 'Research overview: Implications for Public Policy', 'Research overview: Implications for TAFE Managers'.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2189.html
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Work-life issues and participation in education and training
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_Natalie Skinner_
Using data from the 2009 Australian Work and Life Index, this report examines how work-life pressures influence individuals', particularly low-paid workers, engagement in education and training.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2216.html
******************************************************************************
What's wrong with a career in hospitality? An examination of student choice
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_Simon Hamm_
The preference of students to choose a career in events management over hospitality despite low demand in the former is the focus of this paper.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2217.html
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Students' suggestions for improving their vocational education and training
experience
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_Josie Misko, Suellen Priest_
An analysis of student responses in the national Student Outcome Survey provides suggestions for how the vocational education and training (VET) system could be improved.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2202.html
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Australian vocational education and training statistics: Outcomes from the
Productivity Places Program, 2009
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_NCVER_
Information is presented in this publication about the outcomes for students who completed their vocational education and training (VET) under the Productivity Places Program (PPP) during 2008.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2220.html
******************************************************************************

National Validation Workshops for revised Training Package

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 21:14:00 +0000

The Review of the FNS04 Financial Services Training Package has entered its final stages and validation workshops for the revised qualifications and Units of Competency will shortly take place across Australia.

These workshops are a key opportunity for stakeholders to meet and discuss the draft Qualifications and Units of Competency before they undergo a final revision and preparation for endorsement in May 2010.

We invite all stakeholders to join us at the validation workshop in your capital city.

This will be a excellent and key opportunity to:

find out what the revised Training Package will look like

share feedback with the Project Review team and other stakeholders

have your questions answered.

The workshops will occur from mid February to early March 2010.

To view the dates, locations and other contact information for the workshop in your state capital, please click here.

To view the Discussion Paper with background information, project updates and new developments which have impacted on the Training Package, please click here.

Throughout the review we have sustained a high and robust level of stakeholder participation. We are likewise looking forward to a strong attendance at the workshops and we look forward to meeting you there.

Please contact Industry Manager Rohit Gupta: rohit@ibsa.org.au or Project Officer Anna Ridgway: anna@ibsa.org.au should you have any questions about this project.

AQTF Standards Update

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 01:49:00 +0000

On 3rd December the National Quality Council (NQC) endorsed key changes to the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) Essential Standards for Registration. Implementation of the new Standards, including strengthening the AQTF national guidelines for risk management and managing non-compliance, will be completed by March 2010. The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) met on 7th December and endorsed the NQC’s amendments. Click here for further information.

To assist in supporting the AQTF in 2010, TVET Australia has released RTO Policies, Procedures and Tools in a singular management product that is customised to the RTO. Click the following link for further publication details www.tvetaustralia.com.au/rtotools

TVET Australia has a number of materials for BSB07 (550 items), CHC08 (21 items), SIR07 (29 items) and SIT07 (80 items) and represent TVET’s first new product offerings for the year. We have thousands of publications across all areas, to search via Training Packages click here, to search via industry fields click here. Can’t find what you are looking for? Try using the search bar with keywords.

New Series 12 Flexible Learning Toolboxes are also available for the following areas:

Training and Assessment
TAA E-learning E-lectives
Preview
Purchase
Community Services
Cybertots
Preview
Purchase
Business Services
Small Business Management
Preview
Purchase

TAA04 is well supported by both Learner and individual Assessor Guides (Please note that the Assessor Guides include Tools in Word format). In addition, a TAA04 Integration resource is also available to assist in efficiently delivering the qualification holistically, this particular publication is well worth a look.

21 new products have been produced for CHC08 Community Services Training Package, click here for further information.

Remember to visit the popular online workforce development tool at workforce.tvetaustralia.com.au, this tool can help you or your clients to plan for training in 2010.

Skills Vic Funding

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:12:00 +0000

Providers wishing to apply for funding previously sourced through ACFE for Youth Compact learners should now apply by registering at https://secure.otte.vic.gov.au/gftp/index.aspx

FEDERAL NEWS

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:04:00 +0000

EMPLOYERS SIGN UP TO KICKSTART APPRENTICESHIPS

Australian businesses have responded enthusiastically to the Federal Government's $100 million Apprentice Kickstart initiative, signing up more than 6,400 young traditional trades apprentices in just over six weeks. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Minister for Employment Participation Mark Arbib today urged businesses to continue to take advantage of the boost to employer incentives. The Kickstart bonus has resulted in 4,400 trade apprentices being signed up in December 2009 - 1,500 more than December 2008 and 1,200 more than pre-global recession levels in December 2007. Apprentice Kickstart is a practical measure to generate jobs for young people, tackling both youth unemployment and providing a down-payment on the vital skills Australia needs for the future.

South Australian News

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:01:00 +0000

$1.9 MILLION BOOST FOR SA STUDENTS

Students will be better prepared for life beyond school through a $1.9 million injection of School to Work grants to 46 schools in 2010. Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith announced the funding ahead of school returning from Wednesday, 27 January. The grants are part of the Rann Government's three-year, $5.7 million School to Work initiative to support the introduction of a new South Australian Certificate of Education.

ACT Course

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:48:00 +0000

INCLUSIVE DRAMA PROGRAM

This innovative & highly successful community based drama program is back again in 2010! It is open to adults with and without disabilities each term for the whole year. Participants can enrol in as many terms as they choose.

