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Attention South East Queensland Bookkeepers!

TAFE QLD/ABA Work Experience Pilot Program

At the recent ABN Conference it was announced that ABA and TAFE Queensland have entered into a joint agreement to support a pilot program for the provision of work experience opportunities to TAFE Qld students who have undertaken their Cert III in Accounts Administration, and who are currently undertaking their Cert IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping.

Nominated students will now have the opportunity to undertake a period of work experience (minimum 12 days) with Bookkeeping Practices, to provide vocational experience to the students while providing ABA affiliated practitioners with enthusiastic students looking to gain valuable insights into contemporary bookkeeping operations.

TAFE are in the process of identifying 5 nominated students who will be available to test the proposed arrangement. The duration of the Work Experience is expected to be a minimum of 12 days, and there is potential for this to be undertaken in various formats during the period of study. There is an opportunity for students to attend on a weekly, fortnightly or more than once a week, depending on the practice requirements.

This is a fabulous opportunity for students to gain valuable hands on experience within a dynamic bookkeeping practice, and a chance for invaluable learning and preparation for further job opportunities.

From a wider ABA perspective, this will allow practices an opportunity to review potential and future staff through a non-obligatory process – a potential win-win for both parties.

Key Features

• The placement is unpaid
• The placement is formalised by a Work Experience Agreement
• All insurances required to cover the TAFE Qld Student are held by TAFE Qld
• Students will need to meet a selection requirement that has been agreed upon between ABA and TAFE QLD
  • Recommendation by teaching staff
  • Provision of a “covering letter” and “resume” detailing their key attributes
  • Students are required to submit a completed federal police check and will be required to adhere to the TAFE Queensland Student Rules and Policies
  • A short “interview” between the student and the practice may also be undertaken – this is not to formally assess the suitability of the student, but to begin the “experience”.

As this is a pilot program, it is currently limited to bookkeeping practices within South East Queensland. It is hoped that if we can demonstrate the success of this program, that it can be extended to other regions.

What is a suitable practice?

• You are a registered BAS Agent
• You have been in practice (either sole trader or with other staff) for a minimum of 5 years
• You will be subject to a Pre Placement Assessment by TAFE Qld, including an assessment of a safe working environment – please note – we have agreement from TAFE Qld that home based practices will be suitable, providing safe working and student safety provisions can be demonstrated
• You are committed to supporting the education and development of the next generation of bookkeepers entering our profession
• You have the capacity to commit to the 12 days of the program within your practice
• You will be able to support the student and provide feedback and a Student Performance Report
• You will be able to provide feedback around the Pilot Program itself

TAFE Qld have already identified students for this Pilot Program, and we now need to match them with suitable practices – if this is you, and you would like to discuss further and apply for this opportunity, please contact Cassandra Scott (ABA Director and ABA Program Coordinator) on 07 3879 2090 or via cassandra.scott@austbook.org.au to discuss further.