HVTC News Autumn 2016 - Hunter Valley Training Company
Transcription
HVTC News Autumn 2016 - Hunter Valley Training Company
HVTC NEWS Autumn 2016 INSIDE STORIES •Indigenous Employment Program Well Supported •Training Initiative Assisting Disadvantaged Jobseekers •The Sky’s the Limit for Tammy •HVTC Alumni Forging an International Career HVTC HOST EMPLOYER UPSKILLS STAFF THROUGH GOVERNMENT TRAINING INITIATIVE J & S Engineering and Maintenance’s participation in a new State Government training initiative is helping the company to upskill its workforce and maintain its competitiveness in an increasingly changing market. Launched this year through the Department of Industry’s Smart and Skilled Program, the Targeted Priorities Part Qualifications Program provides employers with access to a broad range of fully funded skills training courses. The Program is facilitated through HVTC’s Registered Training Organisation (RTO), Hunter-V-Tec. Michael Murray, HVTC’s RTO Manager, said the Targeted Priorities Part Qualifications Program offered businesses an affordable, streamlined way of upskilling their shop floor employees and management teams. “We worked with J & S Engineering and Maintenance to identify specific training needs that aligned with strategic business objectives and targeted training to meet those needs,” said Michael. Fifteen staff are receiving training at HVTC’s purpose-built facility in Rutherford. Amongst the training being undertaken, four staff are in the process of obtaining their forklift licences, six are completing team leadership training and five are undertaking key management skill set training. J & S Engineering & Maintenance has endeavoured to promote staff from within the company throughout its 26 year history, not only ensuring workforce continuity, but also delivering local employment opportunities which in turn benefit the region. Maximising training opportunities that address changing needs within the market is key to the company’s ability to capitalise on business opportunities as they arise. Paul Flanagan, WHS Coordinator, J & S Engineering & Maintenance, said the Program provided the company with an excellent opportunity to equip staff with new or additional skills that complemented their existing roles or helped them to transition to other roles within the company. Training for the Targeted Priorities Part Qualifications Program must be completed before 30 November 2016. Business, Leadership and Management courses are available face-to-face or online through HVTC’s eLearning. For more information on how to incorporate this Program into your business contact HVTC on 1800 247 864. To read more about how the Program has assisted job-seekers with a disability or disadvantage enter the workforce, please turn to page 3. Photo: (L-R) Paul Flanagan with training participants Brendan Hoffman, Stephan Prinsloo, Joe Blignaut, Adrian Rudge & John Redwood. CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE As thousands of young Australians started or returned to senior secondary school this year, we were reminded about the benefits of school-based apprenticeships and traineeships and their role in preparing young people for a career in a trade or other occupation. School-based options combine hands-on industry experience and the opportunity to work towards a vocational qualification whilst completing the senior school certificate. They are an ideal way to combine senior school study with practical trade training. Students also get a taste of what it may ultimately be like to pursue an apprenticeship, traineeship or a trade career, which is a real choice for those who are not necessarily focused on university. School-based training is offered at many secondary schools across a range of subjects. Group training organisations like HVTC employ about 14 per cent of all school-based apprentices and trainees around Australia. One of the advantages of starting through group training is that it provides much needed support at a time when school-based apprentices and trainees are juggling the simultaneous demands of the school curriculum, the training course and the workplace. This support is invaluable in assisting the apprentice or trainee to complete their senior secondary certificate and make a more seamless transition to a full-time apprenticeship or traineeship after leaving school. It’s important that students commencing their senior years at school are made aware of the range of choices that are available to start down the path of a rewarding vocational career. Increasingly, the choice of an apprenticeship or traineeship is being seen as equivalent to a university education, where a priority on technical and trade skills is paramount. School-based options get students thinking about career and life choices and can help them stay engaged with school. It’s a way of getting a head start in a career, commencing training and earning a wage, while completing the secondary school certificate. A 2015 HVTC Excellence Award winner, Harry Mitchell has achieved great success since taking on his schoolbased