In the 2012-2013 financial year the E-learning For Participation and Skills business activity is seeking co-investment applications for funding of $25,000-$50,000 (plus GST).

It is estimated that approximately 86 projects will be funded nationally.  

E-learning for Participation and Skills

Objective

The key objective of this activity is to use innovative e-learning technologies, including those using high-speed broadband (where appropriate) to deliver e-learning projects and strategies which improve individuals’ access to gain pre-vocational skills, skills in priority employment areas and/or to pursue educational pathways to gain higher qualifications.

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Project streams

applications developed around one or more of the following streams:

• Pre-vocational

• Vocational

• Pathways to higher qualifications

Pre-vocationalTarget: Learners currently excluded or marginally attached to work and learning; allowing them to gain access to training and skills needed to participate in meaningful and sustainable work. (Part 2 Guidelines)

Refer:

The National VET Equity Advisory Council

www.nveac.natese.gov.au

Previous projects (Partnerships for Participation)

http://pfp2012.wikispaces.com/Project+Summaries

VocationalTarget: E-learning projects/strategies to improve access to recognised training in priority training areas, such as critical skills and specialist occupations; to maximise workforce participation and meet current and future skills needs.. (Part 2 of the Guidelines)

Refer:

Skills Australia Skilled Occupation List can be found at: www.immi.gov.au/skilled/sol/

Previous projects (Access to Skills)

http://accesstoskills.wikispaces.com

Pathways to Higher QualificationsTarget: Develop e-learning approaches which support learner pathway programs which lead to Cert IV or higher VET qualifications, recognition for Cert IV level to higher skill sets, entry into higher education and / or enable workforce development initiatives at Cert IV level or higher. (Part 2 Guidelines)

E-portfolios had a strong presence in the last round of projects, e.g. Mahara, PebblePad

Refer:Previous projects (Pathways to Higher Qualifications)

http://participationandskills.wikispaces.com/Recent+Strategy+projects

Focus of all projects

•Delivery and engagement not creating new content. Re-

use and repurposing existing material encouraged.

•NBN or high speed broadband (where appropriate) eg

Innovative E-learning practices may be a substitute where

high speed broadband not available.

•Partnerships encouraged

•Meet state and territory training priorities

Applications•Open 10 July 2012•Close midnight AEST 15 August 2012•Applications submitted online http://www.participationandskills.net.au•Funding between $25,000 and $50,000 (exc GST) for projects plus co-investment•Submitted by RTO-Lead Agent

Milestones DateFunding opportunities promoted 10 July 2012

Online applications close 15 August 2012

Advice to successful applicants 7 September 2012

Induction events held in jurisdictions 10-14 September

Project contracts completed 17 September

Monthly online meetings and wiki updates Oct 2012-May 2013

Collect and collate baseline data from projects November 2012

Business Manager monitors or visits project teams Feb and March 2013

Participation in end of project National Showcase

Melbourne

24 May 2013 (TBC)

E-learning Co-ordinators

Before submitting your application:

Read the E-learning for Participation and Skills Guidelines

Discuss your idea with your E-learning Co-ordinator

Link to 'News & State Contacts' page on Flexible Learning site:http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/content/news/state_contacts.htm

More information

Online application www.participationandskills.net.au

Look for the information icon which links to the project wikispace.

Here you will find: •Frequently asked questions•Guidelines•Useful contacts

•National and Jurisdictional websites outlining priority training areas.

Victorian Training Priorities

Higher Education and Skills' department in Victoria have a priorities that should be considered when making your application:

•the skills that are in short supply•the Victorian training market•industry training market trends•regional training market trends

http://www.skills.vic.gov.au/Pages/skills-and-jobs-outlook/default.aspx

Skills Shortages•Managers and Administrators•Professionals•Technicians and Trades Workers•Community and Personal Service Workers•Clerical and Administrative Workers•Machinery Operators and Drivers•Labourers

Victorian Training Market Reports

These quarterly reports present an analysis of activity in Victoria’s vocational education and training system. They provide detail about:

•how many people are in government funded training•what they are training in•where they are accessing training•whether training provision is responding to employer’s skill needs.

Industry Training Market Trends

Each of the 19 industry training profiles examines the following areas:•Economic context including employment, economic output and business base; and current workforce breakdown by age group and qualification level•Summary of training challenges gleaned from industry intelligence including structural changes and areas of skills shortage•Overview of training performance 2011 compared to 2010, including a 'dashboard' of key measures•Training breakdown of significant trends in specific occupations, qualifications or the demographic profile of students

Regional Training Market Trends

Many of Victoria’s regions are undergoing structural change as the local economies adjust to international competition, a strong Australian dollar and ongoing uncertainty in the global economic outlook.

As a result, training delivery and uptake differs across regions as the training system responds to the skills and training needs of local employers and industry.

VICSarah PhillipsMob: 0411 787 172Ph: (03) 9661 8714sarah.phillips@eworks.edu.au

VICHoward ErreyPh: (03) 9661 8714Howard.errey@eworks.edu.au

E-learning Co-ordinators

TAS, VIC, SA & WA

Fiona Huskinson

Phone: (03) 6233 2140

Mobile: 0448 576 200

Email:

fiona.huskinson@skills.tas.gov.au

Business Activity Managers