this Edition is packed with news reflecting some big issues and the business of the Skills Board. The COAG proposals outlined below are likely to have a significant impact. It is important that as these changes occur that appropriate models are used and SA industry does not end up with a system that is inappropriate for its needs

On the project scene, in addition to the Mental Health project it has been very busy with the commencement of the Domestic Violence, Youth Workers and Workforce Development projects.

Our industry connections also continue to develop with recruitment of members for both the Health and the Community Services Standing Committees. We hope to appoint the committees so that they can meet in July. The Board has also expanded its own expertise by co-opting Natalie Hamood, Director, Human Resources, Department for Families and Communities and Jorge Navas, State Secretary, Health Services Union.

If you are attending the Training Sector Forum. say hello to our Development Officer Greg Franks as we have a Skills Board trade display.Greg will also be attending the National Conference.

Ian Heard

COAG

The Council of Australian Governments in the 10 February communiqué have proposed changes regarding training that will have a significant impact. The changes include:

· Shortening the duration of apprenticeships where competence can be demonstrated

· Portability and recognition of statements of attainment (short course accredited training)

· Enabling intermediate or specialised qualifications as well as full apprenticeships

· An outcome based auditing model for Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s)

· Full mutual skills recognition of qualifications across Australia

· An appropriate Australia wide system for recognition of overseas qualifications

· Enabling a signification level of school based new apprenticeships

· Achieving maximum flexibility in training

· Effective competition between training providers

· Targeted responses to regional skills shortages

· Resources to understand industry and regional skills shortages

It is proposed that all these changes occur before the end of 2008.

Nursing

The Board has met with the Nurses Board Education Committee as under the new Health Training Package it is likely there will be Enrolled Nurse qualifications at both a Cert IV and a Diploma level. The discussion around the implications of this for registration will be ongoing and the Skills Board have offered to hold an industry forum on the subject later in the year.

TAFE Mid Year Intake

Applications are open for TAFE SA’s mid-year intake commencing in July. The courses range from certificate to advanced diploma and part-time study is an option. Applications close on 2 June 2006.

Website of the Month

Having trouble coordinating a meeting? Try Meet-o-matic. It’s Free.

Statistic of the Month

Domestic Violence Project

The Domestic Violence project has commenced with the appointment of Jill Gael from CPD Biz Consulting as project managers. The project aims to scope the priority needs for workforce development, training & professional development that if implemented will improve the skills of workers in the domestic violence sector.

The Project Management Group has met 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. This project is funded by DFEEST through the Workforce Development Fund.

Workforce Development Project

The Skills Board has appointed Jacky Morris, a trained sociologist with a strong interest in the needs of the sector, to undertake a 6 month sector-wide Workforce Development Project. The first 3 months of the project are oriented towards mapping the Health and Community Services sectors in South Australia. It is intended this data be accessible via the web. The project is also focussed on identifying major issues within the sector.

The project outcomes will not only be instrumental in setting the Boards strategic direction but will also inform both industry and government.

Youth Workers

The Skills Board and the Youth Affairs Council of SA have commenced a project to increase the retention of new Youth Workers by enhancing the transition from training to work. Research is currently underway and youth workers who have been in the industry for under 18 months are currently being consulted through an on-line survey.

The project aim to develop a resource that will improve understanding of the sector by new entrants and training for new youth workers and their managers that will improve transition to work practices. This project is funded by DFEEST through the Workforce Development Fund.

Mental Health

Preliminary research results from Stage 1 of the Mental Health project are already providing insight into the skills needed to work in the community-based mental health field; highlighting current gaps in available training; areas of concern with workplace practice; and identifying examples of good practice in a number of workplaces.

Stage 2 of the project includes the development of training material. To this end writer Alison Laycock has been contracted to develop a resource for front line workers.

Training Sector Forum 2006

The Making Connections- Developing our Workforce Training Sector Forum presented by DFEEST is on at the Hilton on 1^st & 2^nd June. To register complete the online registration

Building the Future CS&H Workforce Conference

The Making a Difference…2006 - Building the Future CS&H Workforce Conference being held in Brisbane on 6 & 7 June has finally arrived.

The Conference Program features international speakers including John Rogers, CEO Skills for Health UK, Dr Anne McBride and Dr Paula Hyde, from the University of Manchester.

Planning for an Aging Workforce Seminar Series

This Edition is the regular subscriber's e-newsletters of the SA Health & Community Services Skills Board Inc. You have received this email as you have either subscribed or have received recent correspondence from the Skills Board. If you haven't subscribed and would like to continue to receive this newsletter, please click the link below to register your details http://www.sahcssb.com.au/subscribe.php

To unsubscribe please reply to this email and write UNSUBSCRIBE in the Subject box or you can unsubscribe through our website.