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Nostra Robertson – comment by CEO Craig Robertson
Is it possible to look to a VET future-state? Yes, if trends of the world we triangulate

From the Chesapeake to the Yarra – comment by CEO Craig Robertson
The proposed US infrastructure plan of President Biden is eye-watering. A massive US$2 trillion – that’s 2,000 billion – and comes on top of the America Rescue Package of US$1.9 trillion.

0 to 61 – comment by CEO Craig Robertson
I had the privilege prior to Easter to visit two TAFE campuses in Victoria, both back into full swing for the new year.

The force of JEDI – comment by CEO Craig Robertson
Like the swish of the light saber guarding peace and order in the galaxy, the Jedi project launched a stunning strike with the release of a beta Australian Skills Classification (ASC) in mid-March.

The Global Race for Skills – comment by CEO Craig Robertson
Industry 4.0 is not the preserve of modern economies. A report from the Asia Development Bank (ADB) shows how developing economies could leapfrog modern economies, similar to their success in getting ahead of COVID.

Celebrating talent – comment by CEO Craig Robertson
On Friday Christies sold a digital artwork Everydays: The First 5,000 Days and at $70m fetched more than physical works by better known artists. The sale positions the artist among the top three most valuable living artists.

Why are women being left behind in VET? – comment by CEO Craig Robertson
Women constituted 60 per cent of bachelor level enrolments in 2019 and the vast majority are full‑time. For VET, women constituted 47% of enrolments and those studying full-time accounted for just 6 per cent. That’s right 6 per cent!

Big numbers for NCVER – comment by CEO Craig Robertson
This year is full of big numbers for NCVER. The 500th edition of the NCVER news was released last week, but more momentous, NCVER turns 40 this year and the annual No Frills conference will be its 30th.

The Romance of Capability – comment by CEO Craig Robertson
Leaves are wilted, colour pallid, petals limp. The soaring passion is now grounded in the reality of life – it’s a week since Valentine’s Day.

Chance for a new compact with employers – comment by CEO Craig Robertson
When it comes to vocational education and training in Australia, I have always been curious about the term industry and even more about industry engagement. The interest has been piqued by the discussion paper from the federal department on the subject.

Wages growth is the right outcome from VET reform – comment by CEO Craig Robertson
With national Parliament resuming in Canberra last week there has been an interesting set of events which point to important priorities for vocational education in Australia.

A swallow doesn’t make a summer – comment by CEO Craig Robertson
The impact of the Joyce Review on the Australian VET system is open for debate, apart from three clear achievements – the National Skills Commission, the National Careers Institute and Skills Organisations (SOs).

The race begins – comment by CEO Craig Robertson
Looking back over the end of 2020 and the start to 2021 made me think of the stirring address a federal minister for skills in the Howard era gave to staff of the department of education and training at the end of a particularly busy year. He warned, “if you think this year was busy just wait till next!”

National Careers Institute names successful projects
The National Careers Institute has announced 13 projects that will share $5.2 million to deliver innovative forms of career advice and information.

Reflections on a most unusual year – comment by TDA Chair Mary Faraone
In this final TDA Newsletter, I have been asked to reflect on 2020, and comment on how the experiences of this year may influence future years.

#POWEROFTAFE – The COVID Story – comment by CEO Craig Robertson
‘We know the recovery from COVID-19 will not be easy. But having a multiskilled, agile workforce is the type of resilience that Australia will need to get our economy back on track. As with all major market disruptions, the training sector will have a vital role to play in reskilling Australians. I am optimistic about the future.

An incredible ride for TasTAFE’s Jenny Dodd – comment by CEO Craig Robertson
Reflecting on three years as TasTAFE’s Chief Executive, Jenny Dodd is enthusiastic about the extraordinary leadership shown across the TAFE network in a year which has been like no other.

T’was a week that was – comment by CEO Craig Robertson
Finishing touches to industry arrangements into vocational education and the Oscars of Australian vocational education topped off an eventful week.