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The True Cost of Your Daily Brew: Why Coffee Isn’t Just About Beans and Milk

While sipping my morning cup of tea last week, a segment on a breakfast show caught my attention: a café owner defend

Think Your Students Can’t Love Learning? Let Uplearn Prove You Wrong!

When it comes to teaching, there’s a universal truth: every educator dreams of seeing their students light up with th

Why Hospitality should be a Core Subject

As a hospitality trainer, I see many students come through my classroom each week.

Solo Study or Study Buddies? Finding the Right Fit for Your Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Taking on a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment as an adult learner is both a rewarding and demanding journey.

AI Month - The Pros and Cons of Using ChatGPT for Vocational Trainers: What Could Go Wrong?

In the fast-paced world of vocational education and training (VET), trainers are constantly seeking new ways to strea

AI Month - Top 5 Ways beginner trainers and assessors in VET might use ChatGPT

As a new trainer or assessor in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, you’re likely juggling many tasks

AI Month - The Importance of Fact-Checking When Using AI for Research

In the previous blog, we discussed how ChatGPT can be a valuable tool for vocational educators by reducing cognitive

From School Teams to a Lifetime of Leadership: The Journey of a Sports Coach

For many aspiring coaches, the path to a successful sports coaching career begins right where they first fall in love

AI Month - How ChatGPT can help Trainers in the VET sector reduce cognitive overload and stress when doing research

In vocational education, trainers often juggle multiple responsibilities: planning lessons, assessing students, manag

Preparing for the Future: The Importance of Vocational Skills and School-Based Apprenticeships

As Jobs and Skills Australia releases its latest skills shortage report for October 2024, one thing becomes abundantl

The challenges of delivering vocational education in Australia

The numbers are in for 2023 – is it time to celebrate the successes or to be concerned by the percep

 I have a crush on ChatGPT

Okay, I admit it—I have a crush on ChatGPT.

What My Students Have Taught Me

After spending many years in the hospitality industry, I’ve transitioned to the VET sector in high schools, and when

Long awaited final draft of the Standards has arrived! 

The release of the final draft of Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) represent

Redeemer Lutheran College Students Shine at Dinner Event with Celebrity Chef Matt Golinski

The Certificate II in Hospitality is more than just a qualification—it’s an opportunity for students to gain real-wor

Addressing Queensland’s Hospitality Skills Shortage: The Role of Hospitality Studies in Schools

Recent media reports have highlighted a growing concern across Queensland’s hospitality industry—an acute shortage of

Empowering Futures: How Government Skills Assure Funding is Making a Difference in Small QLD Communities

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending a special event hosted by the Year 12 students at Ayr State High School (S

The Power of Mentoring Beginner Trainers in Vocational Education and Training

The first day on the job as a trainer and assessor in the VET sector can be daunting.

Honouring the Unsung Heroes: A Tribute to Teacher’s Aides Across Australia

As the year unfolds, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate and acknowledge the incredible teacher’s aides across Austr

Gleneagles Hotel: Royal Encounters and Starry Surprises

Rachael, our Partnerships Manager, kicked off her hospitality career in the '80s at the iconic Gleneagles Hotel.

Navigating VET Teaching: What You Need to Know About TAE Qualifications and Your Options as a Teacher

With the deadline approaching for the end of TAE40116 the question that everyone asks is what next?

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Who are you really?

The concept of projection emerged from Sigmund Freud’s work on the defense mechanism people use to protect themselves

Top Skills Employers Look for in Today's Job Market

Having the right skills can make all the difference in landing your dream career or even a “stepping stone” job.

The Career Development Counsellor: The unseen adventure beyond the Job Title

Hello, future career counsellors!

Grandma’s Apron – Fashion or Function?

Hello aspiring cooks! It's Rhys here.

