Government & Community Safety update April 2009

Welcome to the April Government and Community Safety NICS eBulletin.

We have had much happening in the last three months and are eager to keep you updated and well informed. Some highlights include the launch of a new Resource Library on the careergov website, online applications opening for the 'Working for Customs' program and a new career video available on the website.

Read on to find out more about these and other news items.

New Resource Library on the Careergov Website
Careergov.com.au is launching a new Resource Library!

The library is easy to use and features over 100 resources about careers in Government and Community Safety. The resources are current and regularly reviewed. They help to highlight skills needs, training and career pathways and occupational and career opportunities in Corrections, Local Government, Public Safety, the Public Sector and the Water Industry.

The resources featured are either downloadable or provide you with the details for where copies can be obtained from. The catalogue can be searched in a number of ways including by industry sector, state or keyword.

New items will be constantly added to the library so if you know of any good resources that you think should be added, please let either myself or Beth know at info@careergov.com.au.

Here is a brochure which outlines the key features of the Library for your use and distribution.
To visit the Resource Library please click here.

Applications now open for Working for Customs Program
Are you keen to see what a job in Customs is all about? Why not get involved in a one-day work experience program? The program is open to students in years 11 and 12 and will be running at Australian Customs and Border Protection Service at Sydney Airport.

This year, an innovative on-line selection tool will be utilised to streamline the process of matching the participants with the program, thereby maximising the benefit for both industry and participants. Applications for the 2009 program are now open. Apply here!

The program has been very successful in previous years and in its third year, it is hoped to increase the number of students catered for by the ‘Working for Customs' program. Program activities include: meeting the sniffer dogs of the Dog Detector Unit, visiting the Container Examination Facility, a behind the scenes tour of Sydney Airport, learning about prohibited items and tips on getting a job with Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.

Nominations now open for Industry Engagement Award

Last year saw the establishment of the Government and Community Safety Industry Engagement Award. The 2008 award went to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service for their commitment to the establishment and growth of the ‘Working for Customs' pilot program.

Nominations for this award are now open for 2009. Please give some thought to the engagement activities you have underway so we can give recognition where it is deserved. To put an employer up for nomination, please complete this simple nomination form and return to Government Skills Australia by July 31st.

Government Skills Australia, as the contracted provider of the Government and Community Safety National Industry Careers Specialist role was pleased to establish this award to recognise commitment and excellence in industry engaging with youth. The award will be made annually to acknowledge an organisations' commitment to the objectives of Career Advice Australia which promotes careers to 13 to 19 year olds.

A panel consisting of the NICS and industry, CAA and school representatives will then convene in August to consider the nominations and decide a winner. All nominees will receive a certificate recognising their contribution. The award will be presented to the organisation at a suitable ceremony where the individuals involved can be acknowledged and recognised. The winner of the award will be promoted as a best practice model on the careergov website and through electronic and print newsletters, and a case study of the organisation will be developed.

New SES Volunteer Career Video

A new career video has just been developed which highlights the benefits, challenges and exciting opportunities that results from being a volunteer with the State Emergency Service.
The SES Volunteer video is available on the careergov website now and features Nicole Anderson who is a member of the State Emergency Service in Northwest Tasmania. The video illustrates the challenges Nicole faces as well as the exciting opportunities, training and benefits that being a SES volunteer can bring.

Regional Industry Career Advisor Survey

In February I conducted an electronic survey of all Regional Industry Career Advisors (RICAs). This survey not only provides valuable data which will inform the sectors' environmental scan and drive continuous improvement of the services I am able to provide, but it is also an invaluable tool in setting our priorities and activities for 2009. The 2009 survey has so far achieved responses from 70% of RICAs which is an improvement on last year!

Thank you to the RICAs who have completed the survey, your responses are appreciated and provide us with valuable feedback.

WA RICA, NICS and Industry Forum

In mid March I attended the WA RICA network NICS and Industry Forum. This event was attended by eight of the NICS as well as a number of WA RICAs, LCPs, Industry representatives and career development stakeholders. The three day program provided an ideal mix of information sharing, professional development and networking opportunities only available in a group situation.

Each NICS provided an overview of their sectors, resources, current projects and future directions. Speakers from Industry also provided a Western Australian perspective.
This model provided a great networking opportunity to share ideas, troubleshoot concerns and identify areas of collaborative activity as well as developing the awareness of all participants. This allowed an effective use of time and resources for all stakeholders while increasing awareness of Career Advice Australia within industry.
Many thanks to the WA RICAs for arranging and hosting this beneficial event.

Until next time,
Alun GallieNational Industry Career Specialist for Government and Community Safety
Phone: 08 8410 3455Fax: 08 8410 2842
E-mail: alun.gallie@governmentskills.com.auWebsite: www.careergov.com.au
(c) 2008 Government Skills Australia. Level 2, 47-49 Waymouth Street, GPO Box 2146, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 5000 E-mail: info@careergov.com.au Telephone: +61 8 8410 3455 Fax: +61 8 8410 2842 Privacy Policy Click here to confirm that you wish to unsubscribe to the Career Gov eNewsletters by Government Skills Australia.