Face to face vocational education and training (VET) has been through troubled times in New South Wales, Australia. The pandemic there has witnessed successive, short lock downs as authorities responded to surges. However, it is good news their training services have updated their return to VET guidelines. For it is time long due to get economies rolling again.
Road Map for a Return to Vocational Education and Training
1… A safe return to VET training will phase in as New South Wales achieves 70%, and then 80% double vaccination rates.
2… Students visiting schools, or attending aged care, disability, early childhood, health, or police training will require full vaccination.
3… There must be no stay-at-home orders in place. NSW Health will confirm when vocational education and training students may return.
4… However, if community transmission remains high after 70% vaccination, then NSW Health may issue individual community guidelines.
Provider Preparations in Advance of Opening Up
VET education providers must in the interim make the following preparations:
a… Update their COVID safety plans focusing on personal protective equipment, physical distancing, increased cleaning regimes, and sanitizing. Enhanced plans must also be in place for public-facing business operations.
b… Seek legal advice regarding their obligations before deciding policy on unvaccinated staff and students. They can then decide on their vaccination workplace policies according what is legal, and they consider necessary.
c… Pay strong attention to ventilation, including open windows and overhead fans. Consider adding HEPA filters to air conditioning units, and discontinuing reverse cycle systems. Staff and students must have access to well-ventilated outdoor areas.
d… Implement QR code-based check-in and check-out at site interface points. New South Wales Health is integrating its vaccination recording system, so providers can allow or deny access according to vaccination status.
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Preview Image: Vocational Education and Training
