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	<title>Service Industries Training Advisory Council</title>
	<link>http://www.sitac.com.au/</link>
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<item>
	<category>Media Releases</category>
	<title><![CDATA[SITAC Newsletter February - Volume 4 Issue 2]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[
    
        
            
            
            Welcome to the Service Industries Training Advisory Council's (SITAC) e-Newsletter&amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            The Service Industries Training Advisory Council (SITAC) works to enhance the provision and quality of skills development and improve career opportunities within the Service industries in the Northern Territory.&amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            Our areas of coverage include Business Services, Financial Services, Information Technology, Retail, Property Services, Personal Services and the Training and Assessment industries.
            &amp;nbsp;
            
            
        
        
            Latest News
        
        
            &amp;nbsp;
            FNS04 Financial Services Training Package &amp;ndash; Darwin Workshop&amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            The review of the FNS04 Financial Services Training Package has entered its final stages and a validation workshop for the revised qualifications and Units of Competency will shortly be held in Darwin.&amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            This workshop will be a great opportunity to meet and discuss the draft qualifications and units of competency before they undergo the final revision and preparation for endorsement in May 2010.&amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            It will also be an excellent opportunity to find out what the revised Training Package will look like as well as share feedback with the Project Review team and have any questions you have answered. &amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            Darwin Workshop Details&amp;nbsp;
            The workshop will be held on Monday, 1 March 2010&amp;nbsp;
            at the Crowne Plaza, Ambassador Room, 32 Mitchell Street, Darwin&amp;nbsp;
            from 9:30 am &amp;ndash; 12:45 pm.&amp;nbsp;
            
            &amp;nbsp;
            A light lunch will be provided afterwards.&amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            A Discussion Paper with background information, project updates and new developments which have impacted on the Training Package can be viewed at IBSA&amp;rsquo;s website by clicking here.&amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            Please contact Industry Manager Rohit Gupta: rohit@ibsa.org.au or Project Officer Anna Ridgway: anna@ibsa.org.au should you have any questions about this project.&amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            Please email Rohit Gupta at IBSA at: Rohit@ibsa.org.au to register your attendance for this workshop. &amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            
        
        
            
            &amp;nbsp;
            BSB07 Business Services Training Package
            Manager 2020, Frontline Management, Innovation, Sales, Marketing and Advertising
            The first draft development of new and updated units of competency, skills sets and changes for some qualifications for the BSB07 Business Services Training Package have been completed.&amp;nbsp; The changes relate to Manager 2020, Frontline Management, Innovation, Sales, and Marketing and Advertising.
            Information can be accessed via the IBSA website which also includes a link to the Review and Feedback Register containing the first draft of the proposed unit and skill set changes.&amp;nbsp; Initial feedback can be provided up until 5 March 2010.
            National consultations of the first draft will commence shortly and include telephone and face-to-face interviews as well as a number of state / territory based workshops.
            If you have any questions or queries regarding this project, please do not hesitate to contact Eddie Hardman at eddie@ibsa.org.au or Jayne Crook at jayne@ibsa.org.au. &amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            
            
        
        
            
            &amp;nbsp;
            2010 E-learning Funding Now Available
            Registered training organisations (RTOs) in the Northern Territory are invited to apply for E-learning Innovations funding and support to implement innovative e-learning solutions for businesses and students.&amp;nbsp; The 2010 NT E-Learning Innovations Guidelines for Applicants provides information about how to apply for funding.&amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            Online applications are currently being accepted and can be submitted anytime up until 5.00pm (NT time) on Tuesday, 2 March 2010.&amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            For more information contact your NT Innovations Coordinator Melanie Brenton&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; on (08) 8942 1651 or email ntinnovations2010@gmail.com &amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            
            
        
        
