Central Ranges : Education Scan Update Launched 2004-05

Education Scan Update Launched 2004-05

Thu, Feb 10, 2005; by Bill Coppinger.

In keeping with the Board of Directors commitment to establish the most detailed and accurate evidence base for education and training issues in the Shires of Macedon, Mitchell and Murrindindi, the CRLLEN is pleased to make available on limited release, the Education Scan Update [ESU] for 2004-2005.

This twenty-nine page document outlines the key educational statistics and issues across each of the communities within the CRLLEN region. This data has been made available exclusively for education planners and school councils/governing boards.

This research compliments the very detailed 'Environmental Scan' that was published in March 2004, which details the economic, social and industry data relevant for our local communities. This separate 123 page document is available for download in our publications section.

These two documents, used in conjunction with additional research such as the 'ONTRACK' data, provide the most detailed socio-economic and education outcomes data ever available to planners in our communities.

Evidence based planning and coordination of resources is critical to ensuring the best possible outcomes for young people making the transition from school to work or further education. It also play a very important role in ensuring our communities have access to the skills they need for the future.

The following issues emerge from the education and training provision Education Scan Update [ESU]. These findings/issues present major challenges for the Central Ranges Local Learning & Employment Network (CRLLEN) and the communities it serves.

KEY ISSUES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Costs of VET in Schools (VETIS)

1. The costs of participating in VETIS is a barrier and CRLLEN needs to work with VET Clusters to identify ways in which costs can be reduced. For example, there are currently four RTO’s auspicing the provision of Equine Studies. If schools worked collaboratively with one preferred RTO the combination of resources could mean reduced costs. Similarly costs may be reduced by negotiating with TAFE Institutes to provide through one or two preferred RTO’s.

Work Placements

2. Organising and supporting a diverse range of work placements is important for schools. CRLLEN could work with schools to identify different ways of accessing suitable work placements. The Industry Liaison model implemented at Kyneton SC and Sacred Heart [in the Midlands LCP] is very effective.

School Based New Apprenticeships (SBNA)

3. School Based New Apprenticeships (SBNA’s) are appealing to young people and provide flexible opportunities for students to mix school and work and create different challenges. CRLLEN should continue to support schools and VET clusters in promoting SBNA’s.

School Industry Links

4. Apart from Alexandra Real Connections and the CRLLEN sponsored Transfield project there was little evidence of school industry links. CRLLEN needs to work with schools, industry and local government to support the development of more purposeful and sustainable school industry links.

ACE Provision

5. CRLLEN needs to explore ways in which the capacity of the ACE providers within the LLEN area can be enhanced. The existing providers are all small and have a dual focus of welfare/community support and further education and training provision. This enhancement activity may involve working with the ACFE Regional Councils and, or larger ACE Providers eg The Centre for Continuing Education, Wangaratta.

TAFE Institutes - Partnerships

6. CRLLEN should establish strategic alliances with a TAFE Institute(s) with a view of expanding the range and levels of VET provision within the area.

7. Such alliances could also focus on providing training in areas of identified skill shortages.

Support for Students

8. Schools within the CRLLEN area allocate teacher resources for student support services in a variety of ways. The workload experienced by the staff carrying a number of additional responsibilities is extreme.

Schools need to review the current student support systems and investigate more effective ways of providing support. In particular, consideration needs to be given to the sustainability of support systems, introduction of new skills and experiences and accessing different networks. CRLLEN should play a role in encouraging schools to work together in this review.

Co-operative Approaches

9. Schools commit a great deal of time, effort and resources to their post compulsory provision. There is a considerable duplication of programs, effort, resources used etc. CRLLEN should facilitate and encourage more co-operative approaches to planning and delivery of post compulsory programs.

10. Planning of post compulsory provision across schools, across sectors and in partnership with industry should be a CRLLEN objective. Agreements, systems and projects need to be developed to support the achievement of this objective.