INDUSTRY Talk - Victoria University, Melbourne INDUSTRY TALK FINAL (16.9.11).pdfbased on Open Sim (a free version of the code that runs Second Life) developed in conjunction with Monash

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INDUSTRY TalkF O R E M P L O Y E R S , A P P R E N T I C E S A N D T R A I N E E S

I S S U E 1 2 0 1 1

IN THIS ISSUEQ&A Profile: Samantha Pattison, Make-Up Teacher 1

Make-Up For The Stars 1

2011 VET Innovation Showcase 2

Harnessing Virtual Worlds For Sustainable Construction 2

Sign Of The Times 3

New Industry Liaison Unit 3

AFL SportsReady: Trainee Of The Year 4

Showcasing Melton Campus 4

Community Trade Taster Program 5

2011 Hair and Beauty Industry Association Awards 5

Master of the Plumbing Trade 5

Community Partnerships Build Futures For At-Risk Students 6

Introducing the Institute for Supply Chain and Logistics 6

Delivering Sports Programs to Local Primary Schools 6

VU Partners with Technical Trade Centre 7

Carpentry Students Building Homes and Careers 7

Pathways For Success 8

VU Advances to Finals of Victorian Training Awards 8

TradeApps: Repowering Apprenticeships 9

Battling it out for Top Spot 9

WorldSkills Competitions Coming Soon to VU 11

VenU Awarded as Best Training Restaurant in Victoria 11

MakE-Up foR THE STaRSVictoria University students currently undertaking the Diploma of Specialist Make-up Services are being given the chance to hone their craft in the Melbourne film, video, television, theatre, photographic and fashion industries. This is all part of the course which incorporates 80 hours of industry experience for students.

Students have recently worked on the following industry projects: John Doe (feature film), Myer Christmas Windows, La Boheme, Mary Poppins, Deal or No Deal, and Neighbours. They have also had the opportunity to work with the Melbourne Opera Company, Whitehouse Institute of Design, and on the L’Oreal Fashion Week.

Teaching staff in the Make-up program area are all still practicing in industry on occasion to ensure their skills are kept current and on trend, not to mention for the love of the industry. As a result, they have established a wide industry network of opportunities for students to develop their own careers. Two students who participated in an industry placement on the set of Neighbours have now gained full time, ongoing employment with the television show.

Currently VU has 77 students enrolled in the Diploma of Specialist Make-up Services which is delivered in an off-site delivery mode which makes our Diploma industry approved and the most flexible.

Their most recent project was working on the Australia’s Got Talent Grand Final extravaganza show. Vanessa Belle, Head of Make-up for the show said that the professional make-up team on set commended the student’s good work ethic, professionalism and their ability to work well to the schedule on such a massive production.

Vanessa thanked the teaching staff for teaching their students at such a high level and for passing on their knowledge “to a new generation of make-up artists – how lucky they are!”

For further information please contact the School of Service Industries at [email protected] or call +61 3 9919 7877.

Q&a pRofIlE: SaMaNTHa paTTISoN, MakE-Up TEacHERWho inspired you to become a make-up artist and how long were you in the industry for?My cousin Paul Pattison who is an Oscar Award winning make-up artist first entered the industry when I was in my hairdressing apprenticeship. Film and television seemed more exciting to me and something that I grew up with so it only seemed natural to venture into it. I have been in the industry for over 25 years.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?I’ve always been involved some form of training throughout my career.

What do you think is the most important thing your students need to learn to be able to make it in the industry?I think the students need a strong, clear understanding of industry etiquette and a strong skill in make-up artistry.

How would you describe your teaching style?My teaching technique is kinaesthetic, I am very hands on.

How do you give your students recognition, and why do you feel it is important to do so?The best way to give students recognition is to give them positive feedback which in turn breeds a positive learning environment, which isn’t hard to achieve in such a creative process. We will also be holding a “Night of Notables” at the end of the year to showcase our students and involve their families and industry guests.

