The Logistics Training Council (LTC) is the peak advisory body for skills development and training in Western Australia for the transport, logistics and wholesale industries and represents the following industry sectors:

Aviation Rail Transport Warehousing

Maritime Road Transport Wholesale

Stevedoring Postal Logistics

Our roles include:

Providing quality advice and information to all our stakeholders including employers, employees, community, industry, registered training organisations and government.
Supporting innovation and workforce development.
Providing high-level strategic information and advice to State and Federal Governments on training needs and priorities for public funding.

LATEST NEWS HEADLINES....

Environmental Scan 2011, Workforce Development Plan 2011, Workforce and RTO Gauges

The Logistics Training Council is happy to announce the release of the Environmental Scan 2011, the Workforce Development Plan 2011 along with the results of two surveys of the Transport and Logistics workforce and RTOs. These documents provide penetrative insight into the issues affecting the Transport and Logistics Industry and suggest a number of strategies for addressing current and future challenges.

WA Government moves to merge ports

Seven of eight regional port authorities will be consolidated into four to improve efficiency and reduce red tape in Western Australia.

The Western Australia state government yesterday outlined its plans for the staged consolidation commencing in 2014. Under the reform, a newly created Kimberley Ports Authority will represent the existing ports of Broome, Derby, Wyndham, Cockatoo Island, Koolan Island and the proposed port at James Price Point. A Pilbara Ports Authority will comprise the ports of Port Hedland and Dampier, the proposed new ports at Anketell and Ashburton North; and the ports at Cape Preston, Port Walcott, Varanus Island, Barrow Island, Airlie Island, Thevenard Island and Onslow. Similarly, a Mid-West Ports Authority will be created to cover the port of Geraldton, the controversial proposed new port of Oakajee, and the ports at Cape Cuvier and Useless Loop.

In addition, the Southern Ports Authority will represent the ports of Bunbury, Albany and Esperance. Only the Port of Fremantle will remain a stand-alone port authority.

Australian Road Rules changes set to improve safety

Drivers of taxis and minibuses will be required to ensure children are properly restrained while travelling in their vehicles as part of a range of approved changes to the Australian Road Rules which will improve the safety of all road users, according to the National Transport Commission (NTC).
Some of the major changes include:

the required use of seatbelts for children that are covered by the existing exemptions to the use of child restraints in taxis and mini buses
imposing new requirements relating to the use of warning triangles for heavy vehicles and fallen loads (reflecting the findings of a New South Wales Coroner into a fatal crash involving a disabled heavy vehicle).
an extended parking time allowance for drivers with a valid disabilities parking permit
the need for a vehicle to remain stopped if a tram draws alongside or passes it and then stops.

Fair Work Submission process now open

The Fair Work Act Review Panel recently released a background paper and announced the timing for the review’s submission process.

The background paper, which can be downloaded here, provides general information on the review and the Act, detail of the submission process, relevant evidence sources and questions stakeholders may wish to consider when developing their submissions.

Written submissions to the Review Panel are due by 17 February 2012. Supplementary submissions, including comments on the submissions of other participants, are due by 2 March 2012.

First year apprentices – access to regional rates for metropolitan RTOs delivering in regions

The Department of Training and Workforce Development is developing strategies to minimise the need for first year apprentices in regional areas to travel to the metropolitan area to undertake their off-the-job training.

Payment rates have been amended to allow metropolitan registered training organisations (RTOs) access to regional rates to service the delivery of first year apprenticeships in regional and remote WA. This will enable training to be delivered in the apprentice’s home region either by a local RTO under auspicing arrangements or by lecturers from metropolitan RTOs travelling to the region.
The policy recognises the significant and financial benefits for the employer and apprentice to undertake training in their regional area and the department is optimistic that it will improve the retention rate for first year apprentices.

Whilst financial support is provided to encourage trade training providers to deliver in regional areas, the funding available is based on existing regional funding parameters. This means that there will still be a need to ensure viable class sizes and associated off-the-job delivery schedules.
The Managing Directors of the State Training Provider network have been informed of this strategy and will be assessing opportunities for collaboration early in 2012.
For further information please contact Kevin Coombes, Director Training Resources Allocation, Department of Training and Workforce Development on telephone 6551 5000.

E-learning for workforce development: funding opportunities

The Industry System Change business activity is seeking expressions of interest for co-investment from collaborative regional partnerships. Funding of $100,000 (plus GST) from the initial round remains available. Partnerships should focus on regional employers and their common workforce development needs, and formulate e-learning strategies or models for implementation.

