Industry Training Advisory Body (ITAB)
AIS Global is contracted by the NSW Department of Education to administer the NSW Public Sector ITAB whose primary purpose is to engage with industry and training system stakeholders across NSW. The ITAB provides core services in the following key areas:
- Industry labour and skills needs, training priorities and development issues for VET in NSW.
- Training access across regional and remote NSW and barriers to quality delivery.
- Obstacles to industry’s uptake of funded training.
- Advice on apprenticeship and traineeship arrangements in NSW including school-based arrangements.
- Advice on implications for the NSW training system through the development and review of National Training Packages.
- Support and promotion of vocational education and training to school students.
The ITAB supports the Corrections, Local Government, Public Safety, Defence, Police, Public Sector and Water industries.
Delivery of ITAB services and advice is overseen by a tripartite Industry Advisory Committee that includes representatives from peak bodies, employers and employee associations for each of the sectors it covers.
Current News
GTAN and WTAN August Forums – Resources available now
Facilitated by the NSW Public Sector ITAB, the Government and Water Trainers and Assessors Networks (GTAN and WTAN) meet regularly to share and discuss issues impacting skilling and training within government, public safety and water industries across metropolitan, regional and rural NSW.
The ITAB would like to thank all presenters who contributed to the GTAN & WTAN forums on 22 August 2023 and to the growing number of network members who attended. I would particularly like to thank Danny White (TSNSW), Joanne Ayoub (Transport for NSW), Kirsty Waugh and Jean Dyzel (Public Skills Australia), Ron Wright and Bec Hulands (Sydney Water), Robert Horner (Shoalhaven Water) and Melissa Wortman & Josh Tickell (DPE) for their contributions and continuing support of the Public Sector ITAB. Thanks also to Peter Moroney who has agreed to present on government investigations and regulatory control at the next GTAN meeting.
We received excellent feedback from participants who appreciated the opportunity to hear the insights of the expert presenters and other network members in the area of Industry skills and training. The recordings and presentation slides are now available.
Government Trainers and Assessors Network (GTAN)
(Includes all government agencies, Local Councils, Correctional Services, Public Safety, Police & Defence)
Date: 22 August 2023
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Water Trainers and Assessors Network (WTAN)
Date: 22 August 2023
Time: 1:30pm – 3:00pm
2023 NSW Training Awards Winners
Congratulations to all finalists and eventual winners announced at the 2023 NSW Training Awards Event on 15 September.
As the premier awards for vocational education and training (VET) in NSW, they provide recognition for the achievements of individuals, Employers and Registered Training Organisations involved in this space.
Amongst the winners announced is Tracie Wood who was awarded NSW Vocational Student of the Year. Tracie is now employed by the NSW Department of Justice and Communities with a career in supporting offenders reintegrate into the community. While doing her Diploma of Project Management she worked as part of a team to explore ways in which digital technology could extend the reach of therapeutic services. She soon realised how she could apply her learnings to make a greater impact which ultimately led to a permanent position with the Department.
Tracie is currently studying a Bachelor of Criminal Justice while remaining focused on her role as Project Coordinator within the Innovation and Technology team.
Find out about all the winners at 2023 NSW Training Awards Winners.
NSW Government commitment to secure 1,000 apprentices and trainees
A new $93.5 million program focused on securing one thousand new government-based apprentices and trainees reflects a NSW Government commitment to building a pipeline of skilled workers for the state. This initiative is part of the NSW Government’s plan to tackle skills gaps in the state’s economy in priority industries, including in critical services of transport, electricity, water, IT and cyber security.
NSW Government departments, state-owned corporations, and other public service employers looking for opportunities to hire 500 apprentices and 500 trainees can access the program. This will include those who already hire apprentices and trainees, as well as those who have not traditionally taken on those workers.
Training Services NSW will work alongside TAFE NSW and other quality training providers to ensure apprentices and trainees are highly qualified and can meet the needs of their employers.
Hiring early career, or upskilling mid-career workers, will ensure the government has access to a talented pool of workers in a competitive labour market. All 1000 apprentices and trainees will join the NSW Government workforce by mid-2026.
Interested organisations are encouraged to contact TSNSW to arrange a consultation session to verify eligibility and course details. For more information visit the TSNSW website.
Rebuilding public education with record investment
The 2023-24 NSW Budget has committed a record investment in quality teaching and essential school infrastructure.
The NSW Government is delivering on its election commitment to begin the long-term repair of public education in New South Wales. It is addressing the teacher shortage crisis in NSW public schools through a historic pay rise that will help recruit and retain high quality teachers, as well as moving more qualified teachers out of desk jobs and back into the classroom.
The four-year agreement is a nation-leading investment in 95,000 teachers which will ensure children are taught by teachers who know their contribution is valued. This offer will take some of the state’s teachers from the worst paid to the best paid in the country.
The 2023-24 Budget also includes:
- Conversion of 16,000 teachers and administrative staff to permanent positions and $20 Million boost to the Innovative Teacher Training Fund to attract the best teachers.