For details of the range of training available for apprentices and trainees, please contact us.Phone +61 3 9919 7350Fax +61 3 9919 7388Email [email protected]

[email protected] www.vu.edu.au/tafeVictoria University, PO BOX 14428 Melbourne Vic 8001

On the set of Australia’s Got TalentSamantha Pattison

coNTacTAPPRENTICESHIP AND TRAINEESHIP SUPPORT UNIT

1 INDUSTRY TALK 2011

2011 VET INNoVaTIoN SHowcaSE Skills Victoria’s annual VET Innovation Showcase was again hosted by Victoria University on

9 June 2011 at the Sunshine Convention Centre.

The 2011 event showcased a range of innovative partnerships between training providers and enterprises/industry all working collaboratively and innovatively to provide new forms of training meeting the specific needs of an industry, business or community. These partnerships have been mutually beneficial and resulted in increased competitiveness for industry.

Several of the case studies presented were a result of government funded initiatives such as specialist centres and their specialist networks, the TAFE Innovation Fund and the New and Emerging Skills Fund.

Organisations participating and presenting at the event were:

• NorthernMelbourneInstituteofTAFEandCommunity&HealthAgencies

• CentralGippslandInstituteofTAFEandVictorianPowerDistributors

• FranklynScholar(PrivateRTO)andRSLLicensedSubBranches

• VictoriaUniversityandBuilding&ConstructionPre-apprentices

• CentralGippslandandVictoriaPolice

• GoulburnOvensInstituteTAFEandProtectedCroppingAustralia

• TheGordonandBarwonHealth

As part of the State Government’s commitment to help businesses make the most of Victoria’s VET system, the Minister for Higher Education and Skills, the Hon. Peter Hall attended and launched the government’s publication entitled Building Skills >> Growing Human Capital. He was also delighted to stay and chat with presenters and attendees on what turned out to be a very successful day.

A record 100 attendees witnessed how Victoria University’s virtual world project uses Avatars to train their building and construction pre-apprentices.

Victoria University’s innovative project uses 3D virtual worlds to deliver sustainable construction and building design. Funded by the Flexible Learning Framework, and based on a successful small-scale trial undertaken with Construction pre-apprentices in 2009, this project is seeing the development of a ‘virtual town’ where students from the School of Construction will interact to build skills related to Occupational Health and Safety, 3D design and building regulation.

The technology deployed is a customised open source virtual world teaching platform based on Open Sim (a free version of the code that runs Second Life) developed in conjunction with Monash University’s ‘virtual pharmacy’ project. This technology is already installed at Newport campus where VU construction programs are based, and was successfully deployed for the construction trial.

The ‘virtual town’ is currently being built to include residential, civic, industrial and retail areas. It will include opportunities for students to engage with role plays, building, design, quizzes and complex simulations. Student groups will consist of the Certificate II in Construction (Pre-apprentices and VET in Schools) and the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural). Sustainability will form a central focus, and all activities will be developed collaboratively with subject teachers.

For further information please contact the School of Construction Industries at [email protected] or call +61 3 9919 8493.

From left to right: Major General David McLachlan (State President RSL Victoria), Professor Anne Jones Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & Students), The Hon. Peter Hall MLC (Minister for Higher Education and Skills), Brian Cairns (Chief Operations Officer, RSL Victoria), The Hon. Bernie Finn MLC (Member for Western Metropolitan), Ken Hunter (National Hospitality Manager, Franklyn Scholar), Janet Stuckenschmidt (General Manager, Franklyn Scholar)

HaRNESSINg VIRTUal woRlDS foR SUSTaINablE coNSTRUcTIoN

INDUSTRY TALK ISSUE 1 2011 2

SIgN of THE TIMESIn May 2011, PrintEx and the Visual Impact Image Expo joined forces at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour to hold a trade show for the sign and print industries. These two leading exhibitions combined their expos to reflect the current overlap of the two industries. With increasing advances in technology in the sign industry, through the use of large format digital printers and now hybrid printers, the industry has aligned itself closely to the print industry. The Expo showcased the latest changes in products, digital printers and sign production techniques.

As part of this year’s event, sign industry training providers from across Australia were donated a space at the Expo to set up their own individual displays to showcase what they can offer to sign industry employers.

