G21 EDUCATION & TRAINING PILLAR CANDIDATE PROJECTS

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1 G21 EDUCATION & TRAINING PILLAR CANDIDATE PROJECTS The following document lists projects that might be considered by the G21 Education and Training Pillar as a basis for its work over the next year or two. The list is drawn from recent Pillar discussions and direct input from Pillar members. It also reflects the activities of the G21 Board. Pillar members are invited to consider these projects in terms of: a. those with the highest priority, which are achievable by the Pillar and into which they are prepared to commit resources; b. projects that are cross-pillar in nature and where collaboration is possible; c. projects the Pillar might wish to support and encourage within the limits of the Pillar s resources. REGIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING MAPPING PROJECT The project aims to map education and training provision within the G21 region to identify gaps and opportunities. It would provide data to support planning for the region s education and training services, with specific reference to current service provision and skills shortages and trends. An outline project brief has been prepared for this project (attached). The project relates directly to workforce development programs operated by DEEWR and also to small tightly targeted forums such as Whittington Works. The project is relevant to the G21 Regional Growth Plan and the G21 Economic Development Strategy, both of which are currently released as drafts for public comment. Specifically the project might: identify relevant existing mapping reports and those being undertaken; map the formal education and training provision in the G21 region (age, range and geographic area of the project remain area to be defined); align with other similar projects, such as the G21 Regional Growth Strategy, Youth Pathways and G21 Economic Development Strategy; identify the industry sectors with critical skill shortages; identify current investment/activity in the area related to education and training so that stakeholders and programs are identified; establish base-line data to identify gaps in regional service provision relevant to known skills shortages and opportunities to deliver future skills needs; and, engage regional service providers in sourcing relevant data. Project Leader: G21 E&T Pillar.

2 Chair s assessment: The Pillar has supported the concept of undertaking this project in 2009 and It would be a planning tool that captures the current energy within the sector but which would be a snapshot in time requiring periodic refreshment to remain relevant. The project would be heavily dependent on information sourced from providers particularly DEECD, Skills Victoria, Gordon TAFE, Deakin University and private RTOs. Their commitment to supporting the project, especially DEECD, should be obtained before committing resources to it. It is a substantial piece of work that will require appointment of a contractor and funding from the participating agencies. Direct effort will be required from the Pillar s working party. GEELONG ENGLISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL (GELS) This project aims to establish the Geelong English Language School by developing the services provided by the Geelong English Language Centres (and the Network Provision program). The project seeks to eliminate problems with the current services and improve language education opportunities for Geelong s CALD community. It would form a component of a broadly based migrant support system or settlement centre and complement the COGG s skilled migration program. Project Leader: DEECD School Improvement Program. Chair s assessment: The Pillar was briefed on this project on 2 February and an initial project document was tabled. The project has cross Pillar linkage to the G21 Health and Wellbeing Pillar. The E&T Pillar has agreed to monitor progress and support the notion of an iconic GELS but has not resolved how it will go about this. The Pillar might clarify the role it wishes to play in this project. VIRTUAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT SERVICE (CDSS) The creation of a CDSS has been subject of extensive analysis including the preparation of a concept validation study and a business plan. Several models have been considered, the latest of which is a virtual service. The project is now badged as Opportunity Knocks with a stronger emphasis on the virtual aspect although a physical centre is still required. The State s proposed online training customer support service is relevant to this project. Since the CDSS concept emerged in 2006, Centrelink s engagement in the career advice space has diminished and the State Skill Centre program has come and gone, leaving the Gordon TAFE to run its own RPL service. Regional manufacturing remains under considerable threat (Shell, QANTAS, ALCOA, et al). The proposed service would provide a range of data related to skills needs and development opportunities for students, employees, teachers, employers, government agencies, NGOs and those people seeking to change their occupations.