Meet Jess: Our New Empowerment Coach for 10860NAT Certificate III in Personal Empowerment

We are thrilled to introduce Jess, our new Empowerment Coach for our one-of-a-kind Certificate III in Personal Empowe

The Mischievous Nature of Hospitality

Hospitality Pranks and Mischief

Working in the hospitality industry is not for the fa

The Importance of Self-Awareness and Personal Empowerment as Core Subjects

Does Your School Need a Wellness Reboot?

In our modern education system, the emphasis is hea

Play Hard, Laugh Harder - Making Sports Fun and Competitive

Sports coaching often walks a fine line between fostering competitiveness and ensuring that athletes and participants

Navigating Life's Challenges: Capacity vs. Resilience

It’s safe to say that everyone has experienced tumultuous times when plans, relationships, finances or some other asp

The Volunteer Who Never Was: Good Intentions and Epic Procrastination

Hello, fellow procrastinators and aspiring do-gooders!

Unlocking Career Success: The Benefits of Vocational Education

Discover the advantages of vocational education and how it can lead to career success.

Bridging the Gap: The Crucial Role of Vocational Education in Secondary Schools

Discover the essential role vocational education plays in preparing students for the workforce of tomorrow.

Mastering Skills Together: The Scaffolding Technique for Adult Learners

In adult vocational training, mastering new skills requires a supportive framework.

Core workplace skills and why they matter for students

Students who are just beginning to explore their options may not yet have a clear idea of their future job or career

Putting VET on the Right Track in Schools

In June 2020, the report of the

Volunteering - A World of Opportunity

Get to know the personal and professional benefits of giving back to your community through Volunteering.

How will the changes to the RTO Standards affect schools and teachers?

VET in Schools is about to get a little more complex.

Overwhelmed by having too much on your plate?

Feeling overwhelmed is a common experience for many people. If unheeded, this can lead to anxiety, depression and panic attacks.

Early changes to the current Standards for RTOs

Hot off the press, the Skills Ministers have agreed to progress some changes to the current Standa

Nourishing Hope with The Mini-Farm Project

In a world where access to nutritious food should be a right, not a privilege, Blueprint Career Development proudly embarks on a journey with The Mini-Farm Project to sow seeds of change.

Embracing Empathy and Kindness: A Call to Rethink Our Interactions with Service Workers

As the festive season approaches, bringing with it the hustle and bustle of celebrations, it's crucial to reflect on the way we interact with those who make our holidays special—hospitality and retail workers.

The Hospitality Hustle: More Than Aprons and Odd Hours

Hey there, fellow warriors of the nightshift! If you've questioned whether a career in hospitality is worth the crazy shifts, unsociable hours and grapping quick meals on the run? Let me debunk a few myths to encourage some up and coming professionals to join the ranks.

Harvesting Hope: Blueprint's Gift of Education and Nourishment

This Christmas season, Blueprint Career Development is sowing seeds of change by intertwining education with sustenance.

Transform Your Career: The Power of TAE Qualification

In the realm of personal and professional growth, our Blueprint trainer Nadine stands as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the transformative power of completing vocational qualifications.

What are the TOP 4 benefits of being a trainer and assessor in the VET sector?

In the dynamic landscape of the Australian Vocational Education Sector, being a trainer and assessor is not just a profession; it's a gateway to a world of opportunities and fulfillment.

What do the statistics in the NCVER “VET in Schools 2022” report tell us?

As we stare at the Xmas tinsel of 2023, it’s time to look back at some of the statistics that were published by NCVER in July this year. These will illuminate where we've been and also guide us toward charting a VETIS course for 2024 and onwards through some targeted questions.

Online Learning – What turns students on and what turns them away?

Online education has significantly expanded globally, thanks in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, which made training providers switch from in-person classes to online ones.

How does an RTO differ from other course providers?

In Australia, the landscape of education and training is diverse, offering a variety of options for learners to acquire new skills and knowledge. Among these, Registered Training Organizations (RTOs) stand out as a distinct category of course providers.

How can further study enhance your career?

