Nov 21, 2024

NSW Public Sector ITAB November 2024 Newsletter

In this month's newsletter

Last chance to register for online GTAN & WTAN Forums
Fresh Start for Local Government Apprenticeships & Traineeships
Streamlining School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
NSW State Firefighter Championships developed skills and spirit
Wingecarribee Shire awarded NSW/ACT Best-Tasting Tap Water
Agencies Collaborate to Deliver Youth Safe Boating Program
VET Graduates see significant pay boost and career benefits
Hunter Region to host NSW's second TAFE Centre of Excellence
Emerging Roles in the Australian Labour Market
National Jobs and Skills Council Update

Last chance to register for online GTAN & WTAN Forums

Convened by the NSW Public Sector ITAB, these forums bring together the Government and Public Safety Skills and Training Network (GTAN) and Water Industry Skills and Training Network (WTAN) to exchange insights and information related to workforce development within the government, public safety, corrections, and water sectors across NSW.

The forums scheduled for Tuesday 26 November 2024 will feature guest speakers from various organisations who will share insights into emerging trends and innovative practices for skills and training. The Forum Programs feature presentations from Public Skills Australia, Acadiam, TAFE NSW, BuildSkills Australia, Sydney Water and DCCEEW amongst others. Participants will also receive updates on the latest funding initiatives for skills and training in NSW.

Government and Public Safety Skills and Training Network (GTAN) Forum

(Includes all government agencies, Local Councils, Correctional Services, Public Safety, Police & Defence)

Date: 26 November 2024
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am (AEST)

Water Industry Skills and Training Network (WTAN) Forum

Date: 26 November 2024
Time: 2:00pm - 3:30pm (AEST)

Fresh Start for Local Government Apprenticeships & Traineeships

Applications for the first round of the Fresh Start A&T program for Local Government closed on 8 November 2024 with the next round expected in 2025. Under this initiative, an additional 1300 Local Government apprentices, trainees, and cadets can be funded for training and wage support up until 2028.

The first round of grants will be allocated on merit, with apprentices, trainees, and cadets expected to start their roles by early 2025.

The Office of Local Government (OLG) has made available a Stakeholder Toolkit for councils to aid their engagement around the program. The Toolkit provides text, graphics, videos and communication scripts to guide councils engaging with the public about the Fresh Start program and its purpose.

Councils can use the Toolkit to update websites, produce newsletters and social media updates, and keep their community engaged on the Fresh Start program. The Stakeholder Toolkit can be found online at under the ‘Stakeholder Resources’ tab at the bottom of the page.

For more information contact the Fresh Start program team.

Councils wishing to hire apprentices and trainees may also find these websites useful:

Streamlining School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

A new streamlined process is set to improve school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs) in New South Wales from October 2024. SBATs offer high school students the opportunity to gain both a nationally recognised vocational qualification and their Higher School Certificate (HSC) while earning real-world work experience and income.

Currently, SBAT Training Contracts require a fully completed Training Plan, prepared by the chosen Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and signed by school representatives, employers, and students. This detailed process often delays the approval and assessment of these contracts.

To address these challenges, the Department of Education has collaborated with stakeholders to create a simplified Training Plan Proposal (TPP). This new two-page document aligns SBATs with other apprenticeships and traineeships under the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act.

Key benefits of the TPP include:

Faster submission and approval of Training Contracts.
Clearer processes for schools and RTOs.
A reduced administrative burden for all parties.

The TPP will replace the notification process to RTOs of potential SBATs, previously handled by the education sector. Schools or Apprenticeship and Traineeship Coordinators (ACAPs) will complete the form, which can be downloaded from the department's website. Once a Training Contract is approved, RTOs will have six weeks to finalize the comprehensive Training Plan, ensuring a more efficient workflow.

The relevant guidelines and policies will be updated to reflect this change, and educational representatives and RTOs will receive the necessary revised documentation.

For more details and to access the TPP and updated SBAT process documents, visit the NSW Education and Training Website.

This initiative aims to better support students, employers, and training providers, making SBATs more accessible and efficient for all involved.

NSW State Firefighter Championships developed skills and spirit

The 2024 Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) State Firefighter Championships concluded successfully at the end of October in Wagga Wagga, marking a return to the event's inaugural location. Over three days, firefighters showcased their expertise, teamwork, and resilience in events simulating real-life emergency scenarios.

Victorian visitors, Echuca Country Fire Authority (CFA), emerged as champions, narrowly outpacing FRNSW’s Wyong team and Kootingal Rural Fire Service (RFS), who secured second and third places, respectively.

A standout feature was a community engagement evening, offering family-friendly activities, performances by the FRNSW Band, a torchlight parade, and a dazzling fireworks display at Wagga Beach Riverside Precinct.

FRNSW Deputy Commissioner Paul McGuiggan praised the event, emphasizing the camaraderie and community spirit it fostered. He also commended the hospitality of Wagga Wagga and Turvey Park and congratulated the Echuca CFA for their win.

“These championships not only highlight teamwork but also enhance the skills firefighters take back to their communities,” McGuiggan said.

The biennial event reinforced its reputation as a platform for professional growth and community connection. For detailed results, visit Fire Fighter Championships.

The full article can be accessed on the Fire NSW website.

Wingecarribee Shire awarded NSW/ACT Best-Tasting Tap Water

Wingecarribee Shire Council has claimed the title of the 2024 best-tasting tap water in New South Wales and the ACT. The accolade was awarded at the Water Industry Operators Association (WIOA) 2024 NSW Water Industry Operations Conference and Exhibition on November 6.

