News

Coming soon – new accounting qualifications from FNS10!

Open Colleges' highly anticipated new Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Accounting from the FNS10 Financial Services Training Package will shortly be unveiled.

These new distance learning courses follow the introduction in August 2011 of the new Certificate IV in Bookkeeping and Certificate IV in Accounting from FNS10, which both fulfil the updated education requirements for BAS agent registration that take effect in March 2012. Students who successfully complete the Certificate IV in Bookkeeping or Certificate IV in Accounting from FNS10 will be able to articulate directly into the new Diploma of Accounting.

Open Colleges is also putting the finishing touches to a bridging course for students who have already completed their Certificate IV in Financial Services (Bookkeeping) from FNS04 and who wish to enrol in the Diploma of Accounting from FNS10. This bridging course will provide students with a Statement of Attainment in the prerequisite competencies for articulation into the new Diploma.

In addition, the Certificate III in Financial Services (Accounts Clerical) from the FNS04 Financial Services Training Package will be superseded by the Certificate III in Accounts Administration from FNS10.

According to Paula Irvine, Head of Faculty, Business, Finance & Accounting, the new qualifications reflect recent developments, including changes to tax legislation and BAS agent registration requirements.

"The pace of change in our industry makes it vital that workers keep their qualifications up to date,” she says. “Employees who do so, and who see learning as a lifelong commitment, tend to be highly prized by employers."

Keep an eye on our home page for more information on the launch of the new FNS10 courses or phone 1300 853 033.

13 September 2011

BAS agents to enjoy bonus registration period

BAS agents will receive up to nine months’ additional free registration when they register before 29 January 2012, the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) announced recently.

At present, those wishing to register as BAS agents are required by the TPB to have either:

• At least a Certificate IV Financial Services (Accounting) or a Certificate IV Financial Services (Bookkeeping) from a registered training organisation or equivalent institution or
• Successfully completed a course in basic GST/BAS taxation principles that is approved by the Board.

Registered agents also need to have accrued up to 1400 hours of relevant experience during the previous three years.

If you wish to take advantage of the bonus registration period and you haven’t met one of the above educational requirements, time is running short. Phone a Cengage Education course and careers advisor now on 1300 853 033 for advice on completing a suitable course containing the following units:

• FNSBKPG404A Carry out business activity and instalment activity statement tasks, and
• FNSBKPG405A Establish and maintain a payroll system.

If you can’t complete your Certificate IV in Financial Services (Bookkeeping), Certificate IV in Financial Services (Accounting) or BAS Agent Registration course with Cengage Education prior to the January deadline, you can still lodge a transitional registration application before 29 January 2012 to receive registration through to 28 February 2013.

From 1 March 2012, new education requirements will be introduced by the TPB to reflect the FNS10 Financial Services Training Package. Cengage Education is currently working on mapping from FNS04 to FNS10 and will shortly have a transition plan available to students.

10 August 2011

Cengage Education joins Open Colleges

Cengage Education CEO Anthony Bohm announced today that Cengage Education has joined Open Colleges — a specialised education development group passionately committed to delivering high-quality open learning to students across Australia.

“This represents an exciting development for Cengage Education and heralds a new era in our proud 100 year history. We are delighted to join such an innovative and dynamic education group that shares our commitment for delivering excellence in distance and online learning. Now, as part of Open Colleges, we will have access to the people, resources and infrastructure that will help us achieve our vision of creating Australia's leader in next generation learning.” he said.

In contrast to other education providers, Open Colleges develops online and distance courses to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Through its member institutions – Cengage Education (www.cengage.edu.au) and Integrated Care & Management Training (www.icm.org.au) – Open Colleges delivers over 200 courses to more than 20,000 students.

Open Colleges will deliver significant benefits to Cengage Education students, including the implementation of a new online learning portal. Scheduled for launch at the end of July 2011, the new online learning portal will incorporate improved navigation and functionality. In addition, students will benefit from a broader range of high-quality courses and continued investment in new learning resources. As part of this exciting development, Cengage Education will also launch a new logo and corporate identity in July.

To find out more about Open Colleges, visit www.opencollegesgroup.com.au.