3 Project Leader: GR LLEN. Chair s assessment: The project has a champion in the LLEN but in the past has lacked organisational and political support. The need for such a service is evident and is not being filled by other agencies. It is a substantial piece of work, development of which may require appointment of a contractor and funding from the participating agencies. The project will require the engagement of several agencies to provide and update the desired data in perpetuity. GEELONG CENTRE FOR EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES (GCEID) The establishment of the GCEID will provide research, diagnosis and risk management advice in the increasingly important area of zoonotic (spread between human-animal) diseases. The Centre would bring together work elements of the existing CSIRO AAHL, Deakin University medical school, Department of Health, Barwon Health and St John of God Pathology. Project Leader: CSIRO Chair s assessment: This is a major regional project which has the status of a G21 Priority Project. The Pillar might wish to provide support and encouragement within the limits of the Pillar s resources. VET 'TASTER' PROGRAM The Gordon TAFE, in partnership with Newcomb Secondary College, has developed a program which involves every Year 9 student one day a week over 10 weeks rotating through different vocational areas. 150 students participated in Other schools have shown an interest in participating and have approached the Gordon TAFE for this purpose. The opportunity to give every Year 9 student VET experience would be very valuable in improving career aspirations and improved student retention rates. The cost and management of larger numbers could be mitigating factors. Around $20K/school/year might be required to participate. With eight schools involved, there would be a total cost of around $160K. Deakin's involvement could be valuable given objectives to improve TAFE and higher education collaboration and co-operation on new career and trade pathways associated with some of the emerging research areas at Deakin. Access to funding via the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program might be relevant. Project Leader: Gordon TAFE. Chair s assessment: The E&T Pillar has expressed general support for showcases and

4 taster programs in building stronger links between employers, industry sectors and schools. In this case there is an existing partnership upon which to build. Other agencies share responsibility for developing school partnerships to aid educational transitions. The E&T Pillar might wish to give in principle support to this proposal subject to the existing partners and network organisations agreement. AUSTRALIAN CARBON FIBRE RESEARCH FACILITY (ACFRF) The Australian Carbon Fibre Research Facility (ACFRF) will be the world's first dedicated carbon fibre research facility. It will be based at Deakin University's Waurn Ponds Campus as part of the Australian Future Fibres Research and Innovation Centre (AFFRIC). AFFRIC is a partnership between Deakin University, the CSIRO and the Geelong-based Victorian Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing (VCAMM). The ACFRF is planned to be operational in The G21 Regional Alliance has advocated for $3M over three years to form a cluster of government and business agencies to attract an international carbon fibre manufacturer to the region to capitalise on the establishment of the ACFRF at Deakin Uni. Project Leader: Deakin University Chair s assessment: This is a major regional project well underway and the Pillar might wish to provide support and encouragement within the limits of the Pillar s resources. CENTRE FOR ADVANCED DESIGN IN ENGINEERING TRAINING (CADET) The CADET is a concept developed by Deakin University and is the subject of a bid for funding under the Commonwealth Education Infrastructure Fund. The project aims to address a critical skills shortage in engineering across Australia, but specifically within the G21 region. CADET will offer the most advanced engineering and design training in regional Australia with an emphasis on design, virtual modelling and prototyping. It would involve a $50M investment ($30M from Deakin and $20M from Government). It is a collaborative venture between Deakin University and the Gordon Institute of TAFE with core partners Belmont High School and Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College. These partnerships focus on career pathways including bringing young women into engineering related career opportunities. The project links directly to regional skills shortages. An articulated pathway through a future regional TTC is also possible. Project Leader: Deakin University. Chair s assessment: The G21 Board fully supports the CADET project, which is a major regional project being lead by Deakin University. The Pillar might wish to provide support