John Craddock, Sign Industry Teacher, represented Victoria University at the Expo and showcased our LED and Acrylic Fabrication Short Course which received interest nationwide and also from New Zealand. The use of LED to illuminate signage is an increasing trend in the sign industry as products are constantly being developed and prices reduced. The Expo showcased the latest LED technology from China, Taiwan and the USA including colour controllers and switching devices.

“After my visits to the Visual Impact Image Expo, it never ceases to amaze me the size and scope of our industry and I still get excited at the new products and production techniques on show” said John.

The 2011 PrintEx and Visual Impact Image Expo also allowed Victoria University to connect with industry representatives who have supported our sign industry training programs with sponsorship and advice.

For further information please contact the Sign Industries Department at [email protected] or call +61 3 9919 7300.

John Craddock at the PrintEx and Visual Impact Image Expo

The Faculty of Technical and Trades Innovation have recently formed a new Industry Liaison Unit whose purpose is to establish and maintain long term relationships with employers, students, group training organisations, industry groups and the community to support the Schools within the Faculty of Technical and Trades Innovation. These Schools include Construction Industries, Service Industries and Engineering and Industrial Training.

The Industry Liaison Unit is a team of five staff with a diverse range of backgrounds and they are here to explore how the Faculty of Technical and Trades Innovation and your organisation can work together to enhance the learning outcomes of our students.

The team will seek out partnerships with both industry and the community to identify growth opportunities. In the long term, these partnerships will contribute to students learning by providing opportunities for students to receive training according to industry needs and ensure they are employable and “work ready”.

The Industry Liaison Unit will now be producing the Industry Talk Newsletter which is delivered as a print publication to thousands of recipients quarterly.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list or would like further information on the Industry Liaison Unit, please contact Diane Debrincat, Industry Liaison Unit at [email protected] or call +61 3 9919 7350.

From left to right: Renato Trinchera, Mary Jane Denton, Neville Penny, Grant Knox. Front: Diane Debrincat

NEw INDUSTRY lIaISoN UNIT

3 INDUSTRY TALK ISSUE 1 2011

afl SpoRTSREaDY: TRaINEE of THE YEaROn 29 April 2011, Jobs Plus Apprenticeship Services sponsored the 2010 Trainee of the Year Award for AFL SportsReady which was awarded to Lauren Mowat.

Lauren was selected as the Trainee of the Year from approximately 200 graduating trainees. Lauren is undertaking her traineeship at Wantirna College where she plays an integral role in outdoor education and physical education programs. These programs cater for approximately 1,350 students and more than 100 staff. Staff at Wantirna College praised Lauren’s initiative and her ability to act as a team member and leader when the need arose.

Lauren also assisted Wantirna College in recruiting their new trainee for 2011 and was a member of their interview panel. She continues to work part time at Wantirna College, whilst she completes her study commitments.

Jobs Plus Apprenticeship Services has been a major sponsor of the AFL SportsReady “Trainee of the Year Awards” for the past 7 years, and they work in partnership with AFL Sports Ready by providing free support and guidance regarding apprenticeship and traineeship funding opportunities.

Demmi Paris, General Manager of Jobs Plus, stated that this year’s recipient of the Trainee of the Year Award clearly exemplifies how traineeship opportunities can make a difference in one young person’s life and can be recognised for their commitment, effort and passion in their chosen field of work and study.

“Lauren encapsulates the qualities, values and the commitment to make a difference to others and we are proud to be associated with these young people’s career journey,” said Demmi.

The AFL SportsReady program has employed hundreds of young people who have achieved excellent outcomes as a result of their experiences in the program. Upon completion, the trainees are presented with a wide range of career options and acquire the necessary confidence to become valuable members of the sports industry.

For further information about the AFL SportsReady program, please contact the School of Sport and Science at [email protected] or on +61 3 9919 5580.

For further information about Jobs Plus Apprenticeship Services, please visit www.jobsplusbiz.com.au or call +61 3 9919 8533.

Lauren Mowat and Demmi Paris, General Manager of JobsPlus

SHowcaSINg MElToN caMpUS On 11 August 2011, the Industry Liaison Unit hosted a Melton Campus Showcase event with guests from local job search agencies, group training organisations and community organisations. This was an opportunity for stakeholders in the region to see firsthand what is offered at the Melton Campus.

