Tamil Nadu and Western Australia Strengthen Vocational Education Collaboration through the Intensive Naan Mudhalvan Faculty Development Programme at Phoenix Academy, Perth

In early May 2023, a delegation from the Government of Tamil Nadu, comprising of the Secretary to Government, Higher Education Department, Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC), and the Chief Executive Officer of Naan Mudhalvan, visited Perth, Western Australia. The purpose of the visit was to explore potential collaboration in the skilling and employment domains between the two governments. Following this, a Western Australian delegation led by the Speaker of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly and their MLA, visited Tamil Nadu to further the discussions. During these meetings, it was proposed that select trainers from Tamil Nadu’s government and government-aided educational institutions, including engineering, polytechnic, and arts and science colleges, would undergo intensive upskilling through the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122) program in Perth. The Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC), having been recognized as an Awarding and Assessment Body by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) in February 2024, sees this initiative as pivotal for advancing skill development in the state.

This training, aimed at developing new skill courses and qualifications to meet industry demand, is set to be completed in three batches over 2024 and 2025, with the first batch already making significant strides in Perth.

Naan Mudhalvan Faculty Undergoes Intensive Vocational Training at Phoenix Academy, Perth, through collaboration between Tamil Nadu (TNSDC-NM) and Western Australian Government

As part of this landmark initiative by the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC), 15 distinguished faculty members from esteemed higher education institutions in Tamil Nadu, led by Mrs. Shanthi, DRO and Project Director (Technical Initiatives), Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation, have undergone intensive Vocational Education Training (VET) certification program at Phoenix Academy in Perth, Western Australia. This comprehensive training, which began on September 30 and concluded on October 18, 2024, aims to upgrade and align Tamil Nadu’s vocational education practices with international standards, focusing on three core aspects of vocational competency: Design, Delivery, and Assessment.

This initiative is a significant component of the visionary Naan Mudhalvan scheme launched by the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. It represents a collaborative effort between the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Government of Western Australia, aiming to enhance the quality of vocational education and training in Tamil Nadu. By equipping educators with globally relevant tools and skills, the program prepares students for industry specific roles, including opportunities in global markets.

Program Focus and Structure

The faculty members are undergoing rigorous training aligned with Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122), a globally recognized certification in vocational education. This certification is essential for trainers and assessors in the VET sector, ensuring they can competently design, deliver, and assess training programs that meet both national and international competency standards.

Training Modules

The program covers theoretical and practical applications of key units from the Certificate IV program, including:
*TAEASS412: Assess Competence
*TAEASS512: Design and Develop Assessment Tools
*TAEASS413: Participate in Assessment Validation
*TAEDEL311: Provide Work Skill Instruction
*TAEDEL411: Facilitate Vocational Training
*TAEDEL405: Plan, Organize, and Facilitate Online Learning

Key Milestones

Week 1: Faculty members focused on designing training needs analyses, personal development plans, session plans, and assessment plans. These tools were tailored to align with specific job roles and competencies required by industries, ensuring compliance with both the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and global standards.

Week 2: Phoenix Academy’s trainers reviewed the tasks submitted by the Tamil Nadu faculty. All members were evaluated as “satisfactory”—the Australian benchmark for competency-based education and assessment, reflecting the adaptability and commitment of the Tamil Nadu educators.

Week 3: Faculty members finalized session plans and assessment tools for both face to-face and online training. The tasks required integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring the assessment tools were robust, fair, and valid. Despite tight deadlines, the faculty excelled, completing tasks typically requiring six months in just three weeks.

Practical Exposure and Cultural Exchange

In addition to classroom sessions, the program included visits to leading vocational education institutions in Western Australia. Faculty members visited South Metro TAFE and North Metro TAFE, observing best practices in vocational training, particularly in sectors like marine operations and aquaculture. This hands on exposure to industry-specific training enhanced their understanding of integrating competency-based learning with real-world applications.

A highlight of the program was the faculty’s visit to the Western Australian Parliament, where they had the honour of meeting Premier Hon. Roger Cook, Hon. David Alan Templeman MLA, Dr. Jagadish Krishnan (Dr. Jags), Hon. Michelle Roberts MLA, and Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Yaz Mubarakai. The collaboration was acknowledged, marking a new era of cross-cultural exchange between Tamil Nadu and Western Australia.

Unparalleled Commitment

Despite working nearly 18 hours a day to meet the program’s demands, the Tamil Nadu faculty also immersed themselves in Australia’s rich culture, visiting iconic landmarks like Fremantle Prison and Caversham Wildlife Park on weekends. Phoenix Academy, renowned for its high standards in VET, praised the faculty for their exceptional dedication and efficiency. The team surpassed expectations, completing a six-month certification in just three weeks, setting a new benchmark at Phoenix Academy.

The TNSDC-Phoenix Academy collaboration marks a transformative step in aligning Tamil Nadu’s vocational education system with international benchmarks. This initiative ensures that Tamil Nadu’s youth are better equipped to meet the demands of global industries. The partnership paves the way for continued innovation, cultural exchange, and skill development between Tamil Nadu and Western Australia. Chennai International Airport tomorrow, October 19, 2024, at 10 AM, as we welcome back the Tamil Nadu faculty of Government Arts & Science, Engineering, and Polytechnic colleges, along with the official delegation, returning from their three-week intensive

Vocational Education Training program at Phoenix Academy, Perth, Australia. This initiative, organized under the Naan Mudhalvan scheme in collaboration with the Government of Western Australia, has significantly enhanced vocational competency in Design, Delivery, and Assessment, aligning with international standards. The delegation’s successful completion of this landmark initiative is a significant step towards furthering skill development in Tamil Nadu.

Issued By: – DIPR, Secretariat, Chennai – 9