TAFE NSW – Western Institute is partnering with a number of local employment services in order to provide skilled employees in the region.
In a joint partnership with Best Employment, Murdi Paaki Enterprise, Walgett CDEP (Community Development Employment Project) and Centrelink, TAFE NSW – Western Institute launched the Building Practical Skills project to enhance vocational skills in the remote rural Walgett community.
Participants gain a Certificate II in Skills for Work and Training, an OH&S White Card, a Chain Saw Licence, a Chemical Handler’s Certificate and Statements of Attainment in Rural Production Studies, Construction, Welding and Horticulture.
At the same time, they gain practical experience in installing, maintaining and repairing fences, small motor and machinery maintenance, handling livestock, planting and paving and different welding techniques. They are mentored throughout the course by an Access and General Education teacher.
Q: |
Shortage of skilled workers in your area? |
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A: |
TAFE NSW can identify gaps and provide training to fill them. |
Mrs Shirley Bleechmore, Head Teacher for Access and General Education, Western Institute said, ‘The course has a flexible, hands-on approach to delivery and we hope that this will lead to many more courses for the Walgett community.’
The course is being delivered by qualified and experienced teachers from a number of TAFE NSW faculties and coordinated by the Access and General Education faculty.
‘Julie Casey of BEST Employment began discussions with TAFE NSW to develop this course,’ said Mr Beau Thorne, BEST Employment. ‘She was keen to look at alternative methods of content delivery for industry training and this program was ideal for the employment needs of the local area.
‘We are very proud of the people who have enrolled in the course,’ Mr Thorne said. ‘They have shown a commitment to enhance their skills and improve their employment opportunities. Students are supported throughout the course and the partnership stakeholders are working together to ensure they have the best chance of successfully completing the program.’
Mr Jason Wright, Contract Manager for Murdi Paaki Regional Enterprise said the project was ‘a wonderful opportunity for Walgett CDEP participants to be involved with other registered jobseekers in training that has been designed to cater for the skills shortages in the area’.
‘It is great to see our CDEP participants, young and old, so excited about taking part in the training,’ Mr Wright said. ‘I would like to congratulate all participants taking part in the course and wish them every success.’
The course began in September 2008 and is running three days a week until mid-2009.