VET E-standards updated for 2012

An updated set of standards for creating accessible and reusable e-learning content has been published for the vocational education and training (VET) sector.

ABST changes to increase training outcomes

Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier has announced significant changes to the Aboriginal School Based Traineeship program to improve retention and completion rates amongst participants.

One of the major changes is a reduction in the minimum employment-based training component for a Certificate II qualification, from 624 hours to 480 hours.

Women Moving Forward (WMF)

Become part of the largest, most effective mentoring program for women in Transport and Logistics (T&L). Over 430 women representing over 200 companies have been part of WMF. The initiative is a high value, low cost, self-paced mentoring program targeting the retention and development of women within the T&L industry. For more information on the program, including registration and costs please follow the link above.

New Career Centre online website launched

A new website providing training and career information was launched recently by the Training and Workforce Development Minister, Peter Collier.

The new Career Centre website provides users with the ability to access expert information, including labour market information on areas of skills shortage, through interactive online technologies such as web chats, social media communications streams including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

The website, which replaces the GetAccess website, is expected to receive up to 340,000 visits a year.

Launch of new Apprenticeship Policy

The Apprenticeship policy has been endorsed and is now available here on the Department of Training and Workforce Development’s website.

The policy will be presented as an ‘exposure draft’ to allow stakeholders the opportunity to review and modify existing work practises to comply with any new arrangement. The Apprenticeship policy will become effective on 1 February 2012.

To assist stakeholders the Department will hold professional development sessions from mid January 2012. To register your interest in attending a session contact ApprentiCentre by telephone on 13 19 54.

The Department has also developed a Continuous Improvement register, available here, to help capture stakeholder feedback on policy and related matters.

New TLISC website

The Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council now has a new-look website. The new site has been revamped to allow users to find relevant information quickly, providing access to the latest information on training package reviews. The new site also encourages visitors to register their views via the ‘have your say’ link on the menu. The site has also changed part of it's URL, from tlisc.com.au to tlisc.org.au, to better represent the fact that the TLISC is an organisation, rather than a company.

National Vocational Education and Training E-learning Strategy Funding Opportunities

Expressions of Interest are sought from business, community and individual registered training organisations (RTOs) for funding for the delivery and/or support of e-learning training programs under the National Vocational Education and Training E-learning Strategy in 2012.
The Higher Qualification Pathways Project aims to assist learners to pursue educational pathways through e-learning programs for higher qualifications by providing contestable, co-investment funding for RTOs, industry and community organisations to investigate innovative technology-based delivery and/or support models which allow individuals to gain higher VET qualifications, skills sets (at Diploma level or higher) and/or entry into higher education.

Follow the link above for further information.

LTC Interview in Training Matters

The Department of Training and Workforce Development has just released their quarterly magazine, Training Matters. The chairman of the LTC, Thierry Tedeschi, was interviewed for the publication and spoke about the future goals of the LTC and challenges for the industry. To read the interview, please follow this link.

Road Safety Bills (Safe Rates)

The Government will introduce legislation this week to establish a national Road Safety Remuneration System comprising a Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal and a separate education and compliance framework.
The new Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal, which will begin work on 1 July, 2012, will have the ability to set pay or pay-related conditions to ensure safe driving practices, ensuring that truck drivers are paid reasonably for the work they do, getting rid of the economic incentive for drivers to take unacceptable risks on our roads.

Financial Incentives to Upskill Older Workers

The Commonwealth Government has recently announced the More Help for Mature Age Workers program. This initiative is one of a suite of new programs available to help mature age people remain in employment and to share their skills with others. These programs are known collectively as Experience+.
The Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council (TLISC) is interested in helping eligible employers/small business owners to apply for funding.
For further information, please follow the link above.

Accelerated Australian Apprenticeships initiative Guidelines released and Applications for Funding now open

Program Guidelines are now available for the Accelerated Australian Apprenticeships initiative, which was announced in the 2011-12 Budget. The initiative is now open to receive applications for funding. Applications can be submitted at any time as there is no formal funding round that sets a timeframe for the submission of funding proposals.

The initiative aims to support a shift to competency-based progression and completion in vocational education and training with a focus on Australian Apprenticeships. Industry will lead projects under this initiative which will enable industry to develop and implement innovative strategies that embed and further the reach of competency-based progression to expedite the supply of skilled workers.

Further information including Program Guidelines and the Application Form for the initiative can be accessed through the link above.

WA introduces new driver's licence card

New driving licence cards will be issued to WA drivers from this week onwards, with increased security measures designed to prevent identity theft.

Security features include a barcode, a watermark, unique serial number for each licence, printing over a clear panel and the date of birth embossed under the photo.

Drivers will not be charged extra for the new licence cards. They will be issued to new drivers and current drivers at licence renewal from this week.

WARTA wants action on driver facilities

The West Australian Road Transport Association (WARTA) has called for urgent investment in the Great Northern Highway between Perth and Wubin. Basic facilities such as truck parking areas, toilets, rest areas and roadhouses have been pointed out for major investment.

NBN- Enabled Education and Skills Services Program

The NBN- Enabled Education and Skills Services (NBN-ESS) Program is a new Government initiative aimed at supporting the development of online education and skills services that utilise the National Broadband Network. Registering for the program commenced on the 10th of November and the call for proposals is intended to occur in late November and close in early February 2012.

COAG Report shows rise in Australian Workforce Skills

The Skills and Workforce Development 2010 report shows the proportion of Australians aged 20-64 with minimum qualifications (Cert lll or higher) increased to 56.6 per cent in the last two years. The report also shows that in 2010, government funded course enrolments in the vocational education and training system were 14.4 per cent higher and enrolments of Indigenous students in higher level VET courses was 37.6 percent higher than the average enrolments for 2005-07.

Industry driven training gives thousands of workers qualifications

A new report assessing the first year of the Government’s Enterprise Based Productivity Places Program (EBPPP) has highlighted the benefits of industry driven training for employees and employers as well as the broader economy. Almost half to the 13,715 people who have enrolled in training work in small businesses and almost all of them, 13,000, have either completed training or are continuing training. Under this initiative TLISC was successful in lodging applications for 1314 places in transport and logistics businesses, which had a total training value of approximately $7.25 million (EBPPP funding plus employer contribution).

Chairman announced for Australia's first national transport regulator

Bruce Baird has been named as the chairman of the new National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Board. Mr Baird has extensive knowledge of the transport industry and brings high-level leadership qualities to this important role. There will now be one regulator for maritime, rail and heavy vehicles, cutting the number of transport regulators across Australia from 23 to 3.

Guidelines Released and Applications for Funding under the Australian Apprenticeships Mentoring Package Now Open

Guidelines are now available for the two grants Programs under the Australian Apprenticeships Mentoring Package, which was announced in the 2011-12 Budget. The Programs are also open to receive applications for funding. The Mentoring Package includes the following two programs;

The Australian Apprenticeships Mentoring Program, which aims to improve Australian Apprenticeship retention rates through mentoring and assistance to Australian Apprentices in areas of current or emerging skills need, with a focus on Apprentices who may face barriers to participation.

The Australian Apprenticeships Advisers Program, which aims to support occupation/industry information to potential Australian Apprenticeship candidates, particularly school leavers, to assist them in choosing the right Australian Apprenticeship for them. For further information, please follow the links above.

Economic fallout sees big businesses tighten belts on training

Australian employers particularly those employing 100 people or more, are reducing training for staff, despite the majority considering it important.

New data released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows the proportion of businesses using the vocational education and training system to meet their skills needs has fallen by 2.8% points to 53.9% since 2009.

Educational Scholarship in Transport and Logistics for disadvantaged students

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council (TLISC) and the Mick Young Scholarship Trust (MYST) to ensure that financially disadvantaged students gain much needed assistance to help them achieve a Transport and Logistics qualification.

The Australian Flexible Learning Framework’s E-learning Benchmarking Survey

The Australian Flexible Learning Framework’s E-learning Benchmarking Survey of RTOs was released in all states and territories on 17 October and is scheduled to close this Friday 4 November. All RTOS have been invited to participate in the survey, which can be found by following the link above. The survey hopes to measure the uptake of e-learning across the entire VET sector so even if your organisation does not use e-learning, your participation in the survey is still important.

Employers' use and views of the VET system

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) has released the results of a survey relating to employers' use and views of the vocational education and training (VET) system and the various ways employers use the VET system to meet their skill needs. The information collected was designed to measure the employers' engagement and satisfaction with the VET system.

Western Australia state approves 570-km Oakajee iron ore rail link

The Western Australia state government has approved a 570 km railway link that would provide access to the proposed Oakajee deepwater port for major iron ore projects in the Mid-West region. The Oakajee Port and Rail joint venture, led by Australia-listed Murchison Metals, was awarded the right in 2008 to develop a major new multi-user deepwater port with an initial capacity of 35 million mt/year, and an integrated rail network with a capacity of up to 100 million mt/year, to support iron ore and other resource development projects in the Mid-West.

National Vocational Education and Training E-learning Strategy Funding Opportunities Jan to June 2012

A number of funding opportunities have become available through the National VET E-learning Strategy (replacing the Australian Flexible Learning Framework).

Funding of $11.5m has been approved for programs that will:

•    capitalise on the roll-out of the National Broadband Network by demonstrating the benefits of the national investment in broadband

•    support large-scale workforce development in industry through partnerships and comprehensive e-learning advice

•    expand participation and access for individuals through e-learning programs delivering foundation skills and e-literacy.

The National VET E-learning Strategy (which replaces the Australian Flexible Learning Framework) will seek co-investment to promote the growth in broadband-based training; support the adoption of industry-wide e-learning programs; develop e-literacy; and improve access to training.

Truckies wanted for TV documentary

Australian documentary production company Prospero Productions is looking for male and female truck drivers to take part in a television series covering the highs and lows of life on the road.
The company says it is aiming to produce a “fly on the wall” TV series that will follow a select group of Australian truckies on their long and gruelling journey across the country’s most unforgiven (sic) terrain.
“We want to get to know Australia’s real truckies, your work, your life, the challenges you face and how you overcome them – both on and off the road,” a Prospero spokesperson says.
“We are looking for the guys who are doing the most challenging of Australia's road train and heavy duty trucking work - on the roughest roads or carrying the most difficult or just plain interesting freight.”
The company says filming of the series is due to commence shortly. Drivers or owner-operators are invited to contact Rebecca Vallis at Prospero Productions on 0406 559 860 or email rebeccavallis.prospero@gmail.com.

New Direction for Pilbara TAFE

A new name for Pilbara TAFE has been unveiled by Training and Workforce Development Minister, Peter Collier. The new name, ‘Pilbara Institute’, recognises the refocusing of the organisation’s activities, its increased autonomy and operational discretion, allowing them to be more responsive to the demands of industry.

Update on Safe Rates

The Federal government is close to announcing its position on safe rates, having met with an advisory group to finalise its response to a review into trucking pay methods by the National Transport Commission that linked low rates of pay to poor safety in the sector. The directions paper suggested possible changes, including establishing a tribunal to rule on what constitutes a safe rate.

Perth based councils call for trams

Light rail is view by many Perth councils as the preferred mode of transport in the city’s future development. This finding is highlighted in the recently released State government discussion paper, titled, ‘Public Transport for Perth in 2031’ which asked for submissions based on light rail, rapid transport corridors and rail network expansion with more buses and trains.

Regional Priorities Round of the Education Investment Fund

A new fund, targeted at building educational and training facilities for students in regional and rural Australia has been announced. The special Regional Priorities Round of the Education Investment Fund will distribute $500 million to higher education institutions and vocational education training (VET) providers for the purpose of building new educational facilities or refurbishing existing infrastructure. For more information on this funding round, please follow the link above.

Rail life extension to meet harvest load

Western Australia will extend the life of four rail lines to shoulder some of the load of this year’s grain harvest. Transport Minister Troy Buswell says the extension runs only until the end of October next year, at which point he says the roads should be able to handle the 2012-13 harvest. He also says that the government is pumping more than $350 million into Western Australia’s grain freight network, including $187.9 million for the most competitive grain freight lines and $118.3 million for improvements and maintenance to Wheatbelt roads.

High Demand for Transport and Logistics Jobs

Transport and logistics jobs are in high demand, according to the latest report from recruitment firm Hays, with particular emphasis placed on hiring transport operators with heavy haulage experience, engineers, transport analysts and solutions architects. Supply chain analysts are also being sought after as companies seek ways to reduce costs and import operators are being hired to manage increased imports.

Australian Vocational Student Prize

Schools are invited to nominate students for the Australian Vocational Student Prize (AVSP). The award recognizes the achievements of students who have chosen to pursue a practical training pathway while completing their senior secondary studies. Nominations close on the 2nd of December 2011 at 8.00pm (AEDT). For further details, please follow the above link.

Six indigenous train drivers in training

Six young Indigenous students, three male and three female, are on their way to becoming train drivers in the Pilbara through Tracks to Success, an initiative of BHP Billiton and Apprenticeships Australia. Tracks to Success complements another successful Indigenous employment initiative, the Indigenous Trainee Driver program, which specifically targets mature age trainees. It is a 12-month traineeship, which has recruited 28 Indigenous trainees since its inception three years ago.

New face of training in the Kimberley unveiled

It has recently been announced that the Kimberly TAFE training centre is undergoing a name change to reflect its delivery of innovative and flexible training throughout the region. The newly named Kimberly Training Institute will be now able to market its individual strengths and open up new opportunities for the region’s residents.

New centre to boost training and workforce development in the South-West

A new centre focused on providing training and increasing workforce participation in the Aboriginal community has been recently opened in Bunbury. The South West Aboriginal Workforce Development Centre is the fourth such centre to be opened this year with other centers opening in Geralton, Broome and Kalgoorlie-Boulder while a centre in Perth has been open since March 2010.

Australia, US sign key aviation biofuels accord

The US Federal Aviation Administration and Australia’s Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism have reached a Memorandum of Understanding to continue research and development of clean, sustainable alternative aviation fuels. The MOU enables Australia and the United States to exchange information on policies, programs, projects, and research results, and to conduct joint studies in areas such investigation of new fuel sources and conducting environmental impacts.

The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) calls for national reform on transport regulators

The Australian Logistics Council has released a policy paper that calls for the instatement of a national regulator network in the place of current state regulators. The policy names the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, the Maritime Safety Regulator and the Rail Safety Regulator as replacements for the 23 state based regulators responsible for administering transport law. The policy aims to reduce regulatory obligations on business and would come into effect in January 2013.

Western Australian Training Awards

The very best of the training sector were honored at the Western Australian Training Awards, held in the Convention Centre in Perth on Friday night. The outstanding efforts of apprentices, trainees, vocational students and both training providers and employers were recognized by the awards and some of the winners will go on to represent WA in the national Australian Training Awards in Brisbane in November. The LTC would like to extend our congratulations to all the winners with a special mention for Joe and Kay Reither of Nara Training and Assessing who won the WA Small Training Provider of the year and for Eduardo Pena who came away with the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Training Award.

Record numbers of West Australians undertaking training

According to an interim report card on the State Government’s Training WA strategy, there are a record number of people undertaking training in WA. Following the government’s investment to support an additional 21,000 training places, there has been a 12 % increase in the number of Western Australians undertaking government funded training and apprentice numbers have also increased by 9.4%. Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier said more importantly, this training was occurring in industries that had a high demand for skilled workers.

New website for Vocational Education and Training (VET)

The NTIS website, the authoritative National Register for the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, has now been replaced with the new website: training.gov.au (TGA). This website has updated search facilities and supports all the services previously provided by NTIS.

New reforms to Australian shipping

The Federal Government has announced new reforms to the Australian shipping industry in a bid to improve the industry’s international competitiveness and to reinvigorate the Australian merchant fleet. Transport Minister Anthony Albanese outlined a number of taxation initiatives including a zero tax rate for ship operators, tax reform to remove barriers to investment and tax breaks for employing Australians. The reforms also include the establishment of an Australian International Shipping Register and Maritime Development Forum as well as simplified licensing and financial incentives to replace older fleets.

Employers

Here is your opportunity to have your voice heard and have input on influencing the future focus of government initiatives relating to Transport and Logistics for Western Australia. Whether you are a small, medium or large company we want to hear from you! Click on the title for further details and link to the WA Transport and Logistics Workforce Gauge.

Workforce Development funding

The Australian Government has launched a new $558 million National Workforce Development Fund (the Fund) that will provide support over four years for training and workforce development in the areas of current and future skills need.

Industry Skills Councils are acting as brokers to manage the Fund on behalf of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). Government Skills Australia is managing applications from the government and community safety industry...

The State Priority Occupations List

The State priority occupation list is an annually produced list of jobs that are in high demand or considered industry-critical in Western Australia.

The New Skilled Occupation List

It is intended that this new list of occupations will form the new Skilled Occupation List, proposed to come into effect from 1 July 2010....

HIGHLIGHTS ON THE WEBSITE

	What's New? The "What's New" page contains links and information regarding industry changes, legislation updates, up coming program information and application forms.
	Training Providers The "Training Providers" page contains a list of Registered Training Organisations delivering Transport & Logistics courses throughout WA
	Upcoming Events The "Upcoming Events" page contains a list of upcoming Industry events throughout Australia
	ENewsletter Click on the link to see the latest copy of the LTC "ENewsletter"