5 and encouragement within the limits of the Pillar s resources. REGIONAL RESEARCH AND INFORMATION CENTRE (RRIC) The RRIC will lead an integrated regional data gathering and research effort in order to inform regional planning and decision-making and help expose duplication of research and consultancy costs. It will promote data sharing among government agencies, RDA committees and other regional stakeholders. A group of Victoria-based universities has formed to start the centre, which is being driven by Deakin University with support from the Barwon South Western and the Grampians RDA committees which have each committed $50k to its establishment. The G21 Regional Alliance has sought commitment of $1.8m (total from Federal and State governments) for the establishment of the centre and recruitment from industry bodies, university and government over the first five years. The project has cross Pillar linkages within G21. Project Leader: Deakin University and the BSW RDA Committee. Chair s assessment: This is a major project with State wide implications. It has the status of a G21 Priority Project. The Pillar might wish to provide support and encouragement within the limits of the Pillar s resources. BEECHY PRECINCT Addressing disadvantage is a G21 priority project. The G21 Board supports the Beechy Precinct in Colac as a component of this. The Beechy Precinct aims to provide an allinclusive education, health, recreation, library and community development precinct to help address high levels of social disadvantage in the Colac area. The Centre is also seen as providing an economic influence in the Colac district. It will have a conceptual link to the CDSS project. Project Leader: Colac Otway Shire. Chair s assessment: The project has sub-regional implications not shared by many of the projects available for consideration by the Pillar. It also has strong cross Pillar overtones with the Health & Wellbeing, Recreation and Economic Development Pillars. The E&T Pillar may wish to clarify the role it might play in discussion with the other Pillars and the Colac Otway Shire. ARMSTRONG CREEK TTC A concept has emerged for the development of a grant application to establish a TTC at Armstrong Creek under Commonwealth Government s TTC program Round 5. The project

6 has been included in the GR LLEN s strategic plan. An indicative cost to establish the TTC would be in the range of $10M-$15M based on the cost of the Northern Bay TTC. Development of the grant application is a substantial piece of work involving partnership creation, land allocation, curriculum, business partnership development, governance arrangements, building design concepts and costing, business case, etc. Project Leader: GR LLEN Chair s assessment: This is a regional project for which there is currently no lead school. The support and involvement of DEECD is essential and the early development of a partnership between participating agencies is a necessary pre-condition for proceeding. The grant program has not yet opened and timelines may be expected to be short. It links directly to the training needs of the emerging Armstrong Creek urban area. Contractor support to develop the application would be required. THE NORTHERN BAY TTC (NB TTC). This project was initiated in 2009 with the aim of improving career pathway options in the northern suburbs of Geelong where there is a combination of high youth unemployment and disengagement. Physical construction of the buildings is well advanced. Implementation of the project has been problematic. To maximise the value of the investment, the TTC should be relevant to business, accessible to a range of trades and training providers and, ultimately, is viable and sustainable in its operations. There have been discussions with GForce in this respect and the Gordon TAFE. There is a contemporary proposal from the Housing Industry Association (HIA) for a multipurpose training facility initially suggested for Heales Road, Lara. An RDA grant bid was unsuccessful and the possibility of HIA partnering in the Northern Bay TTC might be an appealing. The G21 Economic Development Pillar has been briefed by the HIA. Linkage of the HIA project to the NB TTC would increase the TTC's prospects as well as offering relevant (and real) trade training pathways. Project Leader: Northern Bay College Chair s assessment: There are two aspects to this. Firstly, support for the implementation of the TTC and secondly, the notion of the HIA partnering with the NB TTC. The project has cross Pillar implications due to the HIA briefing of the Economic Development Pillar. The Pillar would need to investigate how it might value add to the implementation process, it at all. The Pillar might also consult with the NB TTC and the HIA to determine if the Pillar could play a useful role. HIA GEELONG MULTI PURPOSE TRAINING FACILITY

7 The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is Australia s largest residential building organisation and is a not-for-profit association. It believes that the Barwon South West region faces a future of rapid expansion. Population growth and need for a significant increase in housing, retail, commercial and industrial buildings will accompany this expansion. A skilled workforce to meet these future demands is essential. The HIA proposes to build a new state of the art training centre and regional office in Heales Road, Corio. This centre is intended to provide training at a range of levels for carpentry, brick/block laying, tiling, rendering, scaffolding, OH&S white card, working from heights, contract administration, estimating, building supervision, the HIA Greensmart program and design. The HIA has made an unsuccessful application for funding from round one of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) for the proposed Corio centre. The HIA is seeking the support of G21 for its application to the current round of the Federal Education Investment Fund (EIF) for $5 million contribution towards the building of this centre. The G21 Economic Development Pillar suggested that the HIA discuss this proposal with the Gordon Institute of TAFE and local politicians. The Gordon already provides the range of candidate courses proposed in Geelong and Wyndham and has consulted with the HIA. The State Government s TAFE reforms and strengthening of a market based approach may influence the direction of this project. Project Leader: HIA Chair s assessment: The E&T Pillar will note the potential linkage to the NB TTC project mentioned above and the cross Pillar linkage. The E&T Pillar may wish to provide in principle support for the HIA proposal as a vehicle for advancing regional VET options and skill development. NORTHERN GATEWAY WORKFORCE STRATEGY PROPOSAL The Northern Gateway Workforce Strategy project aims to develop a coordinated Northern Gateway Workforce Strategy to support industry capacity in workforce planning and match a work-ready workforce with industry needs. Enterprise Connect has conducted a mapping exercise with 27 firms in the Northern Gateway industrial precinct of Geelong to explore supply chain and other linkages that are important to their business operations and future development. The outcomes from analysis of these linkages illustrate the important role that the Northern Gateway precinct can play in the future development of the Geelong region. Project Leader: DPCD Chair s assessment: The E&T Pillar was briefed on the project at its meeting on 2 February

