TAFE's flexible approach to training
Monday, 12 May 2008
Mount Isa Institute of TAFE is working with industry to help address skill shortages in vital Queensland sectors including mining, manufacturing, and building and construction.
With campuses in Mount Isa, Normanton and Cloncurry, Mount Isa Institute of TAFE delivers nationally recognised and accredited training to regional and remote clients of North-West Queensland.
As the most remote Institute in the TAFE Queensland network, Mount Isa Institute of TAFE staff are flexible with their delivery methods and have relevant support systems.
Mount Isa Institute of TAFE's Acting Institute Director Gary Kinnon said business and employers were demanding training that was relevant and flexible.
"Fostering a blended learning culture in the education and training sectors through the best possible use of information and communication technologies improves students' learning outcomes," he said.
"We are increasingly creating programs that are tailored to the needs of individual workplaces or those located in remote areas.
"Blended learning allows us to use a variety of delivery methods that include: on-site training, computer-based activities and lessons, print-based resources, campus-based training and tutorials, videoconference or via the Internet" Mr Kinnon said.
"These delivery methods allow educators to extend the walls of the classroom and are able to deliver with flexible innovative solutions directly related to community and employer needs.
"It is about creating a more responsive education and training system which meets the changing needs of industry and business, now and into the future," he said.
"This is crucial to ensuring skill base is continually enhanced as advancements in technology require employees to have different and more industry relevant skills."
Some of the industry / community partnerships developed include:
" Zinifex Century Mine - delivering a 12-week pre-employment engineering trades assistant program on-site, where participants undertake a nationally accredited engineering competencies together with life skills and integrated literacy and numeracy support.
" Xstrata Mount Isa Mines - delivery of trade training to apprentices and tailor-made programs to suit other areas of need in mining industry.
" Frank Aston Complex - The Institute has been working with the Mount Isa City Council to redevelop the non-operating Frank Aston Underground Museum into a new community hub and cultural venue and establish a unique crafts marketplace. The redevelopment has been used as an opportunity to conduct study blocks in construction and horticulture. Stage III of the project has commenced.
" Aboriginal Land Council - delivery of a Certificate I in Building and Construction program to Indigenous participants to refurbish Aboriginal Land Council building.
" Myuma Pty Ltd - as a follow on from the successful "Jobs for our Mob" program developed, TAFE is piloting a civil construction program for 30 Indigenous students. The Certificate I in Resource and Operations is conducted on-site in Camooweal.
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