The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) needed to train its people in Parramatta, Dubbo and Jervis Bay, so it called TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute for help.
The Certificate IV in Training & Assessment course started on 14 November 2008 with a face-to-face workshop delivered in Parramatta. The 11 participants attend workshops and work online to complete the course.
Isabel McIntyre, Human Resources Teacher, Business Studies, Sydney Institute, said the Land Council group has special requirements because participants work in a variety of locations throughout NSW.
Q: |
Staff in different regions needing access to training? |
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A: |
TAFE NSW can deliver a flexible, state-wide training program. |
‘They are an interesting and enthusiastic group during the workshops,’ Ms McIntyre said. ‘They actively participate in group discussions and in activities where they have to demonstrate their skills. During a short coaching session most of them were able to demonstrate a high level of communication skills and personal confidence.’
According to Wayne Munster, NSW Director Training and Development for the NSWALC, the Certificate IV course which TAFE NSW is delivering to staff members and Councillors ‘is progressing well’.
‘The blended delivery method combining face-to-face workshops with online forum and course activities has enabled participants to engage in course work with minimum disruption to their actual work,’ Mr Munster said.
‘A large part of the effectiveness of the program can be attributed to TAFE NSW’s flexibility in approach. They have been able to adapt to suit the changing demands of the workplace, without compromising the quality of delivery or the requirements of the course.
‘Judging from the kinds of activities participants have chosen for the various assessment tasks completed so far, they have been encouraged to integrate what they are covering in the course with their actual work activities. This is an excellent strategy for increased on-the-job learning,’ Mr Munster said.
Ms McIntyre acknowledged the challenges faced by the participants in undertaking the training.
‘The Land Councillors are very busy and spend most of their time out in the field. So we have provided a flexible approach to rescheduling workshops and submission dates to support their demanding roles and learning,’ she said.
‘We modify delivery methods to suit individual student’s needs, while making sure we don’t undermine the criteria of the course,’ added McIntyre.
Mr Munster said NSWALC would definitely consider engaging TAFE NSW for this and similar training programs in the future.
