A Professional Learning Opportunity for VET teachers in Government Schools
The Victorian Government is funding the VET Development Centre (VDC) to deliver a professional learning initiative for VET Teachers - the Industry Placement Program.
The Industry Placement Program will provide VET teachers in Victorian Government Schools with the opportunity to participate in activities specifically designed to enhance their industry skills, knowledge and networks.
The Industry Placement Program activities will run across 2021 and 2022, and will include:
Industry Placements
VET teachers will undertake a ten-day program comprising of an industry placement and additional activities to gain specific industry exposure.
Industry Themed Forums
A series of one-day forums will help VET teachers to enhance overall knowledge and currency of a specific industry area. The forums will be accessible to VET teachers across Victoria and will feature speakers with expert knowledge of a particular industry, current and future trends, new technologies and practice.
Industry Engagement Conference
A two-day conference for VET teachers. The conference will be an opportunity for experts in the field to speak about key areas of interest such as trends in VET teaching and learning, industry updates and broader sector reform.
Teachers will be selected based on their application and endorsement by their school Principal. Schools will be reimbursed for casual relief teacher (CRT) payments and teachers will be reimbursed for expenses such as accommodation and travel.
Principals are encouraged to support VET teachers to undertake this program.
The VDC will work closely with the Department of Education (DET) to deliver this program and to build strong links between the VET sector and industry. These links will support VET teachers to prepare their students for contemporary workplaces.
What is the Industry Placement Program?
The Industry Placement Program is a Victorian Government initiative aimed at facilitating VET teachers to maintain industry currency as required by ASQA. The core objective of the Industry Placement program is to enhance and support the capability of VET teachers in Victoria.
The Department of Education and Training (DET) has engaged the VET Development Centre (VDC) to design and deliver the program.
What is the structure of the Industry Placement Program?
The Industry Placement Program will comprise of the following 3 components:
- Industry PlacementVET teachers will have the opportunity to undertake a 10-day industry placement within a specific industry setting relevant to their teaching practice and area of expertise. The placement will likely consist of:
- 1-day workshop
- 6-day placement within an industry setting
- 1-day post industry placement workshop
- 2-day additional industry activities (self- nominated by participant)
The placement may be undertaken during either 2021 or 2022 and the 10 days may be completed as a set block or spread over a longer period.
- Industry Themed ForumsIndustry themed forums will be held over 2021 and 2022. The forums will showcase a particular industry setting and VET teachers will hear from speakers with expert knowledge relevant to that industry. The forums are an opportunity for VET teachers to enhance specific industry knowledge, skills and currency, and to engage with their industry group.
- Industry Engagement ConferenceA conference for VET teachers, held over 2 days during 2021. The conference will be an opportunity for experts in the field to speak about key areas of interest such as trends in VET teaching and learning, industry updates and broader sector reform.
Am I eligible to participate in the Industry Placement Program?
If you are a VET teacher in a Victorian Government school, you are eligible to apply to take part in any or all elements of the Industry Placement Program. You will need the endorsement of your Principal to participate in these programs.
How will the Industry Placement Program benefit me?
- Facilitate VET teachers to maintain industry currency and to advance professional skills through direct experience with an industry area
- Support VET teachers to maintain links to and engagement with industry areas and to collaborate with other VET teachers across Victoria
through the program - Provide a professional learning mechanism for VET teachers to support senior school students to learn skills relevant for today’s workforce.
I participated in a similar industry immersion program in 2017. Can I still apply?
Yes. Industry currency is an ongoing requirement and it is recommended that VET teachers participate in this program even if they have undertaken similar industry immersion programs in the past.
This current program will be specifically designed to capture current and projected future industry and market trends. The program will also address current reforms in the VET sector including key information relevant to VET teachers and the sector.
Can I attend the conference or forums only?
Yes, you can attend the conference and/or forums even if you do not apply for the Industry Placement component.
How do I apply for the program?
Register your interest for the program HERE.
You will then receive information and a form to seek approval from your school Principal.
Can I claim for my expenses for attending the Industry Placement Program?
Yes, you can claim reasonable expenses for accommodation and transport, to attend the sessions or your placement, in line with Department of Education and Training policy. https://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Documents/Travel-and-personal-expenses-public-service.pdf
An expense will be considered reasonable where it does not exceed the relevant amounts set by the ATO as adjusted from time to time. Reimbursement will be for actual expenditure and will not exceed the relevant ATO rates.
To claim reimbursement, teachers must submit official receipts substantiating allowable expenses incurred. Where it is not reasonably practicable to obtain a receipt, other evidence of expenditure may be accepted. Official receipts or other satisfactory evidence of expenditure must be provided as soon as practicable upon return from travel.
How does the school claim CRT?
To claim Casual Relief Teacher (CRT) payment (of up to $321.75 per day) your school needs to invoice VDC after your attendance at the program. You must also provide your Certificate of Attendance which will be emailed to you following the event.