austafeconference.org.au

2012

AUSTAFE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

"TAFE on TARGET"

Pioneer Park, Alice Springs, NT

Wednesday, 3rd  - Friday, 5th October 2012

Welcome and first Key Note Address

Wednesday, 3rd October 2012, 2.00pm at Pioneer Park

Informal Delegate B-B-Q and entertainment at 6.00pm

Conference Dinner & AUSTAFE Awards

Thursday, 4th October 2012

Download a "Call for Papers" brochure HERE

Download a "Sponsorship and Exhibitor" brochure HERE

Download a "Speaker, Sponsor, Exhibitor" Information Sheet HERE

Conference 2012

The 2012 conference will bring together TAFE, private sector, university, school and government stakeholders involved in VET training from entry level programs through to post-graduate Degree programs.

Conference 2012 - Delegates

The AUSTAFE “TAFE on Target” conference is expected to attract 180 - 200 participants from the vocational and technical education sector across Australia. The participants will include TAFE managers, private providers, VET in School stakeholders, industry representatives, Group Training Organisations and government administration and funding providers. Other participants may include Tertiary Education and VET providers who are involved in Dual Sector provision or VET training from entry level to Advanced Diploma and Associate Degree level.

Conference 2012 - Conference Theme

The second decade of the 21^st Century is shaping up as the next chapter in Vocational Education and Training (VET) reform in Australia.

TAFE around the country is increasingly being called upon to fill the ‘education gap’ and provide the smooth transition from secondary education right through post-graduate tertiary qualifications.

The various State and Territory Schooling systems have implemented or are undertaking major curriculum changes that provide their students with choices of academic or vocational pathways through their High School Certificates.

Secondary Schools are more and more relying on VET to ensure a significant portion of their student cohort obtain their High School Certificate.

State, Territory and Federal Governments are recognising the role that VET in Schools is contributing to, at least in part, addressing the National Skills Shortage.

Dual Sector TAFE’s and Universities are becoming more common and funding reforms mooted for the VET sector will see increased demand on TAFE to provide post-graduate qualifications and Universities to provide VET qualifications

AUSTAFE Conference 2012 “TAFE on TARGET” seeks to answer the questions:

• Is TAFE hitting the Target for Secondary School students through VET in Schools (VETiS)?

• Is TAFE hitting the Target for post Secondary School students through Tertiary studies?

• Is TAFE hitting the Target for meeting the broad educational needs of Regional and Remote students?

• Is TAFE hitting the Target for meeting government, industry and community needs for a highly skilled and educated Australia?

• How is TAFE hitting the Target in equipping its staff to meet the increased training demands of the 21^st Century?

• How is TAFE hitting the Target with balancing the demands of increased compliance regulations with the increased delivery needs of students?

The theme “TAFE on Target” asks us “How well is TAFE meeting the broad expectations of Governments, Community and other Education sectors and how well are we preparing our staff and institutions to effectively deliver on these demands?”  This conference seeks to explore the new VET era and discover the options, opportunities and the mechanisms for moving forwards in this new environment.

Sub Themes

Theme 1: Secondary Schooling and TAFE

• VET in Schools; the implications for students and industry
• VET and the Senior School Certificate
• VET and the Regional and Remote School
• VET and government agenda

Theme 2: TAFE in the Tertiary Sector

• Dual Sector Universities and TAFE’s
• Pathways from VET to Higher Education to VET
• TAFE and the Financial Contribution Scheme
• Privatising TAFE (The Victorian proposal)
• Meeting the Post Compulsory Education needs of Regional & Remote students
• TAFE and the government agenda

Theme 3: Equipping TAFE Staff for the 21^st Century

• Is a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment enough?
• Increased compliance and regulation and keeping staff up-to-date
• Attracting and retaining quality staff