The program for the day included a variety of hands on activities and demonstrations, as well as a guided tour of the campus and the transportable buildings currently being constructed by the Melton carpentry pre-apprentices.

Attendees were invited to lay a brick in our bricklaying department and receive hair and make-up demonstrations in Melton’s recently set up Hair Salon. Students currently undertaking the VETiS program in Hair and Make-up were on hand in the Salon to provide demonstrations and advice to our group.

They also had the opportunity to get hands on and build their very own VU Authentic Wooden Pencil Box. Our guests picked up a hammer and saw and plugged away in our Carpentry workshops to build, assemble and decorate their pencil boxes to compete for the first prize.

Rachael Fisher, from MEGT, commented that “it was really great to see the great work you and your team are putting into the Melton Campus, really encouraging for the local area and its community”.

For further information please contact Diane Debrincat, Industry Liaison Unit at [email protected] or call +61 3 9919 7350.

From left to right: Deleine Gavin-Cox, Sarah Melville, Luke Day – All from Tracy The Placement People


2011 HaIR aND bEaUTY INDUSTRY aSSocIaTIoN awaRDSOn 27 June 2011, the Hair and Beauty Industry Association held its annual awards night for hairdressing and beauty apprentices. Victoria University was successful with three of their students taking out awards in three categories.

Zoe Cranston, who is employed by Mieka Hairdressing, was awarded in the Certificate II in Hairdressing (Pre-apprentice) category. We were also successful in the Certificate II in Beauty Services (Trainee) category, with Tahlia Porter, employed by Bonita Beauty Therapy taking out the award.

In the Highly Commended awards, Ashlee MacDonald was recognised and successful in taking out the Diploma of Specialist Make-up category for showing a high level of skill and enthusiasm for the industry.

The Awards were held at Docklands with over 120 attendees comprising apprentices, employers, family members, Registered Training Organisations and industry guests.

Jennifer Elshaug, Hairdressing Teacher, said that the Awards showcased the talent and passion that these inspiring and dedicated young hairdressers and beauty students have within the industry and provided opportunities to strengthen links with industry.

“Evenings such as this enable networking and the exchange of ideas and views with industry employers and fellow educator colleagues from other RTO’s” said Jennifer.

For further information please contact the School of Service Industries at [email protected] or call +61 3 9919 7877.

MaSTER of THE plUMbINg TRaDEOn 28 June 2011, Robert Trajkovski, VU Plumbing Apprentice, was awarded the Frank Maskell Award at the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia’s 104th Gold Medal and Training Awards held at the Skyline Room, Flemington Racecourse.

The Frank Maskell Award, sponsored by Reece, was awarded to Robert to encourage post-apprenticeship specialised studies, particularly in sanitary design and pressure pipe welding. This award is named after Frank Maskell who joined the Master Plumbers Association in 1902. Frank was a keen and active member who was instrumental in helping the Plumbing industry develop.

Robert has proved to be a self motivated learner and as Graeme Bendle, Education Manager of the Plumbing Department states, “his approach to his trade is commendable and is held in high regards by his peers and teachers”.

Robert’s employer, Daniel Deluca, Owner of Vikingz Plumbing was also an apprentice at Victoria University and one of the first plumbers to graduate from the Sunshine Campus in 2002, having commenced training at the old Berry Street annexe in 2000.

For further information please contact the Plumbing Department at [email protected] or call +61 3 9919 7300.

coMMUNITY TRaDE TaSTER pRogRaMIn December 2010, the School of Construction Industries was approached by the Department of Human Services to run a “trade taster” program for public housing tenants.

The course was delivered at the Carlton Housing Commission Flats, to enable the students to undertake their training in their own community, and the training came to them.

Part of the training involved the construction of cubby houses that would benefit the other tenants in their building and also the wider community. The program has been a great success with 9 students continuing their studies and choosing to complete the Certificate II in Carpentry (Pre-apprenticeship). Students have learnt a variety of skills including wall framing, roof framing, cladding, subfloor, fixing, concrete formwork and scaffolding.

Students from the program were then involved in transporting the cubby houses from the Carlton Housing Commission Flats to the Flemington Housing Commission Flats where they will be utilised by the local community.