15 July 2011

Cengage Education extends its commitment to ICDE

One of the few Australian members of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE), Cengage Education has recently renewed its membership for a further year.

A global member organisation, ICDE plays a vital role in promoting intercultural cooperation and understanding within the international distance education community. It fosters collaboration between nations, supports the development of networks, and provides forums where individuals, companies, governments and other organisations can engage.

ICDE also contributes to the development of new and better education methods and technology, and encourages high standards and good practice in flexible learning.

Cengage Education CEO Anthony Bohm says, "Being a member of ICDE provides Cengage Education with access to the latest research from around the world. This assists us in ensuring our courses reflect the highest global standards in distance learning – one of the key strands of our commitment to quality and continuous improvement."

17 June 2011

Custom-designed training in custom-designed fashion

Prepare for your big break into the exciting, fast-moving world of fashion design with the very first accredited training courses available solely via distance education.

In the competitive world of fashion and custom clothing design, you need every advantage in order to succeed. Cengage Education’s three new courses – developed by the innovative College of Fashion Design under the LMT07 Textiles, Clothing & Footwear Training Package – give you that advantage with training that is relevant, up to date and career-focused. These qualifications are delivered by Cengage Education under auspice from the College of Fashion Design (RTO NTIS: 3798).

Whether you are seeking to pursue your passion for fashion and launch a career in the industry, or you are an enthusiastic dressmaker wanting to turn your hobby into a small business, our courses will provide you with the practical skills you need to succeed.

Designed for aspiring assistant designers and pattern makers, the nationally recognised Certificate IV in Applied Fashion Design & Technology LMT41007 delivers foundation skills in sketching and drawing, pattern modification and development, the application of colour theory, and interaction and networking within the fashion industry.

For students seeking training in advanced pattern-making techniques, as well as cutting and sewing design prototypes, the nationally recognised Diploma of Applied Fashion Design & Technology LMT50307 is an excellent choice. It includes all units from the Certificate IV in addition to more advanced knowledge and skills. Alternatively, students who have successfully completed their Certificate IV can choose to top up their qualification via the Diploma of Applied Fashion Design & Technology (upgrade) LMT50307.

All courses come complete with bespoke resources, such as training DVDs and workbooks, from Telestia, the global leader in fashion education and training. You will also enjoy guidance from specialist tutors and supportive mentors throughout your studies. Enrolments open on 2 May so keep an eye on this website for more information, or phone a course and careers advisor now on 1300 853 033 to express your interest.

4 May 2011

Guaranteed credit for Business, Finance & Accounting graduates enrolling with ACU

Graduates of Cengage Education’s Business, Finance & Accounting Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are now eligible for articulation into relevant Australian Catholic University (ACU) degrees with guaranteed credit.

News of the agreement on articulation pathways comes in the wake of a landmark alliance announced in March 2011 between vocational education leader Cengage Education and highly respected higher education institution ACU.

Under the articulation agreement, Cengage Education students who have graduated with the following Business, Finance & Accounting qualifications and who are accepted into relevant ACU degrees will receive the credits shown:

• Certificate IV (4 units)
• Diploma (8 units)
• Advanced Diploma (12 units).

Anthony Bohm, CEO of Cengage Education, said: "This is a tremendous endorsement for the quality of our Business, Finance & Accounting courses, and presents a great opportunity for students in our largest faculty to pursue higher studies on completion of their Cengage Education course."

For more details, please call a course and careers advisor on 1300 853 033.

14 April 2011

Learn from the best! Our online and distance education trainers share their skills

If you're considering a career change, our Certificate IV in Training & Assessment TAE40110 could help you leverage your existing skills and experience into a new career in vocational education.

This nationally recognised qualification is particularly suitable if you aspire to work in online training or distance education. Not only does the course include a distance learning elective, your trainers are, of course, current practitioners so you'll be learning from the experts.

You can achieve the qualification in as little as three months, depending on the time you're able to commit to your studies, or take up to 12 months if that suits you better. Either way, within a year, you could be well on your way to a position as a vocational education teacher, enterprise trainer, trade trainer or countless other interesting roles.

