Over the past year the NSW Department of Community Services (DoCS), Learning and Development Branch, and TAFE NSW National Business have developed a strong partnership with two distinct outcomes.
Firstly, for DoCS which relinquished its status as a Registered Training Organisation four years ago, it has meant access to nationally accredited programs and qualifications through a provider with statewide reach and an identifiable brand. Secondly, it has allowed TAFE NSW National Business to offer a broad range of learning and development services to an organisation through one central point of contact.
Through the National Business and DoCS partnership, TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney and Sydney Institutes are delivering skills recognition and training to a large number of DoCS employees.
Over the next two years around 800 DoCS frontline staff are being offered the opportunity to obtain their Diploma of Statutory Child Protection. The qualification forms part of the Caseworker Development Program, an eight-week course completed during the first 22 weeks on the job.
The qualification will be assessed using a mix of recognition of prior skills and gap training. Once caseworkers complete their internal training and assessments, they will do additional workplace assessments and activities throughout the year. A pilot intake of 47 staff began in December 2007 and will finish soon.
Q: |
Need a flexible, tailored training program? |
|---|---|
A: |
TAFE NSW offers innovative training solutions. |
A further 38 DoCS, Learning and Development staff are undertaking the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, equipping them with the skills to become in-house assessors.
Sean O’Toole, Director of Learning and Development, DoCS, said learning and development had been integral to the major reforms within DoCS in recent years.
‘Our partnership with TAFE NSW allows us the flexibility to enhance our internal training,’ he said. ‘Additionally, TAFE NSW has been able to respond to our projects, providing innovative and tailored learning solutions.’
A new and additional training program, Caseworker Development Course Plus (CDC Plus), has been developed for Aboriginal DoCS caseworkers. This program builds on their skills and is part of DoCS’ commitment to supporting Aboriginal caseworkers. The CDC Plus coaching program focuses on interpersonal communication, information technology and writing skills.
Mr O’Toole says he is confident the partnership with TAFE NSW can be expanded. ‘Given the success of the work we have already done, I believe TAFE NSW can assist us to accomplish much more,’ he said.