Glenn Bethune, Carpentry Teacher, enjoyed the project and can see great futures for these students, who without the extra care afforded by this project could easily have experienced difficulties in completing a traditional course. The next step is to get them started in a Carpentry apprenticeship and secure their careers in the building and construction industry.


From left to right: Peter Turner, Robert Trajkovski, Tom Colley, Daniel Deluca

Cubby houses constructed at Carlton Housing Commission Flats


INTRoDUcINg THE INSTITUTE foR SUpplY cHaIN aND logISTIcS The Institute for Supply Chain and Logistics at Victoria University is a specialist centre providing independent, industry focused research and education for industry and individuals.

The Institute delivers supply chain management solutions through the integration of three core activities: applied research; education; and industry and community engagement. All of the Institute’s activities are underpinned by the diverse and extensive expertise of its people and partners, including senior academic, government and private sector managers.

They offer a complete range of Vocational and Higher Education courses in Transport, Logistics and Supply Chain through Victoria University and can co-ordinate an integrated education pathway for businesses from Certificate I to executive programs, and from graduate and postgraduate studies to executive degrees.

Education offerings include: award courses; non-award courses; recognition of prior learning; and customised education and training for all levels of industry employees, from school leavers to supply chain professionals. We are also able to tailor short courses, workshops and seminars to meet specialised development requirements.

Victoria University is the only university in Australia that offers a complete pathway from Certificate I to PhD in Transport, Logistics and Supply Chain studies.

In May 2011, the Institute received international accreditation by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) – the world’s leading professional association in this sector – for our delivery of the Diploma of Logistics.

For further information please contact the Institute for Supply Chain and Logistics at [email protected] or call + 61 3 9919 6252.

coMMUNITY paRTNERSHIpS bUIlD fUTURES foR aT-RISk STUDENTSVictoria University has partnered with the Tullamarine Men’s Shed, North Point Community Centre, Tullamarine Community House and the Ballerrt Mooroop College to help at-risk students and school leavers gain trade qualifications.

The Ballerrt Mooroop College in Glenroy is a pathways college that provides assistance and support to Koorie students primarily aged between 12 to 16 years old. This pilot program has afforded their students with the opportunity to study Certificate II programs through Victoria University, such as furniture making, signwriting and painting and decorating.

They will be taught off-campus at a workshop donated by the North Point Community Centre in Trade Park Drive, Tullamarine. The pilot program will provide a mentoring program where young people can study trades and progress their career pathways.

Through his roles as Industry Liaison Officer for VU and Men’s Shed Chairman, Grant Knox has been instrumental in setting up the partnership. He said this type of program would give the older gentlemen involved a sense of purpose as they provide a mentoring role to the students.

“The whole purpose of this is to engage the community, younger students and the kids at risk,” said Grant. “The qualifications could provide these kids with some great foundations.”

VU’s partnership with the Tullamarine Men’s Shed is also enabling them to become sustainable for the future by setting up programs that can be run using qualified tradespeople to guide them through many projects for personal use and for the community.

The pilot program will commence in early September 2011 where students and local residents will be completing units of competencies from the Certificate II in Furniture Making to produce a planter box seat which they can then take home.

For further information please contact Diane Debrincat, Industry Liaison Unit at [email protected] or call +61 3 9919 7350.

DElIVERINg SpoRTS pRogRaMS To local pRIMaRY ScHoolSVictoria University’s sport development students are gaining valuable work experience delivering sports and recreation programs to local primary schools. Kensington Primary School and Moreland Primary School.

Students who are currently undertaking the Certificate IV in Sport (Development) have had the opportunity to deliver sport and recreation programs to Kensington Primary School and Moreland Primary School.

They are responsible for the planning, implementation and evaluation of these programs as part of their training and assessment in the course. They deliver a wide range of sports, evasion games and activities to primary school students between Grades 1 to 4.

Students studying the Certificate IV in Sport (Development) also currently assist in

officiating the Hobson’s Bay Division Athletics.

The relationship between the School of Sport and Science and local primary schools has proved to be a win win situation for all concerned with VU students gaining valuable work experience and primary students being exposed to new and innovative sports programs.