Education is a powerful tool that can significantly impact your career trajectory. Further study plays a crucial role in enhancing career prospects and achieving long-term professional goals. Here are some concrete ways in which pursuing additional education can boost your career:

Funding Options for Certificate III Qualifications in Queensland

In Queensland, Certificate III qualifications are not typically funded under the Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) program.

Leaps of Faith: Making a Career Transition

Making a career transition is a bold move that can lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life. Whether you're feeling stuck in your current job, yearning for new challenges, or seeking greater fulfillment, taking a leap of faith could be the key to unlocking your true potential.

Does the RTO delivering VETiS need to be approved?

Yes, the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) delivering Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) must be approved and registered with the appropriate regulatory authority.

In Australia, the regulatory authority responsible for registering and monitoring RTO

Blueprint for Exceptional Trainers

We've all been there – sitting through lectures, workshops, or training sessions that seemed to drag on forever, delivered by uninspiring speakers who failed to ignite our interest.

When Your Career Stalls - Overcoming Career Plateaus

At some point in our professional lives, we may find ourselves facing a career plateau. A career stall occurs when we feel stuck, unchallenged, or stagnant in our current job. It's that feeling of hitting a wall, where advancement seems unlikely, and enthusiasm for work begins to wane.

Aligning your school with a Skills Assured funded RTO – Questions to ask.

Like all businesses, RTO’s vary in the services they offer and a little research can go a long way to ensuring your school aligns with an RTO who can meet your schools specific needs. 

 

Questions to ask RTO's VETiS Skills Assure Funded Program

What is VETiS and why should I be interested?

Vocational Education and Training is shortened to VET. Students can undertake VET in schools. So VETiS means Vocation Education (and) Training in Schools (VETiS).

Small Business Skills and Training Boost

Small Business Skills and Training Boost

In the dynamic world of business, maintaining a skilled workforce is paramount. That's why we're excited to share an opportunity that incentivises your organisation for providing training for your staff.

Unlocking Success: Why Private Providers are the First Choice for VET Students

Greetings, Seekers of Quality Education,

In the world of vocational training and education, choices abound. Among these options, private Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) have been steadily rising to the forefront as the first choice for students.

The Future of Hospitality: Unveiling Quirky Trends & innovations

Hold onto your aprons because we're about to embark on a wild ride into the fascinating world of futuristic hospitality trends.

Navigating your TAE40122 journey - Crucial support for successful completion

So, you're gearing up for the TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, ride huh?

Trainers Unplugged: Unleash Your Quirky Side

In the world of training and development, injecting humour and fun into your delivery can make a significant impact on engagement, retention, and overall learning outcomes.

Life Long Learning: By Accident or by Design?

The concept of lifelong learning has been a subject of much debate and exploration. Is learning a natural instinct, occurring by accident throughout our lives, or is it a deliberate choice made by humans to improve themselves and their understanding of the world?

Unlocking the Power of Simulated Digital Workplaces for Effective E-Learning

Hi there, e-learning enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the realm of simulated and digital workplaces and exploring how they are revolutionizing the world of online learning.

Trainers: The Guardians of Your Industry's Wisdom

In the dynamic world of Vocational Education and Training, trainers hold the key to industry knowledge and skills. We are the custodians and the guardians of our industries.

Unlock the Power of Personal Development for Professional Growth

In today's fast-paced ‘wellness aware’ landscape, organisations understand the value of investing in employee professional development.  Courses in time management, new technologies and processes, teamwork and leadership, diversity, equity and inclusion are some of the most common PD activit

5 Reasons why managers fail to effectively lead their teams (and what to do about it)

It’s pretty likely that we’ve all worked for or under a bad leader - someone who depletes your creativity, diminishes your desire for innovation, stifles your will to show initiative, crushes your authority or micro-manages you.

5 ways Personal Trainers and Life Coaches can stand out from the crowd

Let’s start by expressing our gratitude for your contribution to the field of wellness and human potential. The world needs you to keep motivating us to our own greatness.

