Transcript Slide 1
CB Engineering Apprenticeships MESAB PROJECT • OTTE funded to advise training system stakeholders of industry agreed system. • Presentations to TAFE providers, GTCs, NACs. • Brochure - content agreed by OTTE, Employer Associations and Unions. Drivers of Change Council of Australian Governments (COAG) • removal of reference to time in apprenticeships, • completion based on achievement of competency units. “Apprentices be certified as competent by a State or Territory Training Authority without the need to make a special application when they have demonstrated competence to industry standards: • through the amendment of training legislation and administrative procedures where necessary; and • by removing references to fixed duration from awards and legislation in all jurisdictions where such awards prevent early sign off based on competency.” Drivers of Change Victorian ‘Maintaining the Advantage’ Policy • Vic Govt and Industry to accelerate apprenticeship completions. Victorian Inquiry into VET • DET negotiate with Industry to implement competency based rather than time-served apprenticeships - to be linked with strengthened QA and auditing, and dispute resolution process. • Metal, Engineering & Associated Industries Award • competency based progression and completion of apprenticeships • increased apprenticeship wages depending on level of schooling achieved • Stage 1 – entry • Stage 2 – on completion of 25%, or 12 months (whichever earlier) • Stage 3 – on completion of 50%, or 12 months (whichever earlier) • Stage 4 – on completion of 75%, or 12 months (whichever earlier) • progress and completion is by agreement between TAFE provider, employer and apprentice. Key Components of System • • • • • • • record keeping = TAFE assessment decisions = TAFE (employer confirmation) TAFE responsibilities on training contract unchanged sign-off of trade training pgm = completion of apprenticeship improved communication arrangements critical advice to employers when apprentices moving to the next stage ‘show cause’ dispute resolution process (assessment evidence critical) • State Training Authority and Industry to agree on audit measures Ideal Scenario ? • TAFE providers and a STA that is working towards growing the apprenticeship system and in particular, engineering trades • great TAFE communication processes with employers and potential apprentices – email, letters, third parties, log books, visits, marketing, apprentices • a TAFE training service that allows business to remain the top priority rather than a ‘institute timetable’ • flexible trade programs that allow non-traditional employers to use the apprenticeship system • teachers that know and routinely deal with their clients (employers) Dissenting Views? • • • • • • • • “…trades have been shortened…” “…trades are now 3 years…” “…there is now less funding…” “…it is de-skilling trades…” “…employers don’t want this…” “…TAFEs need more money …” “…current OTTE funding model is a barrier…” “… TAFE look after off-job only…” • some TAFEs need central guidance, pro-formas, independent 3rd parties, and are unhappy with new requirements. Industry has placed its faith in TAFE providers! Summary • changes driven by COAG and peak Industry representatives • changes designed to attract apprentices (higher starting pay for higher school levels, progress through pay rates and early completion based on extra effort) • changes designed to allow employers a greater say on what, when and how • the integrity and regard for apprenticeships needs to increase through this process