Vocational trainers play a significant role in ensuring industry has a supply of skilled workers. With eight million workers lacking fundamental skills (source: Industry Skills Councils), the demand for quality trainers and assessors is likely to grow significantly in coming years.

For those currently working in vocational education under a qualification from the BSZ98 Training Package, successful completion of this course will enable you to meet the new AQTF requirements.

Find out more about the course here. Or call us today on 1300 853 033 to discover how you can fast-track your journey to a satisfying new career in vocational education.

8 April 2011

Cengage Education announces new SOA in BAS Agent Registration

In response to changes to BAS agent registration requirements announced recently by the Tax Practitioners Board, Cengage Education is pleased to introduce a Statement of Attainment in BAS Agent Registration.

The course comprises 2 key competencies from the FNS04 Financial Services Training Package. Students who complete the course and who meet additional qualification and experience requirements will be eligible to apply for registration as BAS agents.

In addition, both the Diploma of Accounting and Certificate IV in Financial Services (Accounting) have been updated to take account of the new BAS agent registration requirements.

18 February 2011

Cengage Education is an approved provider under the Victoriaworks for Parents Returning to Work Program

The Victoriaworks for Parents Returning to Work Program supports people back into work through broadening and deepening skills. The program provides support to parents who are returning to work after an absence caring for children. Grants of up to $1000 are available, which can be used to cover any costs associated with approved training, such as books and materials, course fees, transport and childcare.

You can use your grant to study one of Cengage’s accredited or non-accredited distance education courses to help you on your way to a new career. The Victoriaworks for Parents Returning to Work grants are released at intervals throughout the year, and there are grants available right now!

The grants support parents seeking to return to work who:

• Have been absent from education, accredited training and the workforce in the last 2 years
• Are currently unemployed and wish to return to work, preferably in the next 12 months*
• Have not worked for more than 4 months full-time, or equivalent part-time, in the last 2 years
• Are Australian residents living in Victoria**
• Will enrol in training to improve their workforce skills and/or earning potential
• Have not received a grant under the current program Victoriaworks for Parents Returning to Work or previous versions of the program
• Were unable to activate a grant previously allocated under the program due to unforeseen circumstances.

* For the purposes of the Victoriaworks for Parents Returning to Work Program, 'unemployed' is deemed to include paid employment for less than 6.5 hours per week. ** TPV holders are deemed as eligible residents.

If you are interested in applying for a grant, please visit the program website: http://www.returningtoearning.com.au/

24 January 2011

 

Support for flood-affected students

Cengage Education recognises the hardship being faced by some of our students as a result of the floods across Australia. We encourage any student in a flood-affected area whose studies have been impacted to contact Student Services on 1300 650 011 or at studentsupport@cengage.edu.au so that we can support you and your studies through this difficult time.

19 January 2011

New Photoshop CS5 courses for digital photographers

Discover how to enhance your digital photography with the latest photo-editing tools. Our 2 new courses will give you all the skills you need to get underway.

Offered by Cengage Education in partnership with ed2go, Photoshop CS5 for the Digital Photographer is a 6-week online Skill Builder course designed for those with no photo-editing experience. Follow its step-by-step guidance and you'll soon be using the software to correct flaws, add text, prepare images for e-mail and internet and transform your final product from good to great.

If you've already mastered the basics, Photoshop CS5 for the Digital Photographer II will take your skills to the next level. You'll discover advanced skills for building collages, detailed editing, and restoring old photos. In addition, you'll explore portrait editing, image distortion and filters, learn how to make the most of Adobe's award-winning layers option and much more.

For more information on how these courses can take your digital photography to new heights of excellence, and for details of all our other Skill Builder courses, visit our Skill Builder page.

You might even like to study one of these Photoshop CS5 courses in conjunction with our popular Digital Photography course.

13 January 2011

* For the purposes of the Victoriaworks for Parents Returning to Work Program, 'unemployed' is deemed to include paid employment for less than 6.5 hours per week. ** TPV holders are deemed as eligible residents.If you are interested in applying for a grant, please visit the program website: 24 January 2011