Fifteen Australia Awards recipients have completed an Australia Awards Short Course through Griffith University, entitled ‘Evaluating Workforce Learning and Development Initiatives’.

The Short Course was finalised in February when participants met in Thimphu, Bhutan for a workshop to present their Return to Work Plans (RWP) for future implementation in their workplaces.

During the Return to Work Plan Workshop, the participants also undertook a visit to the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources, listened to panel discussions from industry experts and experienced a series of workshops.

Kesang Om, Manager, Institute for Learning Solutions, discusses gender and social inclusion

The Short Course focused on developing capabilities for the systematic monitoring and evaluation of industry-based training interventions through capacity development and engagement.

The Australia Awards Short Course participants included representatives from Bhutan’s Ministry of Labour and Human Resources, private training institutes and industry organisations from Bhutan.

Throughout the Short Course, participants worked to address the unique challenges facing both Bhutan’s Ministry of Labour and Human Resources, and the country’s training institutes and emerging industry associations.

Each participant developed a RWP with the aim of implementing the plan in their workplaces to incorporate their studies into practical solutions in Bhutan.

Sonam presenting his RWP to Sector Associations and Stakeholders Panel Discussion

Return to work plan highlights

Participant Pema Namgyel works as a Program Officer for the Association of Bhutanese Industries in Phuentsholing, Bhutan. Pema’s RWP focused on data reporting training to manufacturing industries for greenhouse gas inventory. Following discussion regarding the RWP with the National Environment Commission, the plan was granted funding under the United Nations Environment Program and gained national media attention.

Executive Director of the Association of Bhutan Tour Operators (ABTO), Sonam Dorji, developed a RWP on the Royal Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (RITH) “Diploma in Tourism Management Course — Graduate Tracer Survey”. As RITH is the only institute in Bhutan that offers a diploma in tourism management, Sonam looked to develop an understanding regarding how new skills are applied on the job and establish evidence of the business value of training. The RITH will be using Sonam’s study report for deliberation in their Advisory Board and his survey used to gather further data from course alumni.

Ministry of Labour and Human Resources Chief ICT Officer, Kuenzang Lhadon, developed a RWP for a project attracting praise among Short Course stakeholders and other participants. Her RWP was an employment development program which found that job seekers were more likely to engage in different industries through the influence of friends rather than social media. Kuenzangs’ RWP focused on developing training programs where gaining employment upon completion of training is embedded into the course design.

Final group photo with graduation certificates

This Australia Awards Short Course was funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Australia Awards are prestigious international Scholarships, Fellowships and Short Courses that offer the next generation of global leaders an opportunity to undertake short-term study, research and professional development opportunities in support of key development and foreign affairs priorities.

Short Course opportunities build valuable people-to-people links both within Australia and within the Indo-Pacific region, enabling mid-career professionals and emerging leaders to tap into Australian expertise, gaining valuable skills and knowledge.

To find out more about Australia Awards visit Australia Awards.