Have you checked-in yet?

In June 2022, Release 2 of the SIT – Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Training Package was endorsed and released.

Training Resources Revisited and Revamped

Being an exceptional trainer takes continuous self-reflection and feedback, improvement and reinvention. And while we strive to improve our professional skills, sometimes it’s the quality of our training resources that could benefit from a revamp.

Are you getting enough rest?

We often engage in unhealthy, overly busy work habits and then justify ourselves by saying “I’ll rest on the weekend”.

The New TAE40122 - what happens next?

Friday the 12th of August was the last date for those keen on contributing to the final version of the new TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to have their say.

BE YOUR OWN LIFE COACH

Should you hire a Life Coach or study our Personal Empowerment Qualification?

In the last 20 years since life coaching became an alternative to counselling and business mentoring, so many people have engaged a life or business coach to help them get ahead.

6 Reasons why a career development session might be your best decision this year

It’s no act of heroism going it alone when it comes to deciding on your career options or pathways, it can be costly and time consuming. Career change can be a minefield to navigate, especially for the inexperienced person and it may not be enough to just ‘google it’.

Why are we so bad at self-nurturing?

One of the things covered in pre-flight briefings is that we should put on our own oxygen masks before assisting others. The metaphor is clear – in order to help others, we need to take care of ourselves first.  To do otherwise risks the safety and wellbeing of all parties.  

What support options are available when doing your TAE?

And why this is critical to your successful completion

It’s no secret that completing TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment involves a significant amount of work, and the quality of the learning resources and support available has everything to do with how easily you will com

5 Things You Need to Become a Career Coach

Coaching, and in particular, Career Coaching has been trending in the past few years – and for good reason. Following the worldwide pandemic in 2020, we first saw an increase in redundancies across Australia in most industries.

Do your TAE40116 now, here is why

Been hearing whispers of an upgrade to the TAE40116 program? Well, the rumours are true, it’s happening, it’s a fact.

The long awaited draft of the new TAE4a0122 has arrived

For the trainers of trainers in the VET sector, the last week has been abuzz with what’s new for TAE40122. The proposed new qualification requirements could impact trainers and assessors currently working in the sector and those with future aspirations include working in vocational educ

The Gift of Gratitude

Researchers have discovered that gratitude has some incredible mental, physical, and emotional benefits. A daily gratitude practice literally rewires the brain and body for health and joy. It’s a state of mind and being that can be cultivated through mindfulness.

What does skill development and growing vegetables have in common?

Recently, I decided to grow my own tomatoes, pumpkin and I've put in a passion fruit vine as well.  Now I can hardly wait till I'm picking my own fruit and vegies.

You'll see it when you believe it

Yes, I did mean to write it this way. Belief is a powerful force in creation as well as a potential barrier. Let me explain.

Turning complaints into positives

“I would like to register…a…complaint” – John Cleese

3 ways to help teenagers find themselves through Volunteering

‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.’ Gandhi

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Author: Lena Southwood

5 ways to increase students retention and recall information

There are many ways to train and teach a student new, exciting topics, but what does it really take for a student to remember something new and recall it a week, a month or a year or more later?

Embracing Imperfection

Over the last few years the personal development and wellness industry has flourished.  It seems every second person has gone to a retreat, engaged with life coaching or has signed up for online master classes.  Some are searching for the meaning of life and others simply want

Top 10 Life Secrets You Wish You Learned in School

High school is good preparation for university or vocational studies and further education can be a good preparation for finding a job.

Survive or Thrive?

Most of us humans survive pretty well for 80 or so years. We have no sabre tooth tiger chasing us or need to gather food in a sparce Winter. We can generally rely on no-one clubbing us over the head to get the last portion of spit roasted rabbit.