traineeship. Not only was he chosen School-based Apprentice/ Trainee of the Year at our awards ceremony, he also went on to win the same category at the Group Training Bob Cameron AO, HVTC Chairman Association NSW & ACT Awards in October. The 18 year old from Macksville successfully completed a Hospitality Food and Beverage Stream Certificate II while attending school and undertaking work placement at Nambucca Valley Care. Harry is now studying a Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management at The Hotel School Sydney. We strongly recommend businesses consider hiring a school-based apprentice or trainee as a cost-effective way to meet workforce labour needs. We also encourage parents of students entering Year 11 or 12 to talk to their school VET co-ordinator about the possibility of school-based training. Bob Cameron AO, Chairman CEO’S MESSAGE It’s important to have a strong voice within our industry and I’m pleased to advise that I have been appointed Deputy Chair of the Group Training Australia Board for 2016. As you may know, Group Training Australia Limited (GTA) is the national association representing a network of around 150 group training organisations (GTOs) across Australia. Collectively, the national network employs around 35,000 apprentices and trainees with more than 100,000 businesses. I am looking forward to continuing my contribution to this national body and being in an even better place to keep you well informed about important issues in our industry. Businesses in the Sydney region will be greeted by a new HVTC GTO Manager this month. Mark Challenger commenced with us in February and he is looking forward to working with our Sydney clients, apprentices and trainees. Mark brings with him an extensive 15 years’ experience in group training having worked previously as a Field Officer and GTO Manager. Mark has great leadership skills and is looking forward to supporting the Sydney team 02 skills change lives and enhancing HVTC’s business in the region. If you’re an employer who feels that your apprentice or trainee may be having problems and you need advice or support to get them refocused on their training, HVTC’s workplace mentoring and in-training support can help turn things around. Similarly, if you’re an apprentice or trainee finding some aspect of your training or study a bit challenging, HVTC mentoring services are available to you throughout your entire placement. Another of our services you may not be familiar with is our free, individualised testing and recruitment tool called CareerGateTM. Businesses can list apprenticeship vacancies through CareerGateTM and we will match them with the candidate who is the best fit for their business. All candidates are screened to assess their aptitude and suitability and businesses will receive advice on contractual obligations, induction and supervision requirements. For those who are interested in starting an apprenticeship or traineeship, CareerGateTM can help match job- Sharon Smith, HVTC CEO seekers to an occupation that is right for them. Our staff will work with candidates to find a suitable apprenticeship or traineeship, and provide career guidance and workplace mentoring throughout their placement. CareerGateTM gives businesses and job-seekers all the information and resources they need to achieve great results and successful completions. Just call 1800 247 864 to book a free CareerGateTM assessment. Sharon Smith, CEO Training Initiative Assisting Disadvantaged Jobseekers Mai-Wel LabourForce Solutions (MWLFS), together with HVTC, have created a joint initiative to assist Hunter job-seekers with a disability or disadvantage to enter the workforce. Funded by the NSW Department of Industry, the initiative is aimed at reducing the unemployment rate in the community. The hands-on training course commenced in December 2015 and ran for four weeks at HVTC’s Registered Training Organisation (RTO), Hunter-V-Tec. The course provided a part-qualification skill set focusing on basic construction and engineering skills to help job-seekers gain entry-level roles in manufacturing and engineering industries. HVTC trainer Kevin Welton with course participants James Fuller, Mitchell Potts & Thomas Parker RTO Manager Michael Murray was pleased to be able to offer disadvantaged job-seekers this opportunity. “This has been a great opportunity for specific training, with a 6:1 ratio in the workshop allowing for specialised support,” said Michael. There were six job-seekers participating in the training with HVTC. Now that the training is complete, MWLFS will assist with finding industry-based work experience so job-seekers can refine their skills and increase their employability. “This is the first time we have had a program like this with HVTC. We are delighted to be able to partner with such a wonderful organisation and pillar of this community, to provide training, development and employment opportunities for our region,” said Kyllie Tegg, Mai-Wel Service Area Manager Employment Services. The Sky’s the Limit for Tammy With her sights set firmly