- $278.4 million for permanent literacy and numeracy tutoring programs in primary and secondary schools.
- 250 additional school counsellors to support students with mental health needs.
- $8 million to double the School Breakfast 4 Health program to 1,000 schools.
- $17.8 million for Community Languages Schools Program.
The NSW Government has also committed to deliver funding over 10 years for the universal preschool access to ensure all families can benefit from early childhood education and care (ECEC) services.
This includes:
- Fast tracking $769.3 million for 100 new preschools on public school sites.
- $60 million towards new and upgraded non-government preschools.
- Up to $20 million to support the growth of not-for-profit early childhood education services in high demand areas.
Find out more on the NSW Department of Education website.
Search and Rescue exercise skills of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers
Over 100 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and staff from the Monaro and Illawarra regions teamed up with NSW Police Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving NSW for a major Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) at Batemans Bay on 16 and 17 September 2023.
The SAREX scenario was held to test rescuers capability, multi-agency teamwork and communication in responding to a simulated emergency situation in offshore conditions.
The emergency response scenario involved nine Marine Rescue NSW vessels from Batemans Bay, Kioloa, Ulladulla, Narooma, Bermagui, Merimbula and Tuross Moruya, two Marine Rescue NSW rescue water craft (RWC) along with IRB and RWC assets from Surf Life Saving NSW, Water Police vessel and a Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Hammond said while the on-water exercise was taking place, over 25 other Marine Rescue NSW Radio Operators and staff participated in a Search and Rescue Desktop Exercise. He said the exercises were a great success and confirmed the importance of these exercises in developing members’ skills, addressing any gaps in knowledge or asking questions in a simulated exercise, rather than during an unfolding incident.
Read the full article on the Marine Rescue website.
State’s first youth justice trade centre opens
In a first for NSW, the Cobham Youth Justice Centre in Werrington has unveiled a state-of-the-art trade centre where young inmates can start rebuilding their lives. The new centre provides Cobham’s low-risk young people in custody the chance to access on-site trade training for the skills they need to secure jobs when rejoining the community.
The innovative trade centre features an outdoor workspace and an on-site classroom, creating an authentic learning experience for young people about vehicle detailing and basic automotive servicing, including how to change a tyre and maintain gurneys and blower vacs.
Central to the training will also be the key employability skills of communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. As the state-of-the-art centre boasts the latest sustainable technology, young people will also learn about water preservation and recycling and the importance of solar panels as a source of electricity to run the workspace.
The project has been funded by the Department of Communities and Justice in partnership with the NSW Department of Education.
Read the full article on the Skills NSW website.
‘Get Ready Youth’ workshops help prepare students
NSW public school students from Western Sydney recently had a chance to experience what it’s like to be an SES volunteer as part of the NSW Educational Pathways Program.
More than 30 students from Chifley College and Cranebrook High School attended a ‘Get Ready Youth’ workshop at Blacktown NSW SES Unit headquarters to learn more about dealing with emergency situations. The students were able to explore rescue equipment, tried their hand at using throw bags, packed emergency ‘go kits’, donned life jackets and learned how to sandbag and scale ladders.
‘Get Ready Youth’ workshops provide students with the skills and knowledge to respond in a storm or flood. Head Teacher Careers – Educational Pathways Program (EPP), Deavelyn Besterwitch, said the workshops helped bridge the gap between curriculum and industry for students, while providing opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. “The workshops introduce students to volunteering and are a good way for students to gain skills that are exportable and can be used in to get their first job,” Ms Besterwitch said. “They also connect curriculum as in the classroom students learn about hazards and emergency management, and this experience is a continuation of that.”
Read the full article here.
National Skills Passport a key initiative of Employment White Paper
In consultation with industry and state and territory governments, the Commonwealth government will progress a digital skills passport to help students and workers share their qualifications with businesses looking for skilled workers.
As a key component of the Employment White Paper released by Treasurer Jim Chalmers this week, the Government will prepare a business case to define the scope, outcomes and benefits of a National Skills Passport.
A National Skills Passport can be used to store training and education qualifications from high school to VET and university and has the potential to make it easier for employees to demonstrate their skills, change jobs and upskill where required. It will also make it simpler for employers to hire new staff with the skills and qualifications they need.
This initiative forms part of the government’s focus on promoting lifelong learning, which is a key reform direction outlined in the Employment White Paper.
“While our focus is on the skills shortages our economy is facing right now, we are also planning for the skills that will be needed in critical areas of emerging demand” the Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor said. “Ensuring students’ skills are recognised so they can upskill, reskill and find work as the economy changes, is crucial.”
The Government is committing $9.1 million to support a business case and consultation to inform Government decision making.
See the Joint Media Release here.
DEWR’s quality assurance process for Training Products
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) will act as an independent Assurance Body to assess new and/or updated Training Package products submitted by Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs).
The Assurance Body will focus on the compliance of training package products against technical elements of the national standards and policy. Outlined in the paper, Training Package Assurance – Approach to Assurance, DEWR plans to streamline the quality assurance process while ensuring it’s both transparent and accountable.