Authentic You

Our idea of ourselves – who we are, what we believe in, how we perceive things and what our personal ‘story’ is - drives everything we do. It affects how we relate, communicate, move in the world, see ourselves and others, and what we believe is possible.   

A Career as a Career Coach

When it comes to your career, do you love working with ‘people’ or working with ‘things’? 

Big changes in the Business Services Training Package

The proposed BSB Training Package V7.0 is expected to be released on training.gov.au in October 2020.  Significant changes are likely to mean that RTO's will need to apply for scope of registration.  

VET in Schools

For those who are wondering what the acronym means, VETiS stands for Vocational Education (and) Training in Schools (VETiS).

Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks

There has never been a better time to expand your skillset or even consider a career change.

Personal Wellness

People often think about wellness in terms of physical health but it is so much more.  Wellness is a holistic integration of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. We need to fuel the body, engage the mind, and nurture the spirit.  It’s about maintaining good health

Life on PURPOSE

Most people don’t know that our ‘hippy’ Chief Disorganiser is a Breathwork and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. What’s that you ask?  She says it’s just a fancy way of getting grounded and connected with yourself to stabilize the nervous system and tap into your own energy. 

Managing the risk of COVID-19

Blueprint Career Development is keeping abreast of the latest COVID-19 information and advice to ensure actions we take to mitigate risk to our staff and students is measured and appropriate.

ASQA Videos

ASQA released the first of hopefully several explanatory videos to demonstrate their commitment to a more educative role.

Getting serious about adult literacy and numeracy

The recent Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) survey indicated that around 1 in 7 Australians (14%) have very poor literacy skills. An additional 1 in 3 (30%) Australians have literacy skills, which are at a level that makes them vulnerable to unemployment and social exclusion in a modern knowledge-based economy and society.

What’s in store for 2020

For everyone working in the VET sector, 2020 is sure to bring us lots of review, reform and change. One thing we can be sure of – there’s major change coming to Vocational Education.  So make 2020 the year that you focus on professional development and excellence 

Are machines replacing people?

Given the rate that checkouts, online transactions and ever more labour saving devices are introduced into society, the answer is a resounding yes.  So which jobs might exist in an increasingly automated world? Let’s take a look at administration related roles that appear to be on the decline.

Foundation Skills Package Review

This blog and the professional development discussed within it are of particular relevance to teachers, trainers and educational support people involved with foundation skills delivery.

All about Espresso

Unless you prefer kombucha to coffee, you've probably heard of "The Barista Bible" by Christine Cottrell.

National Foundation Skills Strategy for Adults

We all use foundation skills every day for a variety of purposes – personal, social and work. These are not just skills developed once at school and then forgotten. Learners in the VET sector demonstrate foundation skills within every unit of competency they complete.

2020 National VELG Conference

Our time is precious so we need to spend it and our money wisely when it comes to maintaining professional currency.  Our team have always found VELG conferences particularly focussed and productive.

Managing stress before burnout

According to the Bureau of Statistics, 75% of Australians surveyed say that stress in their lives adversely affects their physical health. 64% of those surveyed also say that stress negatively impacts their mental health.

Emotional Intelligence

Increasingly our education systems seem to focus on points, scores and achievements as a measure of success. Students who rack up a high enough score enter university for more outcomes testing towards attaining a high paying job.

Masters Degree

Ever wanted to do a Masters Degree as part of your vocational industry professional development activities? Well I did, and here’s how I saved $20K and a year of my life when doing mine!

Continuing Professional Development

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a key to industries ensuring their workforce holds relevant and current skills. Similarly, in the VET sector, trainers and assessors are responsible for maintaining their knowledge and skills. Actually, this is twice as important for the VET sector!

Have Computers Made Humans Obsolete?

Current NCVER research on the quality and effectiveness of VET courses that are delivered completely online is due for release in August 2019. One of the questions they will attempt to answer is - “In comparing fully online learning to other delivery methods, are there any differences in completions, learner satisfaction with the training, and employment outcomes”?