on a career as an international airhostess, HVTC trainee, Tammy Wells from Ballina, is making the most of every moment to pursue her dreams. Not busy enough undertaking a Certificate III in Business Administration whilst working at North Coast TAFE’s Wollongbar campus in the Hair and Beauty, Hospitality, Tourism, Events, Aviation, Cookery and Hospitality Departments, Tammy recently took part in a Rotary Youth Leadership Course to develop her leadership and interpersonal skills. “I love everything about my TAFE course. I’m learning something new every day and it’s helping me improve my customer service skills. My work colleagues are very supportive and my mentor, Leanne Phillips, is a huge help. It’s been great having someone to help me work towards my dream career,” said Tammy. “It’s also been really interesting meeting international students through TAFE and learning something of their histories, passions and goals.” Tammy said the opportunity to participate in the week-long Rotary Youth Leadership Course at Tyalgum Ridge Retreat in the Tweed Valley in northern New South Wales was unforgettable. Held from 23 to 29 January this year, the residential leadership seminar encouraged young adults aged 18 to 25 years to explore their leadership potential and participate in a range of formal and informal activities that demonstrated strength, team work, leadership and initiative. Tammy participated in lectures, seminars and activities covering: • Leadership and development • Public speaking • Personal development • Goal setting • Negotiation skills • Motivation • Fitness and wellbeing • Interpersonal skills • Finance and money management • Conflict resolution • Time management “The Rotary Youth Leadership Course was a once in a lifetime opportunity. It was a chance to disconnect from the world and reconnect with myself; to discover who I am, what my purpose is and to help me work towards being a better leader.” “I found it very beneficial, both personally and professionally,” said Tammy. Tammy plans to build on the skills she’s gaining at TAFE and learn a second language to help her realise her career ambition when her twelve month placement concludes in May this year. “It’s great to see young women like Tammy making the most of opportunities such as the Rotary Youth Leadership Course. It’s a great way for them to develop their confidence and learn new skills that will help them with their studies and careers,” said Jessica Muldoon, Workforce Development Consultant, HVTC Northern Rivers. (L to R) Caroline Robinson, Head Teacher, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, North Coast TAFE, Tammy Wells & Jessica Muldoon 03 Indigenous Employment Program Well Supported Since 1981, HVTC has helped launch the careers of more than 600 Indigenous people through its Indigenous Employment Strategy. As part of our ongoing commitment to developing equal employment opportunities, we implemented the HVTC Indigenous Employment Program in 2012 to provide candidates with apprenticeships and traineeships that would improve their competitiveness in the employment market. The Program has been very successful and attracted interest from the public and private sector. We currently have 11 enthusiastic young trainees undertaking a broad range of roles and courses throughout the state. Placements are currently held with: • Galambila Aboriginal Health Service • Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) - Manage Workforce Department • Shoalhaven City Council - Water • NNSWLHD - Tweed Oral Health • Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District • Spanline South Coast • Dynelec (Australia) • Early Links Inclusion Support Service • Elite Colleges • Drew Mills Drew Mills & Bailey Roworth on site Funding for the Indigenous Employment Program has been made available through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy introduced by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The Program provides businesses with a smart and affordable staffing solution that frees them from timeconsuming administration processes. HVTC manages the recruitment process, payment of wages and other processes, in addition to providing safety awareness training, mentoring and pastoral care. Grant Reeves, Manager HVTC Northern Regions, is very pleased that regional businesses are supporting the Program. Tennaya Maxton, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District 04 skills change lives “HVTC’s Indigenous Employment Program is a key component of our overall strategy to support workplace diversity and equal employment opportunities,” said Grant. “The Program also promotes HVTC’s community engagement and increased participation in vocational education and training.” Recent placements include Shantelle Olsen, who is hosted by Galambila Aboriginal Health Service in Coffs Harbour and enrolled in Certificate IV Business Administration, and Bailey Roworth who is hosted by Taree builder, Drew Mills, and is undertaking Certificate III in Carpentry. “Drew was a former HVTC Mid Coast apprentice and it’s terrific