            
            &amp;nbsp;
            Attention Hairdressers!! 
            The Apprentice Kickstart Bonus is an employer incentive designed to counteract the impact of the global recession on commencements and retention of young people.&amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            Who is eligible for the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus?&amp;nbsp;
            Employers who employ an Australian Apprentice who is aged 19 years and under and is undertaking a Certificate III or IV level qualification that leads to a skill shortage trade occupation. &amp;nbsp;
            The Apprentice Kickstart Bonus is payable for commencements from 1 December 2009 until 28 February 2010.
            What financial support is available to employers? &amp;nbsp;
            The Apprentice Kickstart Bonus is a total of $3,350 paid in instalments of: 
            &amp;bull; $850 paid at the three month point of the Australian Apprenticeship; and &amp;nbsp;
            &amp;bull; $2,500 paid at the nine month point of the Australian Apprenticeship. &amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            For further information contact Skye Blake from Australian Apprenticeships NT on (08) 8935 8251, or email her at: skye.blake@aacnt.com.au &amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            
            
        
        
            
            &amp;nbsp;
            $75,000 Funding to Embed E-Learning in Industry
            Industry sectors, in partnership with a registered training organisation (RTO), can apply for $75,000 in 'Industry Integration of E-learning' funding and support for 2010.&amp;nbsp; But be quick, submissions for funding close at 12.00 noon (AEDST) on Monday, 15 February, 2010.
            The national training system&amp;rsquo;s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework is providing the funding to help one new industry sector meet workplace skills needs through the use of e-learning.&amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            The successful industry sector will need to be in a position to begin its proposed plan at the end of February 2010 and develop a two year plan, although funding for 2010 only is available at this stage.
            For more information, including selection criteria, download the 2010 Industry Guidelines.&amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            If you would like to discuss your application, please contact &amp;nbsp;
            Jenny Dodd, Industry Integration of E-learning Business Manager on (02) 6307 4955, or jenny.dodd@cit.act.edu.au
            Kerry Manikis, Industry Integration of E-learning Senior Project Officer on (02) 6207 6267, or kerry.manikis@cit.act.edu.au &amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            
            
        
        
            
            &amp;nbsp;
            Certificate IV in TAA for training Young People
            YouthJET is launching a new training division called YouthTrain.&amp;nbsp; This division is offering discount training to young people and those who work with young people. One of the first courses to be run this year is a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, with a particular focus on how to train young people.&amp;nbsp; 
            The course can be done externally from anywhere in Australia. Please visit http://www.youthjet.com.au/courses/certcourses.html for more information or contact Andrew Redman-Wenham at a.r-w@youthjet.com.au&amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;
            
            
        
        
            Up-coming Events
        
        
            
            &amp;nbsp;
            Service Skills Australia Conference 2010: Focusing on a Positive Future&amp;nbsp;
            Service Skills Australia will hold its National Conference from 1-2 March, 2010 at the Sydney Exhibition and Convention Centre. The conference will bring together employers, workers, industry bodies and training organisations to discuss ways to work together to increase the productivity and participation of the workforce in the service industries. &amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            Service Skills Australia Conference 2010 Website &amp;raquo; &amp;nbsp;
            
            
        
    
]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.sitac.com.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=mediaRelease&amp;pID=6242]]></link>
	<pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 09 Feb 2010]]></pubDate>
	<guid><![CDATA[http://www.sitac.com.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=mediaRelease&amp;pID=6242]]></guid>
	</item>

<item>
	<category>Media Releases</category>
	<title><![CDATA[SITAC Newsletter January - Volume 4 Issue 1]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[
    
        
            
            
            Welcome to the Service Industries Training Advisory Council's (SITAC) e-Newsletter&amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            The Service Industries Training Advisory Council (SITAC) works to enhance the provision and quality of skills development and improve career opportunities within the Service industries in the Northern Territory.&amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            Our areas of coverage include Business Services, Financial Services, Information Technology, Retail, Property Services, Personal Services and the Training and Assessment industries.
            &amp;nbsp;
            
        
        
            Latest News
        
        
            
            &amp;nbsp;
            Productivity Places Program (PPP)
            The Department of Education and Training has announced the qualifications funded under the Northern Territory administered Productivity Places Program for 2010.&amp;nbsp; These PPP places are for both job seekers and existing workers.&amp;nbsp;
            For more information, please go to the DET website.
            &amp;nbsp;
            
        
        
