Chris Robinson is the Chief Commissioner of the new Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and has extensive experience in vocational education and training and other areas of education, training and employment.
Chris has held numerous senior policy and leadership posts as the head of Education in South Australia; the Deputy Director General of Employment and Training in Queensland; the Managing Director of the National Centre of Vocational Education Research; senior training and education posts in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and in the education, training and employment portfolios in the Australian and United Kingdom governments.
Chris’s career has included more than 10 years as a researcher in the labour economics, education and training fields. Chris has published more than 100 books, chapters, journal articles and research monographs.
Speaking On:
Defining quality & standards in aged care training
Rod Cooke is the Chief Executive Officer of the Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council (CS&HISC).
As CEO, Rod directs CS&HISCs work in identifying workforce challenges for the community services and health industries and leading the response to industry changes, growth, workforce shortages and workforce development issues on a national basis. CS&HISC works closely with government, industry and training providers to identify changes in these industries and change in work roles, advise on workforce development, assist in supporting workforce participation and develops the appropriate job performance, skills standards and qualifications required.
Rod has an extensive background in training and recruitment, and in the vocational education sector. He has held senior management and training positions including the positions of CEO with Orana Education & Training Cooperative Ltd, General Manager HR & Administration with Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, National Learning & Development Manager with NRMA.
Rod has a strong community services background as well and is currently on the Board of the lane Cover Community Aid Services, Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW (Central West), and the United Protestant Association; and he has 15 years as an officer with the Australian Army.
Speaking On:
Welcome remarks from the Chair
Improving the quality of training in aged care
Quality outcomes in Certificate III aged care training
Maureen Williams’ is the Executive Manager Organisational Development at Braemar Presbyterian Care with responsibility for human resource management, employee relations, O.H. & S, project co-ordination and training & development. Maureen has an extensive registered nursing background in both hospital and community settings.
For the past 19 years Maureen has worked in the field of Human Resource Management in the health and local government arenas. She attained her Master of Human Resource Management at Murdoch University 2000-2002 as a mature aged student.
In her 7 years with Braemar, Maureen has developed a firm commitment and passion for creating and implementing a range of programs aimed at improving individual, team and organisational performance.
Braemar’s Workforce Development Model and 5-Year Training Plan has been the most significant initiative that has impacted on Braemar’s ability to attract and retain employees, as well as developing employee’s skills, self-esteem, self-belief and emotional well-being.
Speaking On:
Innovation in aged care training delivery – The Braemar five year training plan
Monash University School of Rural Health
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Kerrie Thomsen is a leading expert in Education and Training for VET Programs and Up skilling for the Community Services and Health sector.
In her 29 years of industry experience she has specialised in primary healthcare, community rehabilitation programs, disability, aged care, accessible living and education.
Education and Training has been Kerrie’s main focus for over 7 years and she currently works for Bendigo TAFE as Head of School for Community Services and Health. The specific quality training programs supported by this school include the fields of: Aged care, Disability, Leisure & Health, Children’s Services, Welfare & Community Services, Nursing, Allied Health and Fitness/Recreation.
Kerrie Thomsen has strong leadership experience with over 12 years in the roles of Senior Management within Community Services and the VET Sector.
Speaking On:
Welcome remarks from the Chair
Tailoring programs to meet employer needs
Workshops:
Tailoring programs to meet employer needs
Improving aged care training
In June 2011 the Productivity Commission released a report on Aged Care Reform and put forward a set of recommendations for the government on how aged care should be improved.They have recognised that providing quality aged care is dependent on a strong, competent and well-trained workforce.The sector has recognised that it is a shared responsibility between RTOs and the industry to work together to improve aged care training.
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