that we’ve been able to continue our association. Drew appointed his own apprentice through HVTC in 2014 and it’s great that he’s seen the value of this Program and taken Bailey on. Bailey’s in good hands and he’ll receive excellent training and experience with Drew,” said Grant. Lisa Coughran, Field Officer, HVTC Northern Rivers, said the NNSWLHD also recognised the Program’s value. “NNSWLHD is a valued, long-term host employer and I was very pleased when Julie Gallagher, HR Manager with Tweed Hospital, approached me about taking on Indigenous trainees. We now have four trainees working at the hospital which is a tremendous outcome for everyone,” said Lisa. “Tyler Rose Trappett and Alkirra McBride are currently completing a Certificate III in Business Administration. Tyler Rose is working in the Mental Health Department and Alkirra’s placement is with the HR Department. Alana Corowa and Georgia Anderson are undertaking Oral Health Traineeships. Alana is enrolled in a Certificate IV in Oral Health whilst Georgia is doing a Certificate III in Oral Health and they’ll both get great training and experience in the unit.” Both on the job and TAFE training is provided and Lisa regularly visits the trainees, offering mentoring and support throughout their placement. “It’s great to see these young women making the most of the opportunities this Program offers,” said Lisa. Tweed Hospital HR Manager Julie Gallagher said the traineeships will allow participants to complete a recognised qualification and gain valuable work experience in a hospital setting. “It is rewarding to see how well the trainees have become part of the team in a short period of time,” said Julie. Host employers in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions have also signed up new trainees and apprentices through the Program. Debbie Boyd, Manager, HVTC Illawarra, said trainee, Tennaya Maxton, is performing very well in her placement with Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District where she is completing a Certificate III in Health Administration whilst working in the Executive Services Department. “Tennaya entered into her traineeship with a very positive and focussed attitude after being named TAFEdelivered Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Indigenous Student of the Year for 2015. She was nominated for the award by Mission Providence who employed her during her TVET course where she completed a Certificate II in Business Administration whilst undertaking Years 11 and 12 at school. It’s great to see Tennaya now building on her previous knowledge and experience and enjoying her role with Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District,” said Debbie. The appointment this month of Jayden Belsito to a four year electrical apprenticeship with Dynelec (Australia) at Unanderra was also a positive reflection on what the Program has to offer. Jayden has now commenced studying for a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician. For Debbie Jones, Field Officer, HVTC Shoalhaven, the Program has opened up a great opportunity for Tyson Gerrey whom she helped to secure a traineeship with Shoalhaven Water. “Tyson completed his Certificate II in Water Operations under an HVTC traineeship in November 2015. Shoalhaven Water was very happy with his progression and performance throughout the 12 months and offered to further his training by hosting him in the Certificate III traineeship for an additional 12 months,” said Debbie. Libby Ford, HVTC Operations Manager, said HVTC’s Indigenous Employment Program was an extremely positive initiative and she was enthusiastic for the Program’s future. “We’re very pleased that we can support host employers who are eager to offer employment and training to Indigenous Australians.” “Being able to offer our trainees and apprentices an opportunity to develop skills and experience that will provide them with a solid foundation from which to start their careers is very rewarding,” said Libby.h (L-R) Georgia Anderson, Alana Corowa, Alkirra McBride & Tyler Rose Trappett are completing traineeships at the Tweed Hospital 05 HR and Safety Update One of the goals of HVTC’s Strategic Business Plan is to be a customer centric, high performing team. To assist us in achieving this goal, HVTC recently engaged Kellie Mills from MillsEaton Training to deliver customer service training for our staff. Kellie had met some of the HVTC teams in the past and was able to build on her knowledge of HVTC to facilitate valuable training in customer service. Kellie’s training sessions were focused on creating long-lasting change in the workplace: changes in attitude, better communication between staff and management, improved productivity and service delivery. Her training focus was on ‘soft’ or people skills, that is, non-technical training. There were four sessions across NSW and each group produced SALSA points as an outcome of their day’s work. These are the group’s Standard Acceptable Level of Service Always. All staff who participated now have a better knowledge of both themselves and