            
            Professional Development Opportunities
            The Anti-Discrimination Commission provides a range of programs designed to educate management and staff.&amp;nbsp; Training is delivered in Darwin or at a regional or remote centre, or we can customise training to meet your organisational requirements.
            Contact Ms Surya Silva, Director Public Education &amp;amp; Training, on 8999 1444 for information about programs that meet the specific need of your organisation. 
            Anti-Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying &amp;ndash; Cost $110.00 &amp;nbsp;
            Preventing Harassment &amp;amp; Bullying for Managers and Supervisors &amp;ndash; Cost $110.00
            Crossing the line Sexual Harassment in To-day&amp;rsquo;s workplace &amp;ndash; Cost $110.00 &amp;nbsp;
            Skills Training for Contact Officers &amp;ndash; Cost $220.00
            For more information, please refer to the anti-discrimination commission website.
            &amp;nbsp;
            
        
        
            
            $75,000 Funding to Embed E-Learning in Industry
            Industry sectors, in partnership with a registered training organisation (RTO), can apply for $75,000 in 'Industry Integration of E-learning' funding and support for 2010. 
            The national training system&amp;rsquo;s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework is providing the funding to help one new industry sector meet workplace skills needs through the use of e-learning.
            The successful industry sector will need to be in a position to begin its proposed plan at the end of February 2010 and develop a two year plan, although funding for 2010 only is available at this stage.
            Funding submissions for the remaining industry sector close at 12.00 noon (AEDST) Monday, 15 February 2010. 
            For more information, including selection criteria, download the 2010 Industry Guidelines.
            If you would like to discuss your application, please contact 
            Jenny Dodd, Industry Integration of E-learning Business Manager on (02) 6307 4955, or jenny.dodd@cit.act.edu.au
            Kerry Manikis, Industry Integration of E-learning Senior Project Officer on (02) 6207 6267, or kerry.manikis@cit.act.edu.au &amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            
            
        
        
            
            Apprentice Kickstart Bonus
            The Apprentice Kickstart Bonus is an employer incentive designed to counteract the impact of the global recession on commencements and retention of young people in traditional trade Australian Apprenticeships.
            Who is eligible for the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus?
            Employers who employ an Australian Apprentice who is aged 19 years and under and is undertaking a Certificate III or IV level qualification that leads to a skill shortage trade occupation. 
            The Apprentice Kickstart Bonus is payable for commencements from 1 December 2009 until 28 February 2010.
            For further information contact Skye Blake from Australian Apprenticeships NT on (08) 8935 8251, or email her at: skye.blake@aacnt.com.au&amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            
            
        
        
            Up-coming Events
        
        
            
            
            &amp;nbsp;
            2010 E-learning Funding and Information Sessions
            Registered training organisations (RTOs) in the Northern Territory are invited to apply for E-learning Innovations funding and support to implement innovative e-learning solutions for businesses and students.&amp;nbsp; The 2010 NT E-Learning Innovations Guidelines for Applicants provides information about how to apply for funding.
            FREE public information sessions will be held in Darwin on Tuesday, 2 February, and in Alice Springs on Thursday, 4 February.&amp;nbsp; To register for the information session, please click here.
            Online applications can be made from Monday, 1 February and close on Tuesday, 2 March 2010 at 5pm Northern Territory time.
            For more information contact your NT Innovations Coordinator Melanie Brenton&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; on (08) 8942 1651 or email ntinnovations2010@gmail.com&amp;nbsp;
            
            
        
    
]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.sitac.com.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=mediaRelease&amp;pID=6242]]></link>
	<pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 01 Feb 2010]]></pubDate>
	<guid><![CDATA[http://www.sitac.com.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=mediaRelease&amp;pID=6242]]></guid>
	</item>

<item>
	<category>Media Releases</category>
	<title><![CDATA[2010 E-learning Innovations funding]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[
2010 E-learning Innovations funding
Registered training organisations (RTOs) in the Northern Territory are invited to apply for E-learning Innovations funding and support to implement innovative e-learning solutions for businesses and students. The 2010 Northern Territory E-learning Innovations Guidelines for Applicants provide information about how to apply for funding.
FREE&amp;nbsp;public information sessions will be held in Darwin and Alice Springs in early February. For further information please see below.
Online applications can be made from 1 February 2010 and RTOs are encouraged to apply electronically. A Word version of the application form is currently available to use as a working document in preparation for completing the online application.
Applications will close on Tuesday 2 March 2010
For more information contact your NT Innovations Coordinator Melanie Brenton on (08) 8942 1651 or email ntinnovations2010@gmail.com.
NT Information Session Information
Darwin - 2 February 2010 - 9am - 12pm - Bul Bul Room, Mirambeena
Alice Springs - 4 February - 10am - 1pm - Stuart Room, 1st Floor Alice Plaza
To register please go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KW89CLW.]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.sitac.com.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=mediaRelease&amp;pID=6242]]></link>
	<pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 12 Jan 2010]]></pubDate>
	<guid><![CDATA[http://www.sitac.com.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=mediaRelease&amp;pID=6242]]></guid>
	</item>

