AS042

**Background**
Employment Edge- E-Management Training is an innovative e-learning project that seeks to address barriers to employment and career progression for mature aged existing workers and recent mature-aged job seekers who lack formal qualifications in management skills and as a result often experience underemployment. This e-training solution aims to provide an accessible, fast track on-line delivery of the BSB60207-Advance Diploma in Management, in a supportive and innovative learning environment. High level business management skills are highly regarded by employers, especially when they are accompanied by solid industry supervisory or management work experience. The Employment Edge- E-Management Training project aims to utilise e-learning to improve access and integrates the participant's "real world" management and supervisory experiences with on-line tutorials and workshops. Learners are fast tracked through a recognition program from the Diploma of Management to the Advanced Diploma of Management within six months. The training will include working in partnership with Job services Australia and a range of industry employers.

**Project Summary**

 * How will the project improve learner access to improve employment outcomes?**

__The targeted learners are;__
 * mature-aged (>40) managers/supervisor, existing workers and mature-aged unemployed job seekers with substaintial industry experience but do not hold formal qualifications.
 * those experiencing difficulty in achieving career progression, sustainable employment or are underemployed.
 * skilled professionals who need to upskill rapidly to meet industry demand
 * require Recognition of Prior Learning to identify gap training requirements and fast track to higher level qualifications
 * those that are both time and access poor due to work commitments.
 * require upgraded advanced computer skills to meet technology demands in the workplace.
 * May have language backgrounds other than English.

__Learning approaches will include:__
 * A constuctivist learning apprach, combining the participants real world experiences and environment with the latest contemporary management practices.
 * integrated blended learning approached with a combination of on-line tutorials and workshops to complete an induction, RPL and individual learning plans and advanced technology skills to become life long learners.
 * Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program will enable a fast tracking pathway to the BSB60207 Advanced Diploma of Management qualification, so learning can focus on gap filling and empowering learners in areas required.
 * Integration of business management employability skills.
 * Develop e-portfolios- with employment and career progression focus to collect evidence of high level work reports, submissions, projects, tenders.
 * On-line tutorials will allow for more flexible delivery as learners will be able to access training material via the internet at any time and from any location. Learners will be able to do additional work and/or research with a guided instructional framework in their industry and at their own pace.

__Technologies:__ The tools and technologies to be used in the developing of the employment training include: __How does this project align to the jurisdictional and national priorities? __
 * Moodle – for communication between teachers and team members
 * Project Wiki and Blog – for posting tutorials ,receiving feedback from student and teachers
 * Adobe Connect – webinars; presentation of business projects and guest speakers
 * Learning Objects from TALE/LORN
 * YouTube video – broadcasts of Business leaders and management case studies.

Tackling rising unemployment, underemployment and skill shortages will be one of the principle mature age employment policy challenge facing government over the next few years. This project seeks to address this through improved access to training. The Employment Edge E-Management Training e-learning project meets the strategic objectives by:
 * Improving access to training by tackling workforce development barriers to upskilling existing workers who may not be able to access face-to-face training due to their work hours. E-learning enables the flexibility to do the training when the employee is available. Due to skills shortages, an employee may find less time available in a work day to complete or attend training and this E-training program is self-paced with online support, fitting around work needs.
 * Providing accessible higher level qualifications in the BSB60207- Advanced Diploma in Management for that meet the objectives of the 2011-2012 NSW Skills Priority List by:Providing accessible training that aligns to the National Skills Occupational List objectives for meeting skills shortages in management occupations. E.g. Construction Project Manager;Engineering Manager;Primary Health Organisation Manager.
 * Targeting Older aged (>40) existing workers
 * Targeting unemployed job seekers who are a priority for upskilling.
 * Aligns to the COAG VET Reform Agenda, (Aug. 2011) that endorses the promotion and take-up of higher level qualifications to increase participation and ensure training is more responsive to the needs of industry and individuals in a dynamic economy.
 * Initial market research has indicated demand from 25 mature aged existing workers and recent aged job seekers. Further marketing/course promotion will occur this year and in Jan/ Feb 2012

Relevant employers industry stakeholders wishing to upskill existing workers include: Qantas; Local Government Councils (Hurstville & Sutherland); Coates Hire Australia; Hilton Hotel group;Competitive Foods Australia Pty Ltd (Hungry Jacks) & small community enterprises

__Consultation with stakeholders: __ Various Industry clients have been consulted in the develop of this application to tailor and customise the Employment Edge E-Management Training e-learning program to meet the upskilling industry needs and address any workforce development issues. E.g. Qantas; Local Government Councils (Hurstville & Sutherland); Coates Hire Australia and Hungry Jacks

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Intended outcomes from the project
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Employment Edge- E-Management Training Project aims to achieve the following outcomes:
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Upskill mature-aged existing workers and recent mature aged job seekers who have substantial management experience through a fast-track recognition process to achieve an BSB60207- Advanced Diploma in Management in 6-months
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Develop high-level Business management skills to meet workforce development skill shortages in identified areas of the economy.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Provides a sustainable employment pathway through obtaining formal qualifications in e-learning BSB60207- Advanced Diploma in Management will equip existing workers and job seekers
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Articulation pathway into the Bachelor of Applied Management Studies, Sydney Institute/Ballarat University and Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Adelaide..