their co-workers. Through this understanding we will be able to better respond to our customers’ needs and work together more cohesively. All our hosts, apprentices and trainees are valued customers. If you have any feedback about our service delivery to you, please contact our HR team on 1800 247 864. Jarryd Tuckett Bert Evans Scholarship Recipients Two HVTC Hunter apprentices are celebrating after being awarded Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships. Jarryd Tuckett and Mitchell Hawthorn will both receive $15,000 over three years to support them with their training. Jarryd is employed by HVTC under the YES Partnership program and has now been placed in a full-time hosted arrangement with Centennial Coal. Mitchell is hosted by Brooker Constructions. Applications for the 2016 Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships are open now and close 30 May. 06 skills change lives Will Maguire Working on the BHP memorial project HVTC Alumni Forging an International Career When Will Maguire completed a four year dual trade as a blacksmith and boilermaker ten years ago, he started on a journey that would see him travel the world and become a multi-award winning contemporary blacksmith and sculptor. As an HVTC apprentice, hosted by Forgemasters in Kurri Kurri, Will garnered early attention and was a finalist for the Hunter Region Apprenticeships and Traineeships Advisory (HRATA) Committee Apprentice of the Year Award in 2006. According to Will, his boss at Forgemasters, Phil Johnston, was extremely supportive. “Phil would take time out to show me different things and allow me to explore a process, make mistakes and learn from them.” “Completing my Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication with HVTC enabled me to learn valuable skills and the team was supportive throughout the whole apprenticeship process,” said Will. Since becoming trade qualified as a blacksmith and boilermaker, Will has spent several years as a journeyman overseas working, learning and collaborating with some of the best blacksmiths in England, USA, Russia, Europe, Ukraine and Japan. Will now runs a blacksmithing business in the Hunter Valley, designing and making one-off architectural and sculptural ironwork for homes, businesses, public institutions and community spaces. He is one of very few contemporary blacksmiths in Australia working with hot steel, forging and manipulating it to create forms that are beautiful, genuine and new. Will has won many awards for his work and enjoyed a number of group and solo exhibitions. In 2014 he was invited to include one of his pieces in the popular Sculpture by the Sea exhibition in Bondi. However, one of his proudest career achievements to date was finishing a five tonne memorial sculpture for the steel workers who died whilst working at BHP’s Newcastle Steel Works during its operation. Will’s work brings blacksmithing into the 21st century; combining striking contemporary design with traditional skills learnt from masters overseas. Will is our 2016 Alumni Ambassador and he will speak at the HVTC Excellence Awards in Newcastle on 15 April. “I look forward to being part of the HVTC Alumni Program. It is always a pleasure to meet new, interesting people and share some knowledge and a story,” said Will. To see more of Will’s work, visit his website www.willblacksmith.com.au Mr Morris Appointed Vice Patron of Transport Heritage NSW Mr Lowry & Mr Morris HVTC’s Patron, the Hon. Milton Morris AO has also been a long-serving champion of heritage rail. His contribution was acknowledged in late 2015 when the Chairman of Transport Heritage NSW, Peter Lowry OAM, announced that His Excellency the Governor of NSW and the Board of Transport Heritage NSW had appointed Mr Morris as a Vice Patron of the company. Mr Morris and HVTC Executive Director Kay Sharp AM were special guests at a celebratory dinner held in his honour at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, Kirribilli. Mr Lowry commended Mr Morris for his inspirational energy, sense of humour and achievements. He outlined Mr Morris’s distinguished career, culminating in his valuable work training young people, to an historic gathering of guests from the heritage sector. Mr Morris was warmly congratulated by the assembled representatives from the Bus Museum, Tram Museum, Heritage Fleet, Board members of Transport Heritage NSW including CEO of State Rail Howard Collins, and visiting guest, Sam Mullins, CEO of London Transport Museum. Mr Morris expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the honour awarded to him. He congratulated all present for their sterling efforts in preserving heritage transport for future generations. 