July has been a busy month for English Australia in our efforts to support members. I would like to thank all the members that participated in the Annual ELICOS Market Survey again this year with the report released this week. Visa processing and teacher shortages have been key focuses of our advocacy this month, and the Ed-tech symposium was a highlight of our Professional Development activities with more details provided below.
Annual ELICOS Market Report
We are excited to announce that the Annual ELICOS market report has been released. On Tuesday 26th July, I hosted a Webinar, alongside our research partner Bonard, where we discussed the report and its findings. The survey results demonstrate the devastating impact on our sectors after two years of international border closures. I was pleased to be able to present some more positive news at the end of the webinar based on the trends that we are starting to observe toward market recovery. The full reports have now been distributed to all of the 152 participating colleges, and the Executive Summary and Webinar recording can be accessed on our website.
Visa processing – liaison with DHA
I have been consistently following up with the Department of Home Affairs on issues related to visa processing. This is my top priority at present and I’m aware of the impact that the delays are having on members. I recently met with the Assistant Secretary, Temporary Visa Branch and worked through the issues that are evident from the visa processing data, as highlighted in the supplementary market report that we released last this month, and specific issues that have been raised by members. These matters were acknowledged with commitments related to additional processing resources outlined. I welcome the ongoing input from members on visa related matters and I’m committed to seeking resolutions given the severity of these matters.
ELICOS Teacher Shortage
I would like to acknowledge the feedback and input of our members regarding teacher shortages and staff recruitment limitations. Our research shows that 75 per cent (3,553) of the ELICOS sector's workforce have been impacted by the pandemic and this coupled with low unemployment rates nationally is undoubtedly limiting the number of qualified teachers at present. We have already commenced several initiatives to try and address this issue. Firstly, we’ve undertaken a review of all the State and Federal migration related settings to assess the avenues for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ANZSCO: 249311) to be included on each State/ Territory skills list. We will be writing to all the Premiers/ Heads of State and Minister for Education to seek this field to be added where it is currently not listed and encourage activity promotion of this skill.
Additionally, we are in the process of producing a short video featuring ELICOS teachers promoting why it is great to teach in this sector to encourage returning teachers and/or new teachers to take up employment. We will share this video as soon as it is finished on our social media channels, and we encourage you, our members to share it on your channels as well. We will continue to keep you updated on further strategic initiatives to address this issue.
English Australia 2022 Conference Program
As per our newsletter, the program for our 2022 Virtual Conference, which will run from 12th-16th September, is out now. This year, as our event is virtual, English Australia are hosting networking events in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth to give our industry the chance to meet face-to-face with their peers. These events will take place on the evening of Thursday 15th September in each state. Register early for these events and our conference to ensure you don’t miss out.
Ed-tech Symposium
A big thanks and congratulations to the convenors, deputy convenors and contributors to our Ed-tech Symposium that was held 19-21 July. Over 400 delegates joined the sessions to view thought provoking and cutting-edge updates from Hayo Reinders, Nicky Hockly, Colin Simpson, and Raquel Riberio, as well as the sharing of best practice by the plethora of sessions across the three days. The session recordings are now available for members on our website here.
Mental Health Symposium
I would like to invite all our members to join our Mental Health Symposium, which will be held online on the 3rd-4th August. This symposium’s theme is a 'Brave New World.’ Join our inspiring speakers as they explore how we manage the ever changing of the ELICOS sector and to support the wellbeing and mental health of our teachers.
Innovation Fund 2021 and Innovation Development Fund 2021-22
The Innovation Fund 2021 has now wrapped up. The English Australia is currently working to finalise all the contract arrangements with the colleges that were involved in the program.
The Innovation Development Fund 2021-22 grantees have completed their mid-point reconciliations with the secretariat currently completing the last assessment of these. The next reporting milestone will be in September.
ASQA Provider Roundtable meeting – 3 August
I will be representing members at the Quarterly ASQA Provider Roundtable meeting next week. Please contact me if you have any specific issues that you would like raised with the regulator.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any concerns or questions. I am always happy to hear from our members.