For further information please contact the School of Sport and Science at [email protected] or on +61 3 9919 5580.


VU paRTNERS wITH TEcHNIcal TRaDE cENTRE The School of Construction Industries has partnered with Keilor Downs College to deliver Certificate II in Carpentry (Pre-apprenticeship) training as part of their VETiS program and is delivering the training at their new Technical Trade Centre facility.

VU have organised for a staff member to be embedded at Keilor Downs College to deliver the training which is open to students from the Brimbank cluster. We currently have 60 students undertaking carpentry training at the Technical Trade Centre.

The centre is set up like a small TAFE of its own with three distinctive areas which caters for all the training requirements in the Certificate II in Carpentry (Pre-apprenticeship).

Currently, students only complete 400 hours of training whilst undertaking their VETiS course. However, as Daniel Bonnici, VETiS Coordinator advises, the Carpentry Department is now offering to run a bridging course for those students wishing to complete the pre-apprenticeship once they have finished their secondary schooling.

The course currently delivered at Keilor Downs College is aligned to the regular Certificate II in Carpentry (Pre-apprenticeship) training so students can move from their VETiS course straight into the pre-apprenticeship course to complete the training if they choose to leave school early.

VU’s partnership with the Technical Trade Centre is proving to work extremely well for all parties concerned and due to the popularity of the course, there is a possibility that the capacity will double next year with twice the amount of classes running.


caRpENTRY STUDENTS bUIlDINg HoMES aND caREERSVictoria University’s trade students are building transportable homes for external clients. The aspiring carpenters build about a dozen of the modular houses each year at the Newport, Melton and Werribee Campuses.

The students are strictly supervised during the 11 weeks it takes to complete the industry-approved homes, which are built at-cost and are constructed with sustainable timbers and designed with six-star rating energy efficiency.

The transportable homes have been delivered across the state, from suburban blocks in Taylors Lakes to beachside properties in Venus Bay.

Construction Industries Live Works Manager, David Delahunty said Victoria University is among the state’s only training organisations to offer carpentry students opportunities to work on real homes rather than models and token projects.

“The students are very precise because they know this will be used by paying clients,” he said. “They are very proud and protective of their work since this is the first time they’ve done something this big from start to finish.”

“Once they finish up here, they’re ready to hit the job site – we’re teaching them those vital skills needed for a job site,” said David.

The continued success of Live Works is attributed to the ongoing demand from new students, the continual placement of orders from customers and the steady support of industry.



paTHwaYS foR SUccESSAn innovative collaboration between the Adult Migrant English Service (AMES), Werribee Community and Education Centre and Victoria University has developed a pilot program which provides migrants with pathways to jobs or further study by embedding the practical training and employability skills learned in bricklaying into an ESL foundation course.

As part of VU’s commitment to support and empower students from diverse backgrounds – especially in Melbourne’s West – the program is also the focus of a successful pilot project conducted in partnership with the Adult Migrant English Service (AMES) and Werribee Community Education. It provides newly arrived migrants with pathways to jobs or further study by embedding the practical training and employability skills learned in bricklaying into an ESL foundation course.

The students, who are largely from the Horn of Africa, Burma and Afghanistan, undertake practical activities on campus. They attain up to three units of competency from the bricklaying pre-apprenticeship as part of their foundation course, which has been adapted to suit their non-English speaking backgrounds. Many of the students who complete the pre-apprenticeship then go on to secure employment and further upgrade their skills with a Certificate III apprenticeship.

The project builds the confidence of students from migrant communities, and encourages their participation and engagement in the wider community. Sally Hearn, VET Pathways Manager at AMES, views this kind of partnership as a “win-win” for all. “It demonstrates that VU is willing to create partnerships with other providers for the benefit of groups who may otherwise have found it difficult to access the TAFE system.”

“For migrants and refugees who are newly arrived in Australia, it offers a vocational pathway that will lead to a qualification and employment. It gives them self-respect, as well as respect within their own, and the wider community.”


VU aDVaNcES To fINalS of VIcToRIaN TRaININg awaRDSVictoria University was represented by four finalists in the 2011 Victorian Training Awards which was held on 2 September 2011 at the Crown Palladium, with Scott Robinson, Plumbing Teacher, winning the Teacher/Trainer of the Year category.