DEWR’s assurance function will take place once JSCs have completed their consultation and submitted all materials and will be the final step before endorsement by skills ministers.
DEWR says the assessment will ensure that Training Package submissions contain all required documentation, that there is broad consensus (or reasons why not), consistency with the Training Package Organising Framework (TPOF), and that consultation has taken account of the needs of vulnerable or minority cohorts.
For training products to be considered to have broad consensus, there must be agreement from the major industry stakeholders, all jurisdictions, regulators and all involved JSCs. Where consensus has not been reached, justification must be provided.
The outcomes of the assurance activities will be used to promote learning and provide support and guidance to JSCs on best practice approaches in Training Package development.
ASQA’s plan to identify significant risk
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) uses an intelligence driven approach to determine the most significant risks to ensuring the quality of VET and the integrity of national qualifications issued by training providers.
It has outlined how it will address current risk priorities which are determined through a process using environmental scanning, data analysis and prioritisation against a range of criteria. ASQA has published its Corporate Plan 2023-24, which sets out its a strategic direction for the next four years.
Chief Executive Officer, Saxon Rice explained that the Corporate Plan sets a refreshed direction for how ASQA will collaborate to build its own and the VET sector’s capability over the next four years (2023-23 to 2026-27). This will ensure quality vocational education and training continues so students, industry, governments, and the community have confidence in the integrity of national qualifications issued by training providers.
The corporate plan includes eight areas that ASQA identifies as posing the most significant risks:
- Student Work Placement
- Academic Integrity
- Online Delivery
- Shortened Course Duration
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- Workforce Capability
- Governance through change
- International student delivery
To find out more about ASQA’s current risk priorities visit ASQA’s website.
Good practice guide aids providers of digital skills support
The challenge of digital skills for some learners and educators is addressed in a new report that aims to introduce a series of guidelines to aid digital skills support.
Researcher and educator, Dr Deniese Cox, has been researching the issue for two years, and found that up to 87% of teaching workload in some weeks is being spent on providing remedial digital skill support. She says that educators reported that support provision is outside their job role, their expertise, and the scope of content assigned for them to deliver.
To address these learner and educator challenges, Dr Cox has released a ‘Digital skills for education and training: A good practice guide.’
The free publication is based around research that included focus groups and interviews with educators and learners, field testing of intervention strategies, and a review of several leading digital testing and teaching tools in consultation with expert advisors.
Download ‘Digital skills for education and training: A good practice guide’.
Jobs and Skills Australia releases new data tool
Jobs and Skills Australia has developed a new tool, ‘Atlas’, which for the first time allows users to explore combined labour market data at regional state and national levels, across occupations, skills and industries. Jobs and Skills Atlas incorporates data from JSA, the ABS and other sources.
It allows users to:
- view key indicators at regional level, including unemployment and participation rates, population and job vacancy data
- discover which are the key industries for employment by region, compare regions and view graphs on how employment in industries have changed over time
- explore the most common occupations, demand for occupations, skills priority lists and more.
This first beta release is now open for consultation and closes on October 12.
Online information sessions will be run to demonstrate Atlas and answer any questions. To register click on one of these links:
Thursday 21 September 12:30-1:30 pm AEST
Tuesday 26 September 12:30-1:30 pm AEST
Training Package Activity in Public Sector Industries
PSP Public Sector Training Package
- Translating and Interpreting
View the PSP Training Package.
This material was endorsed by Skills Ministers and is now published on training.gov.au.
LGA Local Government Training Package
No current activity.
View the LGA Training Package.
Training Package materials developed through the following projects have been endorsed by Skills Ministers and are now published on training.gov.au
PUA Public Safety Training Package
- National Recovery Training Program
View the National Recovery Training Program project page.
- Emergency Care
View the Emergency Care project page.
- Emergency Management
View the Emergency Management project page.
- Fire
View the Fire project page.
DEF Defence Training Package
- Electronic Forensics
- Moral Injury
- Paralegal Services
- Range Control Officer
- Test and Evaluations
- Work Diving
View the Public Safety Training Package projects page.
CSC Correctional Services Training Package
- Correctional Practice
View the Correctional Practice project page.
NWP National Water Training Package
- Flood Site Operations
- Water Network Maintenance
View the Water project page.
Correctional services agencies operate or contract with private operators, prison facilities, and in some states and territories periodic detention centres, and are also responsible for managing offenders on community corrections’ orders.
Australia’s Public Safety Industry is comprised of police services, fire and rescue services, emergency management agencies, the Australian Defence Force, intelligence organisations and associated administrative and support functions.
Public sector employees play an important role in the development, review and implementation of government policies, and they provide an array of services for the community. The public sector comprises of federal, state and territory governments, statutory bodies and state-owned corporations.
The Water industry includes water supply, sewerage, drainage services and pipeline transport (water). Occupations involved in these sectors cross a wide spectrum of activities.
