Hi to all,

I am delighted to have this opportunity to be your online guest for the next 2 weeks. Please don't make me do all the work, your input will make this "the place" to be for the next couple of weeks. I would like to raise 2 issues first of all.

1. Do you need to be a teacher to be a Voced/Industry Placement Coordinator?

My firm belief is a definite no, however I expect that many of you will disagree with me. I have every respect for teachers and their capacity to teach voced in schools, however I think that the job of Industry Placement/Workplace Learning Programs requires a mindset that I find lacking in many teachers. I also believe that Employers tend to relate better to people who are not teachers (maybe many of them have unresolved school days baggage). I'm keen to hear your opinions.

2. What services do you provide for your employers?

I believe that many coordinators are providing employers, especially small business employers, with information and advice about issues other then Workplace Learning. Do your employers ask you about Traineeships, Apprenticeships, Training for staff etc. If so, I'd be very keen to hear about what you do. The employer is a vital customer in school/industry links. We hear lots about the financial sustainability of these programs, however I have concerns about "Employer Sustainability". At present only 12% of Voced students participate in Industry Release Programs. This is the tip of the iceberg. As these programs continue to grow (and I'm sure they will) we must look at incentives to maintain employer (especially small business employers) interest. I don't believe that the economy can afford financial incentives to employers, so let's look at innovative and creative ways of recruiting and maintaining employers. Tell us about your employer strategies.

Cheers
Janelle

Janelle Schloss
Work Focus Training & Consulting Services.
(For Marsden Info)
PO Box 615
Marsden. Qld. 4132.
Phone: 07- 38058209
Fax: 07- 32006176.

(For Work Focus Info)
PO Box 652
Sunnybank. Qld. 4109.
Phone: 07-33098855 B.H. 07- 55411442 A.H.
Fax: 07-55411442
Mobile: 0411 594 089.
Web Site: HTTP://www.users.bigpond.com/WorkFocus.htm
All Email: WorkFocus@Bigpond.com