When the need arose for its senior staff to be qualified to train colleagues, ANSTO (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation) Radiopharmaceuticals turned to TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute to deliver Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
ANSTO is a manufacturer of radiopharmaceuticals used in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of serious illnesses including cancer. The products are made using materials generated from the OPAL* research reactor at the ANSTO site at Lucas Heights and the National Medical Cyclotron at Camperdown.
‘TAFE NSW has a strong reputation in industry for flexible delivery and professional teaching,’ said Janelle Duckett, Knowledge and Training Leader, ANSTO Radiopharmaceuticals. ‘It has friendly and contactable staff who worked collaboratively to develop an appropriate schedule for the participants.’
Ms Duckett said the training was used to improve business skills and knowledge across a range of areas. TAFE NSW was selected to undertake the training because of the success of previously delivered courses.
One of the key challenges, according to Nicola English, Teacher, Human Resources, Sydney Institute, was delivering training on-site in a busy nuclear reactor.
Q: |
Too busy to undertake training? |
|---|---|
A: |
TAFE NSW offers training on-line and on-site. |
‘When you are running a nuclear reactor sometimes there are needs which are more pressing than attending training,’ she said. ‘There were times when participants had to leave the class to do some urgent work and then return. This was handled well by the other participants who ensured that those who were absent for that time did not miss out on anything.’
Participants included scientists, engineers, IT professionals, administrators and maintenance specialists. The seven-month program was delivered on-site and was supported by online learning materials and activities.
As well as face-to-face training, practical assessments were conducted in each of the participant’s work areas at a suitable time.
Ron Burton, Production Team Leader, ANSTO Radiopharmaceuticals, said he gained much more than just a qualification.
‘We heard about real-life examples from the TAFE NSW teacher as well as from the other participants,’ he said.
He said the online learning centre meant course materials and information were readily accessible, and the use of the internet and email made life easy during the course.
Ms English said the formal learning has given participants techniques and strategies to train and assess more efficiently.
‘Some of the participants will also be travelling overseas to provide training and assessment in developing countries,’ she said.
* Open Pool Australian Light-water reactor
