Nimble News 19th October 2022

Starting Conversations at our 2022 AGM & Forum - Disability Confidence for your Workplace

The Aloft Rooftop ballroom was a fab venue for our AGM and Forum. We all enjoyed the sweeping views of Perth with our sunset drinks and canapes.

Special thanks to our speakers – Susan and Erin from Disability Assembly WA, and Gaelen and Will from APN Communities for their passion, eloquence and honesty. Thanks also to Dev Singh from for-purpose for sharing his photos from the day. Here are a few take home messages:

There’s been substantial progress in integrating the disabled community into education and transport, but employment is lagging behind. This is despite research showing that a diverse workforce improves business performance. The benefits of employing disabled people are wide ranging and include:

- A wider recruitment pool and thus a greater chance of finding the skills you want.

- Lower absenteeism and lower staff turnover.

- A resilient workforce, with well developed problem-solving skills.

What next? Start conversations with your existing workforce and tap into the knowledge that’s already there (you'll be surprised!). Review your recruitment processes and materials for bias. Consider how you might proactively enable and encourage people with disabilities to apply. Reach out to organisations that provide support for businesses like APN Communities and Edge Employment Solutions. NDIS plans can include employment support such as providing a mentor or support worker (e.g. an Auslan interpreter).

You don’t need to be an expert, just be curious and open and start those conversations...

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Other Nimble News Stories:

Have your say: Forestry Management Plan 2024-2033

This plan delivers on the McGowan Government’s decision to end native logging in the Southwest. Regional pop-ups, providing info on the plan and guidance on the submission process, are scheduled for Manjimup Farmers Market (29 Oct), Busselton Foreshore Market (6 Nov) and Mundaring Garden and Farmers Market (19 Nov). Submissions close 18 December.

EOI: Native Forestry Community Advisory Group

The WA Government is seeking Expressions of Interest from members of the community that live within the native forestry regions to be part of this advisory group. The role of the group is to assist Forestry Minister Dave Kelly in considering projects seeking financial assistance through the Community Small Grants fund. Closing date: 13 November.

Greening the VET sector: webinar for World Teachers’ Day

The VET Development Centre has packed a lot into this free webinar. It Includes the education of sustainable development in agriculture and the food supply chain, also sustainable fashion education, and the role of VET sector teachers in supporting the transition of workforce and labour markets towards greener economies. 28 October, 9.30am - 11.00am.

The Department of Training and Workforce Development has published its Annual Report for 2021-2022. Read about the Department’s key areas of achievement, as well as functions, operations, and performance highlights.

Webinar: deafconnectEd

Another great webinar topic from the VET Development Centre. This one covers practical strategies for teachers with learners who are deaf or hard of hearing. 25 October, 9.00am - 10.30am.

For people managers: A personal approach to professional development.

A happier and more fulfilled workforce could come from aligning professional growth with personal goals. Read about one company’s experience here.

What did the Federal, State and Territory Skills Ministers Discuss in their first face-to-face since 2019?

The purpose of the meeting was to progress VET reform matters. Read about their discussion here.

October is National Safe Work Month

Safe Work Australia is encouraging businesses, employers and workers to join National Safe Work Month and commit to building safe and healthy workplaces. Find out how to get involved here.

For anyone supporting a Year 12 student through their exams:

Self-compassion is the superpower year 12 students need for exams… and life beyond school. This article from the Conversation explains how self-compassion leads to better stress-management, higher levels of motivation and makes us braver. All of which leads to better mental health and better performance when faced with life’s challenges – like exams.

The Productivity Commission has released an interim report on its 5 Year Productivity Inquiry: From Learning to Growth. One area of discussion is how funding structures could be changed to boost uptake for the VET sector and remove bias that currently favours universities. Feedback on the report is invited until 21 October.

Cyber Security Awareness Month

Check out the Australian Cyber Security Centre for information and resources to help individuals and businesses.

Foundational Skills Challenges in the Apprenticeship Sector

An interesting blog that looks at foundation skills issues (language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy) and their contribution to Australia’s low apprenticeship completion rates

2021 Census: Insights about work and study

A recent data release has revealed that the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing industries have the oldest workforce with almost 30 per cent of workers aged 60 years and over, this compares to just 11 per cent across all industries. Livestock farmers top the table for occupations with the highest median age – The median age of livestock farmers is 58 years old (in fourth place was mixed crop farmers whose median age is a sprightly 56).

We hope that this has been of some assistance. Food, Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council.