Sessions aim to support participants to develop their creative potential, build connection & collaboration with others in a supportive & positive environment & increase confidence in communication & self-expression using a range of practical drama activities.

No specific skills, ability or experience required. Fully accessible venue.
Term 1 in 2010
Thursdays 9.45-11.45am for 9 weeks
Term 1 starts Thursday 11th February 2010
Corroboree Park (Functions Room)
Paterson St, Ainslie

Come and Try $5 for first session (completion of term payment in full required if you choose to enrol after trial session)

Total Contribution $45 for 9 week term
(support workers/ carers free).

Bookings Essential.

Facilitated by Morgan Jai-Morincome, a qualified & experienced community arts professional & drama teacher specializing in inclusive community based projects & programs & Bren Weatherstone, qualified & experienced performing arts teacher.

Contact Morgan Tel: 62951601or 0400 455 965
Email: enquiry@expressivearts.com.au
Web: www.expressivearts.com.au

This program is provided with the support of the ACT government through the Department of Education & Training.

Tasmanian News

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:23:00 +0000

$11 MILLION TO IMPROVE ADULT LITERACY

Premier David Bartlett announced a new $11 million action plan for adult literacy.

"This is a massive investment in the future of our economy and our skills base. "There is nothing more limiting for an adult than to have poor literacy skills. "I want every Tasmanians to have the ability to get a job and have a decent quality of life. "Increased workforce participation means increased productivity both of which are key drivers of our economy," Mr Bartlett said.

News

noreply@blogger.com (Adult Learning Australia) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 01:18:00 +0000

VET in Schools: E-learning gives an employment edge

A growing body of research confirms that learners who undertake VET in Schools programs are more likely to find employment post-school, succeed in their careers and increase their earning power.*

In line with a key priority of the Australian Government, vocational education and training (VET) at school gives students a head start in developing industry specific skills, gaining nationally recognised VET qualifications, and developing employability skills and an understanding of the world of work.

Several innovative projects, funded and supported by the national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework) have shown how e-learning can strengthen VET in schools by supporting training that is more flexible, engaging and relevant.

By adopting a blended learning approach and a range of e-learning tools two registered training organisations (RTOs) have demonstrated how schools can use e-learning to harness the benefits of VET without large outlays of time or money.

E-portfolios supporting hands-on learning
E-portfolios – a learner-driven collection of digital objects demonstrating experiences, achievements and evidence of learning – are becoming popular in Australia as a tool to enhance learning and assist with personal career development.

Following a successful trial of an e-portfolio system, Tasmania’s Rosny College partnered with training provider, Recognise-IT, to embed e-portfolios in instruction, coaching, reflection and assessment.
Rosny College enhanced the free Skillsbook e-portfolio system for use with approximately 60 year 11 and 12 students completing VET and Tasmanian Certificate of Education outdoor qualifications.

Students were able to record and document their engagement in outdoor education courses, using multiple media streams such as digital photos and videos, web files, blogs, wikis, forums, bulletins, RSS feeds and online chat rooms. Teachers viewed and managed their students’ Skillsbook activities using the free Klipfolio personal dashboard, which shows students’ e-portfolios activities on their teachers desktop.

Rosny College found that e-portfolios are well suited to outdoor courses, as students can quickly and easily capture and submit non-written evidence of competency while learning outside. They also provide a valuable means for students to arrange the logistics of outdoor trips, and to reflect on their learning experiences and leadership styles.

Students responded positively to the flexible and ‘real time’ nature of e-portfolios, which allows quick responses to questions and feedback on their work from teachers and peers. Several of the students are continuing to use their e-portfolios post-school as records of their experience for job applications.

Due to the resounding success of the Rosny College trial, outdoor teachers across Tasmania are considering using e-portfolios to assist in the delivery of VET outdoor courses. Rosny College is also exploring the possibility of using e-portfolios with their hospitality students.

Delivering trades theory online
In 2008, SkillsTech Australia’s Sustainable Australia through vocational education (SAVE) project used a blended learning model to provide electro technology vocational training for students in years 11 and 12.

The SAVE project was embraced by schools and students, so in 2009 SkillsTech applied the same model to develop flexible and cost-effective computer aided design (CAD) and water operations training for senior school students.

The project brought together a team of teachers, subject experts and an instructional designer who worked together to pool existing resources and develop effective and tailored courses. They used a range of online resources to deliver theoretical training, including video, animation, activities and chat rooms. This training complements and supports work placement and face-to-face instruction, workshops and practical demonstrations in school. The blended delivery model ensures a vocational edge is maintained to achieve maximum job-readiness; as well as providing a means for regional and remote students to access quality trades training.

The project is designed to be quickly and seamlessly integrated into schools, by recognising and building on teachers’ existing qualifications and skills. For example, the CAD program can be delivered by graphics teachers with minimal updating of training required.

SkillsTech will trial the project with a group of 100 students across two Brisbane high schools in 2010.

For more information about the range of E-learning Innovations projects funded and supported by the national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, visit: http://flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

*Do school based VET pathways work in Transport and Logistics (report): http://www.tlisc.com.au/resources/documents/TL_vet_in_school_report_final.pdf; VET provides pathways to work (media release): http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Gillard/Media/Releases/Pages/Article_081008_155226.aspx