Welcome to this Edition for March. In recent months the Board has been discussing in detail its industry consultative arrangements and has now approved the terms of reference for both a Health Standing Committee and a Community Services Standing Committee. Whilst these aren’t the only means of industry consultation planned they are the key forums for informing the Board. Nominations are now being called for membership of these committees. Expressions of Interest in the standing committees can be sent to the Development Officer.

Workforce profiling is a priority issue for the Board and will add value to understanding the sector and identifying future priorities. The Board has approved the appointment of a Project Officer for six months to undertake this role. Expressions of Interest in this role can be sent to Greg Franks.

For those subscribers involved in the Health sector it is important that a South Australian view be put forward in the validation of the Health Training Package. Although we’ve been unable to secure additional validation sessions for Adelaide there is an online feedback mechanism that we encourage you to use.

Ian Heard

Health Training Package Validation

Validation of the Health Training Package has commenced. Draft 2 is available to download from the CS&H ISC website on the Health Training Package HLT02 Review project page. It is also available on CD-ROM. The only Adelaide validation sessions are Enrolled Nursing and Medical Assisting (by invitation only) and First Aid. You need to register to attend the First Aid validation on Wednesday 12^th April from 1.30-4.30pm at the Rendezvous Allegra.

To participate in validation of all other qualifications you can contribute through the on-line forums.

South Australian Training Awards

Nominations for the South Australian Training Awards open on 3 April and close on the 31 May 2006. The Health & Community sector was well represented on the 2005 winners list with success for Maxima Group Training/Disability Works Australia, childcare trainee Kylie Fleetwood, and Organisation and Professional Development Services (DECS). Kylie & OPDS both went on to win National Awards. Let’s aim to keep our sector’s standing high in 2006 and nominate our finest.

Reframing the Future

Reframing the Future applications for 2006 staff development and change management projects are now available. Applications close on Tuesday 11 April 2006.

Reframing the Future is providing advice and assistance to organisations and individuals considering a 2006 project. You can make a 15 minute appointment with a Reframing the Future team member, by contacting Rennie Marshall or call on 08 8207 9684. Places are limited and we encourage you to book early.

Website of the Month

Have a look at this month’s Flex-e-news. The Australian Flexible Learning Framework are offering a variety of funding opportunities we hope you can take advantage of.

Statistic of the Month

“Four of the top six professions assessed by DEWR* as having skills national shortages fall within the health & community services industry (childcare, registered nurses, enrolled nurses, health specialists.)” NICS Environmental Scan 9 March 2006

Domestic Violence Project

The Department of Further Education Employment Science & Technology has funded a proposal through the Workforce Development Fund for a scoping project in the domestic violence sector. The project aims to identify through industry consultation the priority needs for workforce development, training & professional development that if implemented will improve the skills of workers in the domestic violence sector.

A Project Management Group is to be appointed and invitations to participate in consultation will be sent to relevant organisations and government bodies who have a vested interest and are influential in domestic violence issues/reform. A Project Officer will be appointed to lead the process. Please contact Greg Franks if you are interested in participating in this project.

Mental Health

The research phase of the Mental Health Project is underway. The consultation with a broad range of stakeholders is aiming to identify the skills needed to work in the community-based mental health field and highlight current gaps in available training. Whilst at an early stage preliminary results have not only identified a range of issues but also some good models of workforce practice.

A more detailed newsletter is being developed for subscribers who have a specific interest in the project and the mental health sector. To register interest in the newsletter contact Project Officer Diana MacMullin or call 8362 3220.

National Industry Careers Specialist - NICS

Planning for an Aging Workforce Seminar Series

The Australian Research Council Linkage Project is presenting a seminar series on Planning for an Aging Workforce. The first of these was presented by Professor Graeme Hugo to a near full house. Two further seminars are planned to be held at the University of Adelaide. On Thursday 30 March from 6-7.30pm Baroness Estelle Morris is presenting on the topic of Responding to workforce development challenges in Britain – cost $10. Professor Sue Richardson is addressing Projecting Demand for VET Skills on Friday 21 April from 12.30 -2pm – cost FREE. To register contact Josie Covino or phone on 8303 3350.

National Conference - Last Chance for early bird registrations

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