Aviation apprenticeships taking off in Cairns

Far North Queenslanders are exploring new careers in aircraft maintenance, thanks to Australia’s world-class vocational education and training (VET) system.  Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Karen Andrews MP, visited Hawker Pacific’s Cairns base, which employs 19 apprentices undertaking Certificate IV qualifications in Aeroskills. “By ensuring training in the proper maintenance of aircraft, these…

Locals urged to apply for Stronger Communities Grants

Community groups and sporting clubs on the southern Gold Coast are being encouraged to nominate worthwhile local projects to be funded under round four of the highly successful Stronger Communities Program.  Federal Member for McPherson Karen Andrews said nominations were now open and $150,000 would once again be invested in our local community.  “The Stronger…

A resilient VET sector holding steady

Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) system is showing its strength and resiliencewith the latest 2017 data showing student numbers are steady at 4.2 million. The report released today by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER),details total VET student and course figures for last year, including a stable overall studentparticipation rate at 24…

Funding extended for Skills Service Organisations

Australian industry will continue to have a strong voice in the development of modern and relevant training packages, with the Turnbull Government extending the funding arrangements for six Skills Service Organisations (SSOs).   Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Karen Andrews, said SSOs are independent, professional service organisations that support Industry Reference Committees (IRCs) to…

Skills Squad to begin training for the “Olympics of the skills sector”

Twenty-three of the nation’s best apprentices, trainees and VET graduates have been shortlisted to the WorldSkills Australia 2018/19 Skills Squad for the opportunity to represent Australia at the WorldSkills International Championships in 2019. Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Karen Andrews, said the 47-strong Skills Squad (which includes industry expert Training Managers), announced today,…

In community, by community, for community: preparing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students for life beyond school

Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Karen Andrews has launched a new video series showcasing innovative education and training programs being run nation-wide helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students successfully transition from school to work and study. At Swan View Senior High School in Western Australia, the Aboriginal Learning Engagement (ABLE) program…

In community, by community, for community: preparing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students for life beyond school

Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Karen Andrews has launched a new video series showcasing innovative education and training programs being run nation-wide helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students successfully transition from school to work and study. St Teresa’s College in Abergowrie, Far North Queensland caters for students from 50 remote Indigenous…

Funding for Southern Gold Coast services for financially vulnerable

Federal Member for McPherson, Karen Andrews, has called on local service providers to apply for funding to help them support financially vulnerable Australians access critical services on the Southern Gold Coast. Mrs Andrews said the Turnbull Government was providing $328 million in grant funding for community organisations to administer financial crisis assistance and education programs.…