Ag Biosecurity & Emergency Response Project The documents capturing skills standards in biosecurity and emergency response are still available for comment until 9 December. Thirteen units of competency have been updated to reflect the need for consistent biosecurity measures throughout the supply chain, from time of purchasing through to growing, transport and sales. To view the drafts and provide comment, visit the project page.   Conservation & Land Management Project You still have until 16 December to provide input on … Read More

Practical skills in agronomy are in demand to help farmers and growers get the most out of the land. To support this, draft skills standards have been developed focusing on the hands-on skills needed to work with emerging technology; plan for, capture and interpret data; and conserve natural resources.

Feedback on qualifications in timber merchandising Two new qualifications have been proposed to replace the Certificate II and III in Timber merchandising and are now available for review. Consultation with nine timber product supply organisations indicated the titles and configuration of the current qualifications were not adequate for skilling their employees. The proposed Certificate III and IV of Timber Building Products Supply have been developed in response. They are available on the project page for feedback.    

Industry is driving the process to update and develop national skills standards for work with crocodiles. One of the experts we met with was Dr Charlie Manolis, Chief Scientist at Wildlife Management International. Charlie has over 40 years’ experience working with crocodiles and has also been a key player in moulding this unique industry including drafting the “Code of Practice for the Humane Treatment of Wild and Farmed Australian Crocodiles” under which the industry standards are defined. Others we spoke … Read More

Ten new units of competency and three new skill sets have been developed to support skills for working with new technologies in the aquaculture sector. They describe the skills required for using aquabotics, such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), underwater drones and biosensors, which are becoming more prominent throughout the industry.  

The pet care and animal training industry is expanding, as pets are increasingly recognised for their positive contributions to our lives. Subject matter experts in this area are currently being consulted to draft skill standards for the in-demand sectors of pet grooming, companion animals, animal regulation and animal studies. These drafts will be available for your review and comment early next year. For more information visit the project page

The skills required to support the health, welfare and sustainability of some of Australia’s most vulnerable animals have been captured in draft units, skill sets and qualifications. Experts in the field have provided insight into the skills required of zoo keepers, animal carers and marine wildlife responders, so that the drafts properly reflect current work practices and skill needs. Two new units address skills for assessing the welfare status of an animal and for promoting positive wellbeing of those working in … Read More

Soon we’ll be seeking feedback on the draft skills standards that have been developed as part of the following projects. In the meantime, there is still time to register for a workshop or webinar that suits you. At these events, you’ll have the chance to discuss the drafts directly with other members of your industry and the project team. For those that can’t make a workshop. The drafts will be available for comment on the project webpages. Click through to view the individual project … Read More

With the growing demand for skilled workers in this area, it is important that the relevant skills are captured in the national skills standards. Now is your chance to have your say on how these skills are defined. Drafts of the units and skill sets are currently available for your review and comment on the project page.

Work is underway on two new projects to review skills standards in animal care and management, covering areas relating to pet care, animal training, exhibited animals and marine wildlife. For details of timelines, scope and opportunities to get involved, follow the links to the individual project pages below. Exhibited Animal Care & Marine Wildlife Project

Throughout 2018 and 2019, industry experts in agriculture and horticulture have volunteered their time and expertise to projects covering the following skills areas: Agribusiness Carbon Farming Irrigation Protected Horticulture Sports Turf Management Viticulture   The projects were driven by industry to support the agriculture and horticulture industry as it adapts to technological advancements, shifting climate conditions and changing markets. Thanks to their efforts, the skills standards have been endorsed by the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC), at their meeting on 9 October … Read More

Over the past two months, there have been several developments in the Government’s efforts to strengthen the vocational education and training (VET) sector. National consultation is now underway on the key initiatives of the Australian Government’s skills package, Delivering Skills for Today and Tomorrow. The skills package lays the building blocks for reforms identified in the Expert Review of Australia’s vocational education and training system (Joyce Review), placing industry at the centre and raising the profile of VET as a career pathway of choice. It takes … Read More