<item>
	<category>Media Releases</category>
	<title><![CDATA[SITAC Newsletter December - Volume 3 Issue 8]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[
    
        
            
            
            Welcome to the Service Industries Training Advisory Council's (SITAC) e-Newsletter&amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            The Service Industries Training Advisory Council (SITAC) works to enhance the provision and quality of skills development and improve career opportunities within the Service industries in the Northern Territory.&amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            Our areas of coverage include Business Services, Financial Services, Information Technology, Retail, Property Services, Personal Services and the Training and Assessment industries.&amp;nbsp;
            
            
        
        
            Latest News
        
        
            
            
            The Australian Flexible Learningh Framework gets the green light&amp;nbsp;
            The national training system&amp;rsquo;s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework), today received the green light to continue its work in driving the uptake, use and embedding of e-learning within the Australian vocational education and training (VET) system.
            In 2010, the Framework will provide more than $7 million in funding opportunities to registered training organisations (RTOs) and businesses that have the ability to:
            
                trial emerging technologies to inform e-standards ($100,000) 
                conduct implementation trials for e-portfolios ($25,000) 
                produce further Flexible Learning Toolboxes (Toolboxes) ($1.1m) 
                continue multiple year funding for nine industry sectors, plus fund one new industry sector ($650,000) 
                develop innovative e-learning solutions in their state/territory through E-learning Innovations projects ($5.3m). 
            
            For more information on 2010 Funding opportunities please visit http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/content/funding-opportunities.
            &amp;nbsp;
            
        
        
            
            Apprentice Kickstart Bonus&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;
            The Deputy Prime Minister has announced Apprentice Kickstart - a $100 million investment to support two measures designed to counteract the impact of the global recession on Australian Apprenticeships commencements and retention. It also aims to increase opportunities for young people to transition from school to trade training, improving their chances of engaging with long term employment.
            The Apprentice Kickstart package introduces two initiatives: an $80 million time limited Apprentice Kickstart Bonus for employers of Australian Apprentices in skills shortage trades and $20 million to Increase Pre-Apprenticeship Training Opportunities.
            Between 1 December 2009 and 28 February 2010, the Australian Government will provide a $3,350 Apprentice Kickstart Bonus to employers who take on a young person aged 19 years and under into a traditional trade Australian Apprenticeship. The introduction of the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus represents a tripling of Government support for employers of eligible Australian Apprentices in their first year of an Australian Apprenticeship.
            The Apprentice Kickstart package also provides $20 million to state and territory governments for Increased Pre-Apprenticeship Training Opportunities. Through increased provision of pre-apprenticeship training in the traditional trades, this initiative will provide a flow of suitable candidates for emerging traditional trade Australian Apprenticeship opportunities resulting from the economic recovery.
            These initiatives aim to continue the development of a highly skilled workforce and provide individuals with greater job opportunities to benefit the Australian economy as we move through the global recession into economic recovery and beyond.
            For further information, please do not hesitate to contact Skye Blake at the Australian Apprenticeship Centre NT on 1300 137 130 (local call cost) or Skye.Blake@aacnt.com.au.
            Please click here for the Fact Sheet.
            &amp;nbsp;
            
        
        
            
            The National Quality Council introduces changes to Training Package Qualification Packaging Rules&amp;nbsp;
            SITAC will be working with our respective National Industry Skills Council's over the coming months to meet the NQC's new Training Package Qualification Packaging Rules. We will be working towards making Training Packages more flexible and to accommodate the new Green Skills associated with sustainable work practices. 
            For more information in regards to these changes please visit http://www.tpatwork.com/ViewArticle.asp?articleid=3893.
            &amp;nbsp;
            
        
        
            
            The National Quality Council announces changes to the 2007 AQTF standards&amp;nbsp;
            On 3 December 2009 the National Quality Council (NQC) announced that it has endorsed changes to the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) Essential Standards for Registration. Information about the revised changes is available from the NQC website http://www.nqc.tvetaustralia.com.au/aqtf_2010. 
            The changes were supported by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) at its meeting on 7 December 2009. The NQC advises that implementation will be completed by March 2010. This department will be working with the NQC to ensure that all Registered Training Organisations in the Northern Territory are informed about arrangements for transition to these new standards. 
            The NT Department of Education and Training will keep you informed of further developments and any actions you will need to take once further information is made available through the NQC. 
            For more information please do not hesitate to contact Jane Holt Manager, Quality and Regulatory NT Department of Education and Training PH 08-8901 1340 Fax 08-8901 1326 email: jane.holt@nt.gov.au.
            &amp;nbsp;
            
        
        
            
            Current Status of SITAC's Training Packages
            Asset Maintenance (PRM04)&amp;nbsp;
            Version: 3&amp;nbsp;
            Status: Endorsed&amp;nbsp;
            National contact: Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council&amp;nbsp;
            Phone: 02 6253 0002&amp;nbsp;
            Email: info@cpsisc.com.au&amp;nbsp;
            Web: www.cpsisc.com.au
            Beauty (WRB04)&amp;nbsp;
            Version: 2&amp;nbsp;
            Status: In review&amp;nbsp;
            National contact: Service Skills Australia&amp;nbsp;
            Karen Banks&amp;nbsp;
            Phone: 02 8243 1200&amp;nbsp;
            Email: info@serviceskills.com.au&amp;nbsp;
            Web: www.serviceskills.com.au
            Business Services (BSB07)&amp;nbsp;
            Version: 2&amp;nbsp;
            Status: Endorsed&amp;nbsp;
            National contact: Innovation and Business Skills Australia&amp;nbsp;
            Eddie Hardman&amp;nbsp;
            Phone: 03 9815 7000&amp;nbsp;
            Email: virtual@ibsa.org.au&amp;nbsp;
            Web: www.ibsa.org.au
            Financial Services (FNS04)&amp;nbsp;
            Version: 2&amp;nbsp;
            Status: Endorsed&amp;nbsp;
            National contact: Innovation and Business Skills Australia&amp;nbsp;
            Rohit Gupta&amp;nbsp;
            Phone: 03 9815 7000&amp;nbsp;
            Email: virtual@ibsa.org.au&amp;nbsp;
            Web: www.ibsa.org.au
            Floristry (WRF04)&amp;nbsp;
            Version: 1&amp;nbsp;
            Status: In review&amp;nbsp;
            National contact: Service Skills Australia&amp;nbsp;
            Karen Banks&amp;nbsp;
            Phone: 02 8243 1200&amp;nbsp;
            Email: info@serviceskills.com.au&amp;nbsp;
            Web: www.serviceskills.com.au
            Funeral Services (SIF08)&amp;nbsp;
            Version: 1&amp;nbsp;
            Status: Endorsed&amp;nbsp;
            National contact: Service Skills Australia&amp;nbsp;
            Karen Banks&amp;nbsp;
            Phone: 02 8243 1200&amp;nbsp;
            Email: info@serviceskills.com.au&amp;nbsp;
            Web: www.serviceskills.com.au
            Hairdressing (WRH06)&amp;nbsp;
            Version: 2&amp;nbsp;
            Status: Endorsed&amp;nbsp;
            National contact: Service Skills Australia&amp;nbsp;
            Karen Banks&amp;nbsp;
            Phone: 02 8243 1200&amp;nbsp;
            Email: info@serviceskills.com.au&amp;nbsp;
            Web: www.serviceskills.com.au
            Information and Communications (ICA05)&amp;nbsp;
            Version: 3&amp;nbsp;
            Status: Endorsed&amp;nbsp;
            National contact: Innovation and Business Skills Australia&amp;nbsp;
            Gabriele Giofre&amp;nbsp;
            Phone: 03 9815 7000&amp;nbsp;
            Email: virtual@ibsa.org.au&amp;nbsp;
            Web: www.ibsa.org.au
            Property Services (CPP07)&amp;nbsp;
            Version: 5&amp;nbsp;
            Status: Endorsed&amp;nbsp;
            National contact: Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council&amp;nbsp;
            Phone: 02 6253 0002&amp;nbsp;
            Email: info@cpsisc.com.au&amp;nbsp;
            Web: www.cpsisc.com.au
            Retail Services (SIR07)&amp;nbsp;
            Version: 1&amp;nbsp;
            Status: Endorsed&amp;nbsp;
            National contact: Service Skills Australia&amp;nbsp;
            Karen Banks&amp;nbsp;
            Phone: 02 8243 1200&amp;nbsp;
            Email: info@serviceskills.com.au&amp;nbsp;
            Web: www.serviceskills.com.au
            Training and Assessment&amp;nbsp;
            Version: 2.1&amp;nbsp;
            Status: Endorsed&amp;nbsp;
            National contact: Innovation and Business Skills Australia&amp;nbsp;
            Robert Bluer&amp;nbsp;
            Phone: 03 9815 7000&amp;nbsp;
            Email: virtual@ibsa.org.au&amp;nbsp;
            Web: www.ibsa.org.au&amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            
        