Now in their 57th year, the Skills Victoria awards are the premier event on the state’s TAFE calendar. They reward excellence and innovation and celebrate the valuable contribution that vocational students, teachers, employers and training play in ensuring Victoria has a strong skills base.

This year, Victoria University congratulates the following:

Vocational Student of the Year Finalists: • CatherineBatty,25,ofFlemingtoncompletedaDiplomaofYouthWorkin2010

and is now studying for a Bachelor of Youth Studies. She is passionate about working with disadvantaged and at-risk young people.

• DavidTien,23,ofBraybrookcompletedaDiplomainInformationTechnologyin2010 and is now studying for an Advanced Diploma of Network Security and an Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering. He acts as a peer mentor for students with computer problems.

Teacher/Trainer of the Year Finalist and Winner: • ScottRobinsonteachesintheplumbingdepartmentatVU’sSunshineCampus.

He has designed and implemented a WebCT course assessment and learning management system which has transformed the learning environment for VU’s plumbing apprentices.

Industry Collaboration Award Finalist:• VUhascollaboratedwithToyotaAustraliasince2005todeliverVETVocational

Education and Training qualifications in frontline management to Toyota’s team leaders, as well as to offer other employees opportunities to increase their career prospects.

A TAFE teacher since 1999, Scott Robinson was recognised for his contribution to plumbing training where he has developed and implemented the WebCT system to enhance teaching and learning in the CPC Training Package.

Scott Robinson will now represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards in Brisbane in November 2011.

Nominee Scott Robinson, Plumbing Teacher with student


On 16 August 2011, Victoria University’s Personal Services programs won the International Hairstylists Society (“IHS”) annual Battle of the Colleges competition which was held at The Palms, Crown Casino.

Seven TAFE colleges and private providers from the Melbourne region entered the competition which invites students from each college to produce a themed collection of pre-done models. The total look competition features the latest in hair and fashion, including props and accessories.

Victoria University’s teaching staff mentored, supervised and assisted their hairdressing and make-up students to produce the five minute presentation which included creating hairstyles in the form of hats from the 1900’s, with parallel make-up and fashion designs. The inspiration for the theme was drawn from the movie, My Fair Lady and was entitled “Ascot” after the racing scene in the movie.

Our students prepared for the competition all day at the City King Campus which involved the hairdressing and make-up students working collaboratively with the photographers and costume designers to create the final total look. The make-up students worked on the models initially, followed by the hairdressers and finishing up with the costume fitting and the placement of the unique hat creations. The students then practiced the choreography and conducted a photo shoot on site at the City King Campus, prior to making their way to the event facility where a final rehearsal was undertaken.

Upon announcement of Victoria University as the winner of the competition, staff and students were invited on stage to accept the award which recognised their efforts. Three plaques were awarded to the team which included the event plaque which is kept until next year’s competition, a permanent plaque to keep and a third plaque awarded for participation in the competition.

For many students, the IHS Battle of the Colleges is an introduction to the competition/hair show environment and acts as a forum for students to assess their own performance against their peers.

baTTlINg IT oUT foR Top SpoT


Tradeapps REpowERINg appRENTIcESHIpS

WHAT?TradeApps is Victoria University’s new and unique apprenticeship program. It is guided by competency-based completion, but it includes much more than that. TradeApps is an innovative and flexible approach to trades training, designed to meet the needs of industry and our future workforce. It provides a range of benefits for employers, industry and apprentices.

WHY?From 2011 all new apprentices are being trained under the Victorian Government policy of competency-based completion (CBC). Students now progress by demonstrating that they have met the competency standards through the training program and related work, not by the amount of time they spend in training.

For information about the Victorian Government CBC policy, visit the Skills Victoria website www.skills.vic.gov.au/apprentices/competency-based-training-and-completion.

At Victoria University, the introduction of competency-based completion prompted us to think more broadly about our training. We decided to refocus our apprenticeships and overhaul how things are done in each of our trade areas. The result is TradeApps.

