AACE Stops Recruiting for Nova

So much for the supply of teachers from Australia. AACE, the Australia Asia Centre for Education Exchange, which does recruiting for Nova (and, if I recall correctly, also charges hefty processing fees), has finally had enough of Nova. The following announcement is on their website:

As of October 1st 2007, AACE no longer conducts recruitment on behalf of Nova Group in Japan. Discussions toward recruitment for 2008 commenced in July, however the parties could not conclude agreement and given a three month visa processing period, recruiting operations effectively ceased on October 1st, 2007.

There have been a number of commercial considerations contributing to the above decision, including changing labour market conditions, sudden and significant changes in currency exchange rates, restructuring within the greater AACE organisation and recent developments.

Recent reports concerning Nova Group’s financial position have led us to update our website to provide information that may assist current instructors in Japan. We encourage you to visit our website for updated information.

AACE has ceased accepting applications, informed September arrivals prior to their departure, and also fully informed current applicants being processed, of known information and our concerns. We will be communicating the above information on or about October 1, 2007 to all current instructors recruited for and on behalf of Nova Group by the AACE Office.

This represents an end to the 15 year plus recruitment relationship between AACE and NOVA Group. AACE would like to acknowledge the unique and significant contribution by NOVA Group in providing opportunities for not only thousands of Australians, but many more from around the world to live, work and experience Japanese culture first-hand./p>

Teachers also received a similar email from AACE:

AACE Announcement

To all current instructors recruited for Nova Group through the office of AACE

As of 1 October 2007, AACE no longer conducts recruitment for Nova Group in Japan. Discussions toward recruitment for 2008 commenced in July 2007, however the parties could not conclude agreement and given a three month visa processing period, AACE decided to cease recruiting operations effective 1 October 2007.

There have been a number of commercial considerations contributing to the above decision, including changing labour market conditions, sudden and significant changes in currency exchange rates, restructuring within the greater AACE organisation and recent developments.

These developments include recently being informed by NOVA Group that some instructor salaries and other payments have been delayed. Also, AACE has not received payment for its services in recent months. In our experience, this is highly unusual. To the best of our knowledge, Nova Group has never delayed payments. We have sought clarification from them, but have yet to receive an adequate or satisfactory explanation for any of these delays or non-payments.

AACE is not in a position to act or respond to unauthorised, unattributed, and unsubstantiated reports. However, these recent developments concern us. We are updating our website to reflect these circumstances. Our website will also serve as a medium to continue to facilitate those instructors who coordinated their flights and insurance through AACE.

This represents an end to the 15 year plus recruitment relationship between AACE and NOVA Group. AACE acknowledges the unique and significant contribution by NOVA Group in providing opportunities for not only thousands of Australians but many more from around the world to live and work in Japan, and experience Japanese culture first-hand. We are proud that many instructors who have emanated from the AACE office have written and spoken of a truly enriching experience.

Please visit our website www.workinjapan.com.au or www.aace.net.au for further information.

I wonder if Nova will be able to meet its target of hiring 700 new teachers. My guess is "No."