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A Tribute to Rose and Gus Aveling

By Tony Aveling

Dear Visitors, Clients, and Friends,

As we mark International Migrants Day, I thought it a poignant time to honour my parents, who arrived in Australia 70 years ago.

In 1953 my parents, Rose and Gus Aveling, embarked on a courageous journey that has left an indelible mark on our family history, and also the values and ethos of our organisation. Their story is one of determination, resilience, education, and a better life—a narrative that underpins our organisation’s very essence.

Born in the Dutch-East Indies, my parents grew up in the crossroads of two worlds. As fighting reached Asia in the later stages of WWII, both my parents and other relatives endured unimaginable challenges in Prisoner of War camps. After surviving and eventually being released, my parents were confronted with the challenge of rebuilding their lives from scratch.

With the Dutch-East Indies becoming Indonesia in 1949, they first emigrated to the Netherlands, however found their identities torn between two cultures, and feeling at home in neither. In 1953, they made the life-altering decision to immigrate to Western Australia with their small children, a decision that brought with it a fresh set of challenges.

As individuals of mixed heritage, they grappled with discrimination and legal barriers even entering Australia, during a time when the White Australia Policy cast a shadow on ‘the lucky country’. They then faced the challenges of finding employment and building lives in a country they had not before visited and knowing no-one. Nevertheless, they remained resolute in their pursuit of a brighter future and prioritised the education of their five sons despite earning a modest income.

Their resilience and hard work forged a hard-working spirit in all of their children, all five of us using what we had to strive to achieve and make the most of what we were given.

The legacy of my parents, Rose and Gus Aveling, extends beyond our family; it is interwoven with the very fabric of our organisation. It encapsulates the fundamental principles that steer us—resilience, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.

My parents’ sacrifices stand as a testament to the enduring human spirit, and their unwavering belief in the value of education continues to illuminate our path, perfectly encapsulated by our tagline: Achieve More.

I extend my heartfelt thanks for being a part of our ongoing narrative. On behalf of their descendants, I express our deepest gratitude to Rose and Gus Aveling for their remarkable legacy. Their story serves as an enduring source of inspiration, and we remain steadfast in upholding their values as we continue to provide exceptional education and training services.

With profound gratitude and a shared commitment to a prosperous future for all,

Tony Aveling
CEO

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General Info Leadership

The art of adaptation: How to embrace change and thrive in WA’s dynamic business landscape

The business landscape in Western Australia is undergoing a significant evolution, shaped by regulatory demands, climate change, workplace health and safety (WHS) compliance, ever-changing societal expectations, and perpetual shifts in global dynamics. Organisations must remain flexible and ready to adapt. One of the key differentiators is the adaptability and preparedness of the workforce.

Organisations must ensure their people are well-informed, compliant with legislation, and capable of contributing to strategies and targets. Training and education provides a safety net against uncertainty, equipping employees with the knowledge and skills to lead confidently and effectively navigate change. The agile, informed workforce can swiftly respond to market shifts, emerging trends, and unexpected challenges.

The introduction of Western Australia’s WHS Act (2020) in particular marked a pivotal moment for businesses across the region. Compliance in this area isn’t just a formality; it’s the foundation of a safety-conscious culture, and training is the cornerstone of WHS excellence. Changing times resulted in updated legislation that requires additional training for Statutory Supervisors, increased accountability for psychosocial hazards and employee mental health, and broader responsibilities for WHS managers. An informed workforce isn’t just a requirement – it’s a strategic asset empowered with the capacity to recognise hazards, employ preventative strategies, respond swiftly in emergencies and support broader organisational change.

Investing in the knowledge and skills of the workforce can help build a culture of excellence. This goes beyond WHS requirements, as risk mitigation, change management, and leadership skills are imperative for every area of the business, and in preparation for other industry and market regulations and expectations, such as responding to changes in cultural heritage and environmental laws, partnerships, trade and other requirements.

It’s about arming your team with the knowledge and skills to lead with confidence, ensuring compliance, and effectively steering through a world marked by its constant state of transformation.
Market conditions are perpetually shifting, influenced by global dynamics, economic fluctuations, and unexpected challenges. In this constantly changing environment, the adaptability and preparedness of your team are paramount.

Offering professional development opportunities is also a powerful tool for employee retention and acquisition. In today’s competitive and fluctuating job market, applicants are not only seeking competitive salaries but also opportunities for growth and development. It demonstrates a commitment to employees’ personal and professional growth, making the organisation more attractive to potential candidates. It also aligns company and industry direction with societal expectations, and those of emerging generations, which are proving to be more forward thinking than previous ones.

For example, as the world intensifies its focus on sustainability and social responsibility, organisations must be ready to meet these evolving demands. The forces of climate change, heritage preservation, and impending emissions regulations beckon us to adapt and excel and demands a proactive response from organisations.

Embracing the 21st century means recognising the need to balance profit with social and environmental impact. This can translate into an improved market position, heightened customer trust, and long-term sustainability. This goes beyond simply hiring an ESG team, but building a workforce that is well-prepared, informed, compliant, and capable of thriving in an ever-evolving landscape.