8 and the Pillar agreed to monitor progress. The project exhibits strong partnership requirements. There is a clear relationship between the proposal and the G21 Economic Development Strategy. A cross Pillar linkage to the Economic Development Pillar is therefore relevant. REGIONAL TRAINING AWARDS Over recent years these awards have become an important means of recognising the quality and performance of local apprentices, trainees etc. The Gordon TAFE has largely taken responsibility for hosting, managing and financing the awards (with some local sponsor support). There is an opportunity to develop the Awards as a partnership with other regional training providers, subject to the Gordon TAFE s agreement. Apart from spreading the financial burden, the idea would involve the employment of an event management Awards organisation to deliver a program truly reflective of training in the region. This would also be a more attractive option for other providers Project Leader: Gordon TAFE Chair s assessment: The E&T Pillar may wish to consult with the Gordon TAFE to determine its preferred direction and identify a role for the Pillar, if any. EDUCATIONAL ACCESS FOR CHILDREN IN CRISIS ACCOMMODATION SalvoConnect provides crisis accommodation for individuals and families for 6-12 weeks. Most of the residents are families with children. There can be to up to 25 children living at the facility at any one time across different ages. Some of these children are still able to attend their regular school. Many Primary students are unable to do so because of school location, lack of transport, intervention orders, etc. Currently SalvoConnect has attempted to place Primary students in Oberon Primary, which has been able to accommodate some of their requests. This is not always possible due to the child s circumstances or the potential disruption to the existing class and students. Children are legally required to go to school even when in crisis housing. This is not always the reality and SalvoConnect would like to offer educational opportunities in-house to keep the resident s children engaged and educated during this time of crisis and disruption in their lives. The project is auspiced by the Committee for Geelong Leaders Program and it has the opportunity to link with the regional Youth Partnerships project. A relevant partnership also exists between DEECD and DHS. Project Leader: Committee for Geelong Leaders Program.

9 Chair s assessment: The E&T Pillar has the capacity to provide linkages and assist the project in networking with organisations that might assist. The project is being undertaken by lay people who may lack knowledge of the sector. BANNOCKBURN P-12 SCHOOL Development of a P-12 school in Bannockburn has been proposed and under consideration within DEECD for some years. The existing State Primary School in Bannockburn has 532 students and is bulked out on its present site. Recess and lunch times must be staggered to allow students their required space. A new classroom is being added each year due to the town s growth. There is no secondary school in Golden Plains Shire and the entire cohort of secondary students are bussed or driven to Ballarat and Geelong each school day. Those secondary students in the public system from the Bannockburn district attend, in the main, Western Heights Secondary College, which has limited capacity to cope with continued growth from Golden Plains Shire. The Year 12 completion rate for secondary students in Golden Plains is below State and regional averages and targets, as is the Certificate III or higher attainment rate. The Shire s population has grown by 27.2% over the last decade and continues to grow at 2.3%, disproportionally in the south of the Shire. Bannockburn is a sub-regional service town supporting a catchment of about 7,000 people. The project is a high priority for DEECD Grampians Region. Land has been purchased in Bannockburn and the Shire Council has developed a new recreation reserve opposite that site with the deliberate aim of being mutually supportive. The next step is a project definition and design study costing $250,000. The last two State budgets have been silent on this issue. Project Leader: Golden Plains Shire.