Themes… Making a Difference 2008
The complexity and diversity of skills needs in our industries demands quality workforce development approaches that enable the professionalism of service providers and trainers. However, in our quest for quality we must recognise that education and learning is also a journey - not just a destination.
The central theme of our conference is the Education Revolution for the community services and health industries, which is pivotal to ensure we have sufficient industry-determined training to assist us to grow faster than any other Australian industry to 2012 (33,800 workers per year across all occupations) (Australian Jobs 2007: DEWR)
Investment in skills creation is argued as being central to the next wave of economic reform and the Skilling Australia for the future policy promotes reforms that aim to lift participation, improve productivity growth and enhance labour market flexibility by making an investment in skills.
We in the CS&H Industries have been embracing the workforce challenges ahead and the priority for us to provide services that respond appropriately to the needs of the Australian population. In taking up the new Government’s Policy direction for the future, we invite you to our 2008 conference to debate and discuss the way ahead and how we can make the Education Revolution happen for us in our industries. This year’s conference will incorporate presentations covering international, national and local perspectives under the following themes:
- From Policy to Practice
- Capacity Building - People & Systems
- Innovation & Collaboration- Stories From the Field
We are pleased to announce some of our confirmed keynote speakers: Andrea Rowe, Chief Executive Officer of Skills for Care, will give an international perspective of skill development in the community services sector. Skills for Care provides the training standards and development needs of nearly one million social care staff in England providing over £25 million in funding to support improved training and qualifications for managers and staff.
John Kirwan challenges the direction and pace of health workforce reform in Australia concluding that the time for talking is over; it is time for implementation. He argues that there are successful models available in Australia and overseas that need to be considered within a nationally consistent approach and implemented as part of a new framework.
John Buchanan presents his research from the Industry Skills Report which provides a comparative account of how the Australian approach to workforce development compares with policy experience overseas.
Jonathon Welch will consider the notion of social inclusion and take you on his journey how he not only won the hearts of 50 people who were seen as “invisible” or a burden on our society, as well as the whole nation with the “Choir of Hard Knocks” story that inspired and moved the country.
A range of fantastic Australian speakers will cover a wide range of topics at National, State and Regional levels. This dynamic program of informed presenters will provide an interesting and stimulating conference for all those involved in the Community Services and Health industries, and as always, a highlight will be the opportunity to network and share ideas amongst the delegates.
Please refer back to this page soon as a full preliminary program will be available soon.