1000 New Australian Apprentices HVTC’s Workforce Development Consultants notched up an impressive 1000 apprentice contracts in the six months since the Australian Apprentice Support Network (AASN) was launched. Approved contract 1000 was completed by Matthew Maestrelli from Gladesville and his employer Peter Bramich at Waterway Constructions in Rozelle, Sydney. Waterway Constructions currently employs eight apprentices across a range of trade areas. Matthew is completing a Certificate III in Formwork/Falsework with Waterway Constructions and HVTC’s AASN Manager, Abraham Ghossain, was on hand to facilitate the process. Abraham will also be available to deliver any personalised mentoring, guidance and support required to ensure Matthew successfully completes his apprenticeship. Matthew Maestrelli, Abraham Ghossain & Peter Bramich Innovative Training Provides Employment Outcomes Last year, HVTC launched an innovative partnership program to help create training and employment opportunities for young electrical apprentices in the Hunter Region. Under the HVTC Youth Employment Skills (YES) Partnership, 14 promising Pre-apprenticeship electrotechnology electrical apprentices were offered an accelerated skills training program via course participants an intensive customised Electrotechnology course at HVTC’s Registered Training Organisation (RTO), Hunter-V-Tec. Participants began their electrical apprenticeship with HVTC and by the end of the year had completed the required theory components of Stages I and II of their Electrotechnology Electrician – Certificate III qualification. During the program, apprentices also undertook on-the-job skills consolidation experience (YES placement) with partnering local host businesses and HVTC is pleased to have now found full-time apprenticeships for 10 of the participants. CEO Sharon Smith said the YES program was another example of HVTC taking the lead on developing customised programs aimed at meeting changing industry and business needs. “The YES program was developed in direct response to the Hunter’s growing youth unemployment and skills shortage issues. Not only was it an innovative way to deliver training both in the workshop and out on-the-job, but with the help of host businesses, it has created real employment opportunities for ten young apprentices,” Ms Smith said. An HVTC pre-apprenticeship electrotechnology course has also proven beneficial for a number of the Hunter’s young people. Nine participants completed six weeks of training at the start of December, then commenced 20 days of work placement. Two of the participants have now gone on to secure full-time electrical apprenticeships and two more are working full-time in other fields. The remainder are continuing with further study and work experience and the HVTC team are supporting them in their search for full-time apprenticeships. The pre-apprenticeship training at HVTC’s RTO was fee-free for participants and subsidised by the NSW Government. 07 MEET THE TEAM Duncan Goozeff Workforce Development Consultant Duncan Goozeff started at HVTC in 2015 and provides Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) services in the NSW South Coast. HVTC Apprentices the Best at BlueScope Two HVTC Illawarra apprentices took out top honours at the BlueScope 2015 Awards for Apprentice Excellence in December last year. Jake Westlake and Bradley Heino both won the Apprentice of the Year Award. Two more HVTC apprentices were acknowledged for their outstanding work. Coen Simpson was named runner-up and Andrew Ingram was a finalist. What do you like most about your job at HVTC? I really enjoy meeting new people and finding out about their businesses. The Mitsubishi 4WD is pretty sweet too - haha. What was the last movie you watched and how would you rate it? Elf - I saw this on a plane recently and was laughing out loud the whole way through. I seriously couldn’t stop laughing even though I was getting curious looks from the other passengers. It’s so funny! What was the first music you ever bought? Village People - I remember dancing so crazy in the lounge room with my brother and sister that we scratched the record. Jake Westlake & Bradley Heino Tell us something most people don’t know about you. I enjoy reading books in my spare time. My favourite author is Jane Austen and most all-time favourite book is Don Quixote. I love reading and laughing out loud. Share a recent happy memory. Just yesterday I was feeling tired and I decided to check out the beach for a surf. I scored perfect three foot waves, the water temperature was like a bath and the water was pure glass. As I arrived the wind just dropped right off and the waves were breaking perfectly both left and right. Best of all, only a few other guys had bothered to check it out too so there was no hassling for waves. It was the best Sunday arvo surf I’ve had in years and I was so close to not bothering to go outside. Stoked that I did! GROUP TRAINING ORGANISATIONS Northern Rivers, North Coast, North West, Mid Coast, Hunter, Sydney, Illawarra, Southern Tablelands, Shoalhaven ..............1800 247 864 REGISTERED TRAINING ORGANISATION Hunter-V-Tec ................................................................02 4932 4184 AUSTRALIAN APPRENTICESHIP SUPPORT NETWORK AASN services ..............................................................1300 247 864 Call us today 1800 247 864 hvtc.com.au Quality apprentices and trainees 08 skills change lives