Jan 22, 2025
NSW Public Sector ITAB January 2025 Newsletter
In this month's newsletter
- GTAN and WTAN forum schedule for 2025
- EOIs called for Closing the Gap Toolkit Working Group
- Amanda Lawrence appointed as Executive Director, Training Services
- Majority of VET Students Achieving Their Goals
- Severe storms across NSW prompt major SES response
- ASQA releases Guides for transition to Revised Standards for RTOs
- National Jobs and Skills Council Update
GTAN and WTAN forum schedule for 2025
The Public Sector ITAB has facilitated the online forums for the Government and Public Safety Skills and Training Network (GTAN) and the Water Industry Skills and Training Network (WTAN) for many years to provide an informal space for stakeholders to meet and share information on skills development in NSW.
These online sessions include presentations from a range of experts who share innovative practice, issues and insights into skills and training in their sectors and/or organisations. Updates on the latest NSW funding initiatives and training package projects are also provided.
Please place these online forum dates in your diary:
- GTAN: Tuesday 4 March and Tuesday 20 May 2025 (10:00 -11:30am)
- WTAN: Wednesday 5 March and Wednesday 21 May 2025 (10:00 -11:30am)
For recordings and slides from previous GTAN and WTAN Forums please visit the ITAB website.
EOIs called for Closing the Gap Toolkit Working Group
Local Government NSW (LGNSW) is inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander council staff in NSW to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to join a working group to support the development of the first Closing the Gap toolkit for councils in the state. This initiative aims to provide practical resources to assist councils in addressing Closing the Gap priority reforms.
LGNSW seeks diverse representation from rural, regional, and metropolitan councils, with members bringing varied expertise and experiences. The ideal candidates will have:
- Knowledge of the local government sector.
- Experience working with Aboriginal people, communities, and organizations.
- Skills in developing capacity-building resources.
- A strong commitment to achieving Closing the Gap reforms.
Members will participate in at least five meetings over 12 months, with the option to attend online. Reimbursement for time and contributions is provided. The working group will report to a steering committee comprising the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations, Aboriginal Affairs NSW, and LGNSW.
To express interest, candidates must submit a resume and a brief letter (half to one page) addressing the eligibility criteria by Tuesday, 28 January 2025. Applications can be directed to LGNSW’s Policy Officer, Jo Harney, or by calling 02 9242 4082.
Amanda Lawrence appointed as Executive Director, Training Services
Amanda Lawrence has recently been appointed as Executive Director, Training Services within the Education Skills Reform division at the NSW Department of Education.
Amanda brings a wealth of experience from her role as Executive Director, Corporate Services at the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA), where she led the establishment of the RA. She has supported its workforce through statewide natural disaster recovery efforts, and guided teams through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and machinery of government changes.
Her extensive career in both the NSW and Commonwealth public sectors includes leadership roles in government reform, policy development, and program delivery. Amanda has worked with state and federal environment agencies, the former Department of Premier and Cabinet, and local government, driving structural reforms, cultural change, and improved community outcomes.
She also has significant expertise in legislative reform and statewide policy, notably with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, where she chaired the Ethics Committee overseeing conservation research.
Amanda is a passionate advocate for workplace diversity and inclusion, having led initiatives and networks that promote equity across various agencies.
Amanda’s expertise will be invaluable in statewide delivery of policy, and legislative frameworks during the implementation of the NSW Skills Plan. Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing the critical work of Training Services.
Majority of VET Students Achieving Their Goals
The latest VET Student Outcomes 2024 report, released by NCVER, highlights positive results for vocational education and training (VET) students, with a focus on satisfaction, employment outcomes, and reasons for non-completion.
Findings show that students who complete their qualifications tend to achieve better outcomes. Nearly 9 in 10 (87.4%) qualification completers achieved their primary training goal, and 89.5% reported satisfaction with their training. Employment outcomes were also promising, with 64.4% of completers experiencing improved employment status and 33.3% pursuing further study.
Even among those who did not complete their qualification, results were encouraging. Around 78% of part-completers were satisfied with their training, and 77% achieved their primary training objective.
These insights underscore the value of VET in helping students meet their goals and advance their careers.
For more details, explore the full report.
Severe storms across NSW prompt major SES response
The NSW State Emergency Services (SES) has recently responded to more than 2,250 calls for help following a series of severe storms sweeping across the state. Consecutive weather events have caused widespread disruption, including power outages and localised damage, affecting regions such as Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and the Central West.
Emergency services have worked tirelessly to manage the storms’ impact, addressing over 1,800 incidents. Fire and Rescue NSW contained threats to properties near damaged power infrastructure, preventing further risks to nearby homes. Power providers have been actively managing unstable power poles to restore safety and service in affected areas.
These events highlight the critical role of emergency services during extreme weather and the importance of residents staying informed and prepared during storm seasons.
Read the full article here.
ASQA releases Guides for transition to Revised Standards for RTOs
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has unveiled the first set of draft Practice Guides to assist Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in preparing for the updated Standards for RTOs.
Currently available on the ASQA website, the initial four guides include:
- Practical examples of actions and considerations for demonstrating compliance with each Outcome Standard.
- Insights into potential risks that may impact the quality outcomes of each Standard.
- Self-assurance questions to help RTOs evaluate their performance against the Outcome Standards.
These guides have been issued in draft form to encourage industry feedback before the revised Standards take effect on 1 July 2025.
RTOs are encouraged to review the drafts and contribute feedback to ensure a smooth transition to the updated compliance framework.
National Jobs and Skills Council Update
Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs) are a national network of industry owned and led organisations, designed to provide leadership in addressing national skills and training needs. They have been established to supply industry with a strong and strategic voice within the VET sector as part of broader government-led skills reform.
Activity related to key JSCs affiliated to Public Sector industries is outlined here:
Public Skills Australia (PSA): Public Skills Australia has a range of projects underway.
Find out more and/or provide feedback using the links below:
- Defence Public Affairs Qualifications
- Firefighting Appliance Pump Technicians
- Emergency Tree Operations
- DEFEXO Defence Explosive Ordnance
- POL Police Training Package Release 9.0
BuildSkills Australia (BSA): BuildSkills is conducting both Training Product and Research Projects which can be accessed using the links below:
- White Card Implementation
- Minimum Australian Context Gap Training for Migrant Plumbers
- VET Future Readiness Review
Water industry stakeholders should reach out to George Wall for any specific water sector issues.
Future Skills Organisation (FSO): FSO is conducting a range of Project which can be accessed using the following links: