1. VALBEC scholarship to US conference

VALBEC members are eligible to apply for a scholarship to attend the ProLiteracy Conference on Adult Education in San Diego, California, from September 25 – 28, 2019.

The scholarship will include one return economy airfare from Melbourne to San Diego, accommodation and associated transfers. A scholarship for conference registration has been provided thanks to ProLiteracy.

2. VALBEC 2019 Conference - pics and presentations

The VALBEC Conference is over for another year. Once again a wide range of presentations provided practical and theoretical ideas for people to take back to their workplaces. People caught up with colleagues past and present so morning tea and lunch were full of chatter.

We'd love to get your feedback to help us provide another great day in 2020.

A huge thanks to Conference Convener Rhonda Pelletier who did an outstanding job of bringing the conference together and wrangling all the variants. Special thanks also to the International Specialised Skills Institute and Department of Education HESG who brought Kirke Olson and Sher Kamman out to Australia. We were very fortunate to have them as our keynotes.

3. Fine Print - Winter reading

As the calendar ticks over to June we are busy putting together Vol.42 #2 of Fine Print. While you are waiting for it to arrive, have a look back at Elizabeth Gunn’s article in Vol.42 #1: ‘Public libraries invigorating literacy practice’ – it’s a thought-provoking piece about the changing role of libraries in nurturing literacy.

And while you are thinking about libraries, spare a thought for our friends across the Tasman – Wellington Central Library has been forced to close indefinitely due to earthquake concerns. Its closure has made the community realise that it was one of the few non-commercial indoor places in the CBD where the public could go to get out of the weather. Do we take our libraries for granted?

4. Learn Local Awards

The Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board's Victorian Learn Local Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of those within the Learn Local education and training sector.

The Learn Local education and training sector plays a major role in the development of local individuals, businesses and communities throughout Victoria. It delivers the skills that support our economy and underpin the inclusiveness of our communities. The Awards are an opportunity to showcase this valuable work.

Nominations close 14 June, midnight.

5. ACAL Conference - 3-5 October 2019 - Sydney

6. More professional development

'No Frills' Conference

The 28th National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference 'No Frills' is being co-hosted with TAFE SA in Adelaide on 10-12 July 2019. The 2019 conference program will focus on The student journey: skilling for life.

DET / HESG funded professional deveopment

The latest VET development centre professional development opportunities for Learn Local providers has been released - 

7. International Specialised Skills Institute fellowship

Congratulations to VALBEC member, Jodie Whitehurst who was awarded an International Research Fellowship by the International Specialised Skills Institute. In July, Jodie will be heading off to Canada, Switzerland, France and Spain to learn about the benefits and best practice of using drama techniques in teaching English as an Additional Language to adults. We look forward to Jodie’s return and a special VALBEC forum where she will be sharing her research outcomes with us.

8. 2019 National Student Outcomes Survey

The 2019 National Student Outcomes Survey, Australia’s largest survey of VET students, is set to commence. This year, over 800,000 people who completed training in 2018 will be contacted about their employment outcomes, training satisfaction, and their thoughts on the benefits and relevance of their training.

9. Privacy Awareness Week resources

Privacy Awareness Week was held in May. There are some great resources available for use in the adult LLN classroom.

10. Special dates

National Reconciliation Week: 27 May - 3 June

2019 June 10 Queens Birthday holiday

16 June - 22 June Refugee Week

June 20 World Refugee Day

NAIDOC Week 7-14 July

11. Are you a member of your union?