The Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships were first launched in 2014 to assist apprentices who have experienced hardship in their life to successfully complete their apprenticeship. The Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships assist apprentices in NSW who have demonstrated: hardship in their personal circumstances aptitude for vocational education and training to lead to successful completion of their trade training a positive attitude and application in the workplace and in off-the-job training There will be a maximum of 95 Scholarships awarded in 2020, including up to 20 Scholarships for Indigenous Apprentices. For more information on the scholarships visit: https://www.training.nsw.gov.au/apprenticeships_traineeships/students/bert_evans_scholarships.htm Application close on Friday 3rd July 2020

In March 2020, Mpconsulting released a report that was prepared for the Federal Department of Education, Skills and Employment on a review of ASQA’s regulatory practices and processes. This report is part of overall reforms in Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. A key platform of these reforms is moving from input and compliance controls to a stronger focus on excellence in training outcomes. The report makes 24 recommendations. Some of the themes include new long term vision for ASQA, clarifying and modernising ASQA’s role and regulatory culture, aligning governance arrangements with ASQA’s renewed focus, strengthening engagement and education, using intelligence to effectively monitor strategic risk and provider performance, aligning… Read More

COVID-19 and the recent bushfires in NSW have had severe impacts on the agrifood industries. As such, the NSW Department of Education – Training Services NSW has made funding available for part qualifications for priority skills sets in the areas of bushfire recovery and COVID-19 response. Priority skill sets were identified through research, regional engagement and industry consultation. Priority skill sets were also developed to support bushfire clean up for specific regions. Priority skill sets include, first aid, chain of responsibility, Chainsaw Training. Other skill sets being funded are manual handling, too handling, white card and fencing. Foundation skills to enhance language, literacy, numeracy skills have also been funded. These… Read More

A range of assistance measures are available to support people affected by bushfires. These are aimed at providing for immediate and short term needs, to support recovery from the bushfires across NSW. These assistance measures include immediate emergency assistance, emergency temporary accommodation, clean up assistance, animal welfare, Commonwealth Government Disaster Recovery Payment, Commonwealth Government Disaster Recovery Allowance, NSW Government Disaster Relief Grants, Primary Producer Assistance, small business assistance, legal assistance may be of use to the agrifood industries. Other assistance includes Portable Water Assistance, Farm Gate Counsellors. For more information please visit: www.emergency.nsw.gov.au

The NSW Department of Education Training Awards are now open for applications. This is a great opportunity to highlight training achievements in the agrifood industries as well as recognise leadership and innovation. This year, the NSW Training Awards celebrate and honour 65 Years of outstanding achievements in vocational education and training for apprentices, trainees and students as well as well as teachers, training providers and employers. Applications close Friday 13, March 2020. For more information and how to make an application for the 12 different categories please visit:https://www.training.nsw.gov.au/training_awards/index.html