HOW?To reinvigorate our apprenticeships we went back to the basics. We talked with employers. We redeveloped each of our courses to better align with its industry Training Package. We then created new Training Plans and shifted our processes around to make them more flexible and easier to understand. The traditional model of the trade school block is now just one of many options for when and where apprenticeship training happens.

We’ve also improved how apprentices learn. Instead of making them work through a long list of competencies in a set order, with separate assessments, we’ve combined competencies into clusters of relevant task-based projects. Through these tasks apprentices can understand and apply what they’re learning. They progress at a pace that is tailored to meet their individual capabilities and availability. Bringing together competencies into projects means higher quality, complex training that develops job-ready skills, like problem solving.

WHO?The TradeApps model is a partnership between the apprentice, the employer and Victoria University as the trainer. It starts with a conversation to develop a tailored Training Plan which becomes the framework for all parties to understand what will happen, when and where. For the employer there is acknowledgement of their role in supervising training and verifying the apprentice’s competency. For the apprentice there is the benefit of undertaking meaningful work and receiving access to targeted support, including retention help and language, literacy and numeracy assistance.

WHEN?The TradeApps model is being tested and introduced from 2011. It starts with the pre-training review and sign-up discussion of a customised Training Plan. It continues throughout the training as we maintain a close working relationship with employers and apprentices. A key part of TradeApps is flexibility around timing, which provides the balance between an apprentice being on the tools and training off the job. The Training Plan is an evolving document that can be altered to meet changing circumstances. This adaptability allows apprentices to complete the training qualification in a time period that suits their capabilities and availability.

WHERE? TradeApps training happens online, in the workplace or community, and on-campus in work-simulated environments or in a selected combination. This range of options is what is known as ‘blended learning’. It allows apprentices and their employers to choose the right mix of training to meet their workplace and individual needs. Similarly, assessments can be made on campus or in the workplace to acknowledge the skills acquisition that happens as part of an apprentice’s day-to-day work with their employer.

CONTACT For further information please contact the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Support Unit at [email protected] or call +61 3 9919 7350.


woRlDSkIllS coMpETITIoNS coMINg SooN To VU Do you enjoy a challenge? Do you strive to be the best at your trade? If this is you, then why not measure your skills and excel your career by competing in WorldSkills Australia 2011.

In 2011, WorldSkills Australia will be holding their Regional Competitions, with many of them being undertaking at Victoria University in late October.

This is the first in the cycle of competitive events allowing young Australian youth, apprentices and trainees from the Vocational Education and Training sector to compete for recognition and titles in up to 50 trade and skill categories. By participating, competitors represent their employer, the local community and gain the opportunity enhance their career.

Regional competitions are held over one or two days and consist of projects to be completed within a set time frame. A selection of place getters may then advance to the National Competition the following year.

So if you would like to shine in your career with an exciting challenge and maximise your skills, start training now. Speak to your Program Manager, teacher or employer to enter the WorldSkills Regional Competition in 2011.

For further information please contact the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Support Unit at [email protected], [email protected] or call +61 3 9919 7350.

VenU awaRDED aS bEST TRaININg RESTaURaNT IN VIcToRIaOne of the best kept culinary secrets in Melbourne’s west is VenU, Victoria University’s new hospitality training restaurant at the Footscray Nicholson Campus. On 8 August 2011, VenU won the Best Restaurant in a Training Institute at the Victorian Restaurant and Catering Awards for Excellence held at Crown Casino.

VenU is the School of Hospitality’s training restaurant, fitted with state-of-the-art cooking facilities and with seating for 100 guests. VenU trains students for Certificates in Restaurant Operations, Commercial Cookery, and Kitchen Operations, plus Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas in Hospitality Management.

VenU can cater for functions and is also now offering corporate team building activities such as MasterChef.

For further information or to make a booking at VenU, please call + 61 3 9919 8708.

vu.edu.au/tafeCRICOS Provider No.00124K

INDUSTRY TALK is printed on recycled stock made in Australia, please dispose of responsibly.

Ashley at the WorldSkills National Competition performing a manicure treatment on a model.

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INDUSTRY Talk - Victoria University, Melbourne INDUSTRY TALK FINAL (16.9.11).pdfbased on Open Sim (a free version of the code that runs Second Life) developed in conjunction with Monash