The consultation draft of the VET Workforce Quality Strategy is now available for feedback. This consultation draft has been designed to support Registered Training Organisations (RTO) and trainers and assessors to deliver high quality training and assessment.

Click here for more information.

​The Training Accreditation Council (TAC) has a strong reputation for its expertise, experience and balanced regulatory approach. The principles of this approach are identified in their TAC Risk Framework. TAC is currently undertaking a review of this Framework and invites RTO feedback on the document. Feedback closes 22 October 2021 and should be submitted via email (tac@dtwd.wa.gov.au More information is available on the TAC website link above.
 

Australian Industry Standards (AIS) are seeking feedback on draft Training Package materials for the Aviation Supervision and Commercial Pilot Regulatory projects. In particular, the Aviation Supervision project has added a new specialisation stream; Flight Operations to the Certificate IV in Aviation (Aviation Supervision).
 
The Commercial Pilot Regulatory Update project has updated three Units of Competency in the Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane).
 
Feedback on both training packages closes Friday, 8 October 2021. Please send a copy of your feedback to the LDSC on info@ldsc.asn.au so we can ensure feedback from WA stakeholders is pressed with the strongest possible case in this national consultation process.

The Transport and Logistics Industry Reference Committee have proposed a Heavy Vehicle Driver Apprenticeship. The new apprenticeship will address driver shortages across Australia by creating Heavy Vehicle Driver career pathways.
 
Feedback is being sought on the Industry Consultation paper outlining the case for an apprenticeship and is required by COB 15 October 2021. Click the following links to download the consultation paper or here to provide feedback.
 
To join the discussion stakeholders are invited to attend a Heavy Vehicle Driver Apprenticeship Webinar on Friday 8 October 1-2pm AEST. Click here to register.

To ensure comments from WA stakeholders has been taken into account during the consultation process, please send a copy of your comments to the LDSC via info@ldsc.asn.au.

​New releases of the Maritime Training Packages were approved by the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) for referral to Skills Ministers for endorsement. This included Maritime Operations (Linesperson) and Dredging Operations.  Cases for Change for Training Package development were also approved by the AISC for Rail Traffic Pilot and Autonomous Maritime Systems. The projects will address priority skills needs and ensure qualifications, Skill Sets and Units of Competency reflect current technologies, industry practices, and regulations for the respective industry.

​Click here to read the announcements.

Planning is underway for the integration of the METRONET Airport Line to the public transport network adding new bus routes and increased train capacity. The new train line will add an additional five trains (three-car sets) to the network meaning an additional 20,000 passenger trips can be made each day. The Airport Line will be supported by an enhanced bus network adding 26 new buses to the network and 1.7 million annual bus service kilometres to the Transperth network. These changes may impact workforce numbers in the future, with an increased and sustained demand for bus drivers to service these additional routes.
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Click here to read the media release.

The Australian Federation of Air Pilots is calling on the Federal Government to introduce a Job Ready Pilot program to get unemployed Australian pilots trained and ready to return to their roles. It is anticipated there are over 1,000 pilots in Australia currently without work which could impede the expected surge in demand for air travel once border restrictions ease.

It is for critical aircraft pilots to retain their currency. The aviation industry is fundamental to the economy. This initiative sees the union in collaboration with Ansett Aviation Training propose a $10 million Job Ready Pilot (JRP) program to maintain the proficiency of unemployed pilots ready to return to flying duties as soon as required. The three-tier training package includes medical and ASIC renewals, simulator training sessions and flight training.

​Click here for more information on the proposed training program.

​The 2021 Australasian Rail Industry (ARI) Awards will be hosted online this year and are free to attend. The ARI Awards recognise outstanding individual and company achievements in the rail industry. Find out about the projects, people and innovation that have shaped the rail industry in 2021 in Australia and New Zealand. Click here to register.

 
Transport Women Australia Limited and Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific are calling for applications for women for Driving the Difference Scholarships. Applications will close 29 October 2021. For more information on the Driving the Difference Scholarship contact Jacquelene Brotherton via chair@transportwomen.com.au or on 0417422319 or click here.

​The Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) National Industry Insights Report (NIIR) is a collection of skills, training, employment and labour market information and analysis, by industry sector. It also includes a National Skills Overview that examines cross-industry insights. The resources support Industry Reference Committees in designing and developing training packages to meet the current and future skills needs of industry. Stakeholders can access the reports interactive tool to review specific industry and sector data.

The State Government have announced that to further protect WA’s transport and logistics workforce from 24 October 2021 port, freight, transport and logistics workers must have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to enter WA from 'high' or 'extreme' risk jurisdictions as based on the latest public health advice. Port Workers who board or work with ‘exposed vessels’ have a 15 October 21 deadline for first vaccination dose

Click here to read the media release and for further information for transport and logistics workers. Click here to read the media release for port workers.

The Directions include, but are not limited to, freight truck drivers, pilot/support vehicle drivers, removalists, rail drivers and rail support crew and port workers, where these employees are required to travel from or through a 'high' or an 'extreme' risk jurisdiction for work or undertake roles on an exposed vessel.

In similar news, asymptomatic COVID-19 testing program has been extended to include taxi and ride share drivers who are now also eligible to access free, regular COVID-19 testing as part of Western Australia's enhanced DETECT Borders surveillance program. Click here to read this media release.