The competition invited water suppliers across NSW and the ACT to submit their finest samples for the chance to secure regional accolades for the coming year. Judges evaluated the entries in a blind taste test, assessing attributes like colour, clarity, odour, and taste, replicating a refined “water tasting” event.

With this regional victory, Wingecarribee Shire will now compete against state winners for the national title in Tasmania later this month. The 2024 IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water in Australia competition will determine who will represent the country at the prestigious Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting Competition in the USA.

WIOA CEO Dean Barnett highlighted that the competition celebrates the individuals and organisations that strive hard, often in extenuating circumstances, to ensure their communities are supplied with safe drinking water every day. “This competition not only acknowledges the efforts of those who ensure communities have access to safe and high-quality drinking water but also raises awareness of the vital role water services play in shaping Australia’s future,” Barnett said.

The competition, supported by IXOM, continues to shine a spotlight on the excellence of Australian water suppliers and the importance of quality in everyday water services.

Agencies collaborate to deliver Youth Safe Boating Program

Young Indigenous participants recently completed a three-day Youth Safe Boating Program at Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet, successfully earning their recreational boat licences. The program, held from November 7–9, was a joint initiative by Marine Rescue NSW, the NSW Water Police, and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

The collaboration provided both theoretical and practical boating instruction to prepare the participants for safe, confident boating experiences. Led by Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey, NSW Water Police Sergeant Russell Agland, and AFP Detective Sergeant Paul Reynolds, the program utilized a variety of vessels to offer hands-on learning.

Inspector Massey praised the program’s community impact, saying that the partnership between the three agencies had been excellent with Sergeant Agland agreeing that the youth trained could participate in safe boating for years to come. Detective Sergeant Reynolds highlighted the value of the practical components in building essential skills which may in turn encourage volunteering to the organisation in the future.

Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet volunteers played a crucial role by delivering the boat licence course and guiding on-water navigation and handling exercises

With all participants earning their boat licences, the Youth Safe Boating Program underscored Marine Rescue NSW's commitment to boating safety and community support. This initiative reflects the importance of fostering practical skills and partnerships to empower young people in local communities.

Read the full article on the NSW Marine Rescue website.

VET Graduates see significant pay boost and career benefits

Graduates of Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs experience a median annual income increase of $11,800, according to the Strong and Responsive VET Pathways report by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA). The study examines outcomes for 2019–20 VET graduates, showcasing the economic, employment, and educational benefits across various demographics and qualifications.

JSA Commissioner, Professor Barney Glover, emphasized the importance of VET pathways, stating that education improves lives by increasing income, reducing reliance on income support, and creating opportunities for further study. He urges parents, educators, and career advisors to promote VET as a valuable alternative to university, addressing both individual prosperity and Australia’s skills gap.

Key findings include:

Significant income growth: Apprentices and trainees achieved the highest income uplift at $25,800, while graduate diploma/certificate holders saw an increase of $23,700.

Regional benefits: Regional and remote graduates reported a median income uplift of $12,900 and $12,700, respectively, compared to $11,500 for major city graduates.
Improved employment outcomes: Employment rates rose by 15% to 84% within a year of graduation. Female graduates saw a 17% increase in employment rates.
Social impact: Thirty-nine percent of students previously reliant on income support became self-sufficient within two years of completing their studies.

The full report can be accessed on the Jobs and Skills Australia website.

Hunter Region to host NSW's second TAFE Centre of Excellence

The Hunter region has been chosen for the second of three planned TAFE Centres of Excellence in New South Wales, with the Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence to be established at TAFE NSW’s Tighes Hill campus in Newcastle.

Jointly funded by the federal and NSW governments with a $28.1 million investment, along with an additional $5.27 million in federal support, the centre aims to strengthen the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone and foster collaboration between TAFE NSW, universities, and local industries.

Key features of the new centre will include:

National Renewable Energy Microskills Marketplace: A digital platform enabling TAFEs nationwide to share and access non-accredited courses related to the renewable energy sector.
Higher Apprenticeship Model: A hybrid approach integrating VET and higher education, offering training in critical trade skills like electrotechnology, welding, and fabrication, while incorporating advanced topics such as digital technologies.

The announcement of this new Centre follows the launch of the Western Sydney Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence in September and aligns with government efforts to boost advanced manufacturing skills.

The Net Zero Manufacturing Centre will play a pivotal role in equipping the workforce with the skills necessary for a sustainable and advanced industrial future.

Read the full article on the NSW Government website.

Emerging Roles in the Australian Labour Market

Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has released a comprehensive study highlighting emerging roles in Australia's labour market. These roles are defined as either newly appearing in job market data or experiencing rapid growth from a small base.

The findings were derived from online job advertisements and validated against the 2021 Census data to ensure accuracy.

Key Findings: Roles and Themes
JSA identified 37 emerging roles, categorized into four thematic areas:

Health, Care, and Medical (13 roles)
- Includes advancements in health tech and medical tech.
Data and Technologies (10 roles)
- Encompasses areas such as cybersecurity and related digital skills.

Net Zero (9 roles)
- Focuses on sustainability and clean energy jobs aligned with climate goals.
Science and Engineering (5 roles)
- Covers domains like biological sciences, chemical sciences, and engineering advancements.

The full Report can be accessed on the Jobs and Skills Australia website.

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:

BuildSkills Australia (BSA): BuildSkills is conducting both Training Product and Research Projects which can be accessed using the links below:

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 projects which can be accessed using the following links: