Training

Description

Aboriginal training is a major priority for the Department. There are a wide range of overarching policies and strategies that assist the efforts of the Department and TAFE colleges to improve outcomes for Aboriginal students.

Training WA: Planning for the Future 2009-2018 - Initiatives to enable around 30,000 Aboriginal people to be enrolled in employment related training are a major part of the Government's new blueprint for the training system.
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Reform Agenda provides the direction for national initiatives aimed at making significant improvements across a wide range of endeavours, including Aboriginal education, training and employment.
The Aboriginal Education and Training Strategy 2009-2013 provides strategic direction for the Department and TAFE colleges.
A key strategy in the State Training Plan 2009-2012 is to improve employment outcomes from training and participation in higher level vocational programs by Aboriginal people.

The Aboriginal Education and Training Directorate supports the delivery of training for Aboriginal people in TAFE colleges and four independent Aboriginal training organisations in Western Australia. The Directorate contributes to planning at state and national levels and supports the development of initiatives to improve training outcomes for Aboriginal people through its management of funding allocations from the Australian and Western Australian governments. It also reports on issues and progress being achieved in Aboriginal training.

Key Benefits/Outcomes

Aboriginal people participate in training at rates well above their representation in the general population. However, the proportion of Aboriginal students enrolled in higher level VET courses remains significantly lower than that for all VET students.
The Department's annual VET student surveys have demonstrated high levels of satisfaction by Aboriginal students with their VET experience.

Links to other Projects/Partners

Indigenous Aerospace Initiative
Aboriginal Education,Training and Employment Program (AETE)
Aboriginal School Based Training Program
Competitive Allocation of Training includes:
- Aboriginal School Based Training Program
- Access Program funds public and private Registered Training Organisations (RTO) to deliver nationally and State recognised training programs to clients from various target groups. There is an element specifically for courses developed to meet identified local training needs for Aboriginal people.
- Indigenous Training Support Program
- Employment Directions Network

Aboriginal Training

Representation of Aboriginal people is important for effective VET sector decision-making. Dr Susan Gordon AM is a member of the State Training Board. Aboriginal Education, Employment and Training Committees are in place in all TAFE colleges and the Curtin University Vocational and Training Centre (Kalgoorlie). These committees have a predominantly Aboriginal membership to provide advice on college matters affecting training for Aboriginal people. Most colleges also have Aboriginal representation on their boards of management.
Senior officers from the Department and TAFE managing directors meet regularly to coordinate effort, resolve issues and strategically plan public training delivery in Western Australia. A high priority is placed on Aboriginal training in this process.
An annual Aboriginal Staff Professional Learning Seminar is conducted for Aboriginal staff employed in TAFE colleges to provide information about state and national developments in Aboriginal VET and to provide opportunities for the sharing of best practice and networking amongst staff working in a variety of situations.
A checklist for training providers is available to enable organisations to reflect on their measures to support Aboriginal people in training. (Note: Right Click and save WORD Document)