Online Training Modules from Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has made available two free on-line training modules. The topic is difficult conversations in the workplace, with one course for managers and one for employees. These are meant to take about 25 minutes each and so are what I would call vocational training modules, not "courses" as described by the Ombudsman.

The training modules are hosed by Janison. These reply on Adobe Flash and use video, but there are transcripts of the videos for those who need alternative text. There appears to be no way to download the modules for off-line use, or to load them into a corporate system, for organizations where Internet access is not available. It would be useful if the module descriptions came with a data budget, that is an estimate of the Megabytes required to be downloaded to complete the course.

Here is the description for "Difficult conversations in the workplace - manager course":

Many workplace issues can be resolved quickly and informally if you discuss them with your employees.

This course will help you gain the skills and confidence you need to discuss workplace issues when they arise.

It includes:

• information about how to handle a difficult conversation
• tips to help you prepare, manage your emotions and reach a positive outcome
• interactive scenarios to help you practice your conversation skills
• downloadable resources and links to further information.

Unpaid Work: Experience or Exploitation

Greetings from the Australian National University in Canberra, where I am taking aprt in an international on-line seminar (a "webinar") on "Work Integrated Learning (WIL)/Cooperative Education" hosted by ACEN. (next is 9 May). The first topic was "Assessing WIL outcomes through reflective practice" this is a hot topic at universities, where old fashioned harassment through examinations and assignments is being supplemented by asking students to think about what they have learned. One issue with this is how you teach students reflection.

The second topic for the seminar was "Experience or exploitation?" discussing the Report for the Fair Work Ombudsman, "Experience or Exploitation? The Nature, Prevalence and Regulation of Unpaid Work Experience, Internships and Trial Periods in Australia" (January 2013), which found widespread, exploitation of workers in Australia by employees, under the guise of work experience. Under Australian law, students undertaking legitimate education can be in a workplace being unpaid, or paid less than award rates. However, most cases investigated in Australia were of workers undertaking unpaid work, without receiving any formal educational outcomes, which is illegal. A Report summary, Full report, are available.

My professional body, the Australian Computer Society set up the "ACS Foundation" which has a Scholarship Programme for Work Integrated Learning (WIL). This has carefully established procedures to ensure the rights of the students are protected and so simplifies the process for universities and companies involved in the scheme.