        
            
            NT Workforce Development Issues&amp;nbsp;
            If you are experiencing workforce development issues, please contact SITAC for assistance.
            &amp;nbsp;
            
        
        
            Up-coming Events
        
        
            
            
            
            &amp;nbsp;
            Service Skills Australia&amp;rsquo;s 2010 Conference&amp;nbsp;
            1-2 March 2010, Sydney&amp;nbsp;
            www.tpatwork.com/ViewArticle.asp?hArticle=3901 
            2010 VELG National Conference&amp;nbsp;
            5-6 August 2010, Sydney&amp;nbsp;
            www.tpatwork.com/ViewArticle.asp?hArticle=3900 
            &amp;nbsp;
            
        
        
            Special Announcements
        
        
            
            &amp;nbsp;
            &amp;nbsp;
            The Service Industries Training Advisory Council will be closed over the festive season from the 18 December until the 4 January 2010. We would like to wish you all a safe and merry festive season and look forward to working with you in the New Year!
            &amp;nbsp;
            
        
    
]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.sitac.com.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=mediaRelease&amp;pID=6242]]></link>
	<pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 18 Dec 2009]]></pubDate>
	<guid><![CDATA[http://www.sitac.com.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=mediaRelease&amp;pID=6242]]></guid>
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<item>
	<category>Media Releases</category>
	<title><![CDATA[NQC Introduces Changes to Training Package Qualification Packaging Rules]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[The National Quality Council (NQC) has introduced important changes to the qualification packaging rules for all Training Packages.  The changes respond to requests from industry, employers and learners for greater flexibility to meet their specific training needs.

The major changes include:-

·         ONE THIRD or more of total units required to gain a VET qualification will be ELECTIVES

·         The choice of ELECTIVE units can be broadened, to allow ONE SIXTH of total units to be included from other qualifications in the same Training Package, other Training Packages and ACCREDITED COURSES

·         Licensed and trade occupations will be exempt from these measures.  An evaluation in 2010 will include consideration of this

·         All units will be called either CORE or ELECTIVE.  Recommended combinations of electives for particular specialisations will be presented as GROUPS

The timeline for implementation is

·          January 2010  transition arrangements for applying new packaging rules to new Training packages will be in place from 1 January 20101 until March 2010.

·         31 March 2010  all ISCs report to NQC with a gap analysis showing which qualifications meet new packaging rules and a work plan to rectify those that dont

·         30 June 2010  all ISCs report to the NQC showing that their highest use Training Packages &amp; qualifications by volume of enrolment, as identified in their 31 March 2010 report, now comply with the new packaging rules

·         31 December 2010  all ISCs report to the NQC showing that all Training Package qualifications now comply with new packaging rules.
]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.sitac.com.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=mediaRelease&amp;pID=6242]]></link>
	<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 16 Dec 2009]]></pubDate>
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