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Actual Outcomes resulting from this project
The following outcomes were achieved:


 * Development of an RPL toolkit to facilitate recognition of current skills and knowledge Online
 * Resources sourced to support delivery of eight units within the Advanced Diploma of Management through Moodles
 * Assessments developed for units within the Advanced Diploma of Management qualification
 * Successful trial of Adobe Connect to facilitate online workshops
 * Mature-aged existing workers and mature-aged job seekers gained the Advanced Diploma of Management through recognition and fast track online learning (success stories are outlined below)


 * Resources developed:**
 * RPL Toolkit: [[file:RPL Toolkit Adv Dip Mgt v1_2012.pdf]]


 * Links to support delivery of units: [[file:Resource links v2.pdf]]


 * Assessments:
 * [[file:Assessment bsbmgt617a develop and implement a business plan v1.2 march 2012.pdf]]
 * [[file:Assessment BSBMGT616A Develop and implement strategic plans 1.0 2012.pdf]]
 * [[file:Assessment BSBMGT608B MICI Version 1 2012.pdf]]
 * [[file:Assessment BSBMGT605B Provide leadership across the organisation 1.0 2012.pdf]]
 * [[file:Assessment BSBINN601A Manage org change version 1.0 2012.pdf]]
 * [[file:assessment bsbmgt502b manage people performance 2012.pdf]]


 * Video on using Moodle: []


 * Video on how Adobe Connect can be used to facilitate online learning: []

Screen shot of Moodle for one unit:



<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Benefits experienced
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Both students and teachers have benefited from this project.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The following are some experiences of three of our recently enrolled students:

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Student 1:** Was a recently made redundant male from the Wollongong region of NSW, after completing his studies he has been able to secure full time employment in the manufacturing industry and now has a qualification that reflects his vast work experience.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Student 2:** is a student who has worked his way up in an airconditioning manufacturer from apprentice to a management position. As a result of completing his first semester his risk management project has been incorporated into the organisations strategic plan, he has received further recognition in the form of a promotion and he has been inspired to continue his education at university.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Student 3:** is a male student who has worked his way up in various industries and finds himself without formal qualifications. He has benefited from the flexible delivery of this course as he still travels extensively throughout Australia and the Asian region and can login and complete work no matter where he is.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">From a teacher perspective having people such as this in the group has meant that their wealth of practical business based knowledge can be shared with others in the group that may not have the same business/life experiences, this has made the learning much richer for the groups.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Reflections and Suggestions
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A recent article from HR monthly (June 2012) has reinforced that labour market growth is expected to come from workers aged over 45. The aim of the project was to build on skills of the participants and to further develop their self esteem through a recognition of prior learning (RPL) process. The RPL toolkit that was developed provided potential applicants with ideas on the process. A professional conversation with participants again built their self esteem as many had recently been made redundant. In discussions with these participants it was suggested that they also undertake some study and assessment to demonstrate their ability to apply their workplace experiences into an academic environment. In many instances competent (distinction level) was achieved - a great outcome for all.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Recently one of the participants made a comment stating that the quality of the readings and activities enabled him to apply his learning back to the workplace. He also mentioned that online learning was a new approach to study for him and he felt that some of the benefits were:
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">ability to study at at time to suit, yet to remain within a structured timeframe
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">a supportive environment
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">one on one feedback on activities posted to the online forum
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">up to date resources to support the learning
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">discussion by distance through adobe connect sessions enhancing the learning and being part of a community.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The project has a completion time, however the course is sustainable as we have new enrolments for semester 2. These enrolments are from a variety of age groups but the predominant group again is those over 40 years with at least 10 years experience. These new learners see the need for a reaffirmation of their skills by gaining a qualification at an AQF level 6. Employers are also rewarded with additional skills from current staff and new skills from newly recruited staff.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sustainability of project outcomes
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tackling unemployment, underemployment an upskilling existing workers will be the principle employment challenge facing governments and industry over the next few years. Employment Edge- E- Management Training will be in strong demand to meet these workforce development issues and should experience strong demand from industry, Job Service Australia Providers and community enterprises as they seek sustainable employment training solutions for their mature-aged job seeker clients and employees.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">At TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute sustainable E- learning practices are embedded in to the Institutes Strategic Management Plan. We currently have in place an E- Learning Strategy that is supported by all levels of the organisation including senior management. Sydney Institute strives to be globally competitive and highly flexible training organisation and has a strong commitment to providing a quality e-learning infrastructure and capability.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Employment Edge- E- Management Training has flow–on delivery opportunities for learners who can articulate in the Bachelor of Applied Management Studies co-delivered with Sydney Institute and the Ballarat University and the fast track Advanced Diploma graduates to the Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Adelaide.

=Acknowledgement= This is a an Access to Skills project output, developed by Sydney Institute of TAFE with seed funding from the National VET e-learning strategy

=For more information= Sydney Institute of TAFE Website: [|www.sit.nsw.edu.au] Project Manager Jenny Barlow Head Teacher Business Studies Gymea Campus 02 9710 5058 jennifer.barlow3@det.nsw.edu.au
 * For more information on**

Phone: (08) 9229 5200 Email: accesstoskills@dtwd.wa.gov.au Website: www.flexiblelearning.net.au
 * For more information on the Access to Skills program:**