This is where training and education truly shine. It provides a resilient foundation for your workforce, equipping them with the latest industry knowledge, innovative technologies, and safety protocols. The benefits of such investments are far-reaching, from improved strategy delivery to successful change management and enhanced employee retention and acquisition. In a world where societal and regulatory expectations are ever-evolving, the businesses that prioritise continual training and professional development will not only survive but thrive in this dynamic landscape.

Investing in professional development is not a mere expense; it’s a strategic decision with tangible returns. It leads to enhanced efficiency, reduced downtime, and a decreased likelihood of workplace incidents. Well-trained employees become invaluable assets, contributing to process enhancements and boosting overall productivity. This can translate into an improved market position, heightened customer trust, and long-term sustainability. An agile, well-informed team can navigate the ebb and flow of the sector, turn challenges into opportunities, and remain poised for growth, even amidst global uncertainties.

At Aveling, we are dedicated to providing tailored solutions that cater to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to cultivate leaders, ensure WHS compliance, or navigate change more effectively, we have the expertise to guide you.

Reach out to us today and let us be your partner in navigating the path to success. Together, we’ll empower your team to lead with confidence, remain compliant, and thrive in a dynamic and evolving resource sector, and ultimately, Achieve More.

Categories
Leadership Professional Skills

Empowering your workforce during a skills shortage: the crucial role of quality trainers in vocational education

In today’s ever-changing business landscape, building a skilled and adaptable workforce is paramount for success. It’s no longer sufficient to just hire qualified individuals; continuous employee development is essential.

Tackling the Skills Shortage Challenge

The skills shortage isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a critical issue affecting economies and industries worldwide. This challenge transcends industry boundaries, posing a universal problem for businesses. As industries evolve, so do the skills required within them. The Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector plays a pivotal role in equipping individuals with practical skills aligned with these ever-evolving industry needs.

Upskilling Australia Requires More Trainers

Initiatives like the government’s inquiry into the perceptions and status of Vocational Education and Training, along with the Australian Universities Accord, are significant steps toward aligning education with industry demands and attracting more students to VET. However, this influx of students necessitates a proportional increase in qualified trainers. The real challenge lies in not just quantity but in delivering high-quality training. As the sector strives to maintain high standards and meet the needs of the future workforce, the role of Trainer and Assessor Education (TAE) courses becomes paramount.

Championing Quality Trainers

Quality trainers are the linchpin of effective employee development. They bridge the gap between theory and real-world application, possessing a unique blend of knowledge, skills, and teaching finesse. This ensures that the adult learners they teach not only acquire knowledge, but can apply it proficiently in the workplace.

The Significance of Training and Assessment Education

To bridge the theory-practice gap, trainers and assessors themselves need comprehensive learning experience. Practical exposure, ongoing feedback, and robust support systems are essential components. Engagement with peers and experts fosters the exchange of ideas, strategies, and best practices, contributing to the professional growth of trainers and assessors. As the education sector emphasises experiential learning, TAE must align its courses to provide practical scenarios and real-world challenges trainers may face.

At the heart of producing quality trainers and assessors are TAE courses. These programs mold educators into adept professionals equipped with the necessary tools for success. Just as industries continually evolve, TAE programs must do the same to keep trainers attuned to the latest industry trends. This guarantees that Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) provide the most contemporary and relevant education.

Crafting Effective Trainers

Quality trainers are more than subject matter experts. They understand the intricacies of training adults, appreciate diverse learning styles, and anticipate learner challenges. These educators establish meaningful connections with learners, customise their approach, and offer invaluable guidance, resulting in improved employee performance.

Meeting Employee Needs

To empower your workforce effectively, you need to provide them with a holistic learning experience. This requires trainers with practical exposure, ongoing feedback, and unwavering support throughout their professional journey. Encouraging trainers to engage with peers and industry experts fosters a robust knowledge exchange, enabling your organisation to incorporate innovative strategies and best practices into employee development programs.

Developing an effective course for trainers

To better prepare VET trainers and assessors, collaboration is crucial. Industry partnerships provide insights into real-world skills and competencies, allowing TAE courses to evolve accordingly. Feedback from learners helps fine-tune the learner experience, and integrating practical experiences and real-world case studies into TAE programs helps trainers and assessors understand the challenges learners face.

Aveling’s Dedication to Excellence

With over 25 years in the training sector, Aveling has been a pioneer in offering TAE courses. We understand the evolving landscape and continually adapt our offerings. Using this best-practice approach, we’ve designed a highly practical and engaging TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment qualification. This program brings more assessments into the classroom, ensuring a rich and immersive learning experience for the learner, and better prepares them for being effective and engaging trainers when they leave the classroom.

Aveling’s team of expert trainers and assessors, with extensive VET sector experience, imparts their knowledge to learners, preparing them to tackle the challenges of being trainers and assessors in the workforce.

We offer a full-circle approach to vocational education and training; we lead the way in preparing the next generation of trainers whilst also offering a comprehensive portfolio in lifelong professional development and training.

We can help your people Achieve More with a Nationally Recognised Qualification or specific skills development, covering areas from work health and safety to leadership and development, mine site inductions, hospitality and retail, and cross-sector soft skills.

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