Kim Powell was secretary of her family's business until it was scaled back after forest closures in her local area. Now, a State Government assistance program has given her a chance to qualify as a heavy vehicle operator and seek work in the mining industry.
Mrs Powell has studied at TAFE NSW – New England Institute as part of a retraining program through the Department of Natural Resources. She recently completed the Heavy Vehicle Plant Operator training at Tamworth Campus and successfully gained WorkCover Loadshifting Licences in Forklift, Front End Loader and Loader/Backhoe.
She was one of 10 students who undertook the week-long course, with five days hands-on training and two days of theory units.
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Industry workers needing to reskill? |
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TAFE NSW can fast-track training. |
Mrs Powell currently works as a cleaner at the Wiltinjong Coal Mine, Ulan near Mudgee, and is confident the benefits of the retraining will be far-reaching.
‘The training is going to help me find work in the mines,’ she said. ‘I have always wanted to get into driving trucks. I love the machinery.’
Alf Said, Director, Forestry Structural Adjustment Unit, Department of Natural Resources said funding for retraining purposes was offered to businesses and employees after a large portion of the native cypress plantations became community conservation areas, and therefore unable to be used for timber production.
‘The Brigalow Assistance Fund offers up to $10,000 for vocational training and is part of a package of benefits that are quite generous,’ he said.
More than half of the eligible forestry workers and former business owners had taken the opportunity to retrain with the majority electing to study TAFE NSW and TAFE PLUS courses.
‘People are able to take the opportunity to reskill or upskill themselves,’ Mr Said said. ‘Many have and we hope more will take advantage of the program to get formal qualifications or to improve their levels of literacy and numeracy.’
Dave Dewick, Co-ordinator, Plant Operator Commercial Heavy Vehicle Section, Tamworth Campus, said the Institute runs around seven courses a year, depending on demand. The training is renowned and attracts students from New England, Hunter, North Coast and Western regions. The qualification can be used to gain employment in industries including mining, building and civil construction.
Mrs Powell said she would like to complete additional training. ‘It was such a great course and I got so much out of it,’ she said.
