In This Issue…

TAFELINK Issue No. 12 | February 2009

Feature story

Other news

What's new

Events

Course profile

Feature story

Tapping a steady stream of skilled undergraduates

Sydney Water is Australia’s largest water utility providing essential and sustainable water services for the benefit of the community. It has many specialised technical positions that need skilled, trained and knowledgeable workers however, several years ago it was having trouble filling vacancies. It became clear that an innovative approach was necessary to address recruitment shortages.

Read story

Other news

Online training fertile ground for horticulture students

After several lean, dry years during which water restrictions hurt business, the nursery industry now expects to bounce back as the economic downturn spawns a gardening revival. Trouble is, most nurseries can’t afford to send their new apprentices away for necessary training. So TAFE NSW grew a customised, flexible online horticulture course for nurseries to meet their needs.

Read story

TAFE NSW relieves training headache

When 1,500 community pharmacists needed help with fast-track training for assistants, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (NSW Branch) joined with TAFE NSW – North Coast Institute to deliver relevant, focused and flexible training.

Read story

TAFE NSW training finds Crowne jewels

In 2005, the InterContinental Hotels Group turned to TAFE NSW – Hunter Institute to help them find and train staff for the group’s new Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley hotel. That first venture went so well that this thriving partnership now sees TAFE NSW graduates working in the company’s Newcastle and Terrigal hotels too.

Read story

What's new

National Environment Centre grows organics course

TAFE NSW – Riverina Institute’s environmental specialty campus, the National Environment Centre (NEC) at Thurgoona, Albury, is offering a Diploma in Organic Farming and an Advanced Diploma in Applied Environmental Management in 2009.

The NEC is Riverina Institute’s specialist centre providing programs in natural resource management, environmental studies and sustainable agriculture. A number of accredited courses are available in a variety of delivery options, from Certificate II through to Advanced Diploma level.

The Diploma in Organic Farming is offered flexibly, and taps into an Australia-wide network of experts who are able to guide farmers in using the best systems for the products they are growing in their local climate. This includes areas such as pest and weed control and marketing systems. Farmers operating in and around Albury can take advantage of NEC’s facilities, including a fully-operational organic farm onsite, and staff expertise.

The qualification is delivered in conjunction with the national accreditation body Biological Farmers of Australia, which means that, by completing a Diploma, farmers can be confident they are meeting the requirements for organic accreditation.

The Advanced Diploma in Applied Environmental Management targets para-professionals in the environmental industry. The course covers skills such as analysing Environmental Impact Study data, and applying ecological management principles to a range of environments.

On 26 February 2009, the NEC will welcome members of the TAFE NSW Environment Officers Group, the TAFE NSW Education for Sustainability Group and invited guests from universities and Riverina Institute Campuses for a day-long workshop.

The key focus will be on ways in which educational institutions can have a positive impact on the social perception of sustainability. The workshop will cover architecture, landscape design and environmental management systems that adopt the broad principles of ecologically sustainable development.

For more information on the Showcase, visit the website.

Events

Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations BIG Skills Conference

2–5 March 2009
Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre
Darling Harbour

BIG Skills is a major national conference which aims to identify how skills and training can help address the big challenges of productivity, participation and social inclusion.

The conference will bring together major national and international players to debate key issues and stimulate change in the Australian tertiary sector.

The themes to be addressed include:

• New thinking about learning, skills and work
• Partnerships between industry/employers, providers, community and government
• Workforce development including skilling and re-training adults already in the workforce
• Training in green skills
• International engagement in vocational education and training
• Learning and development for training professionals and practitioners

Participants will include industry and business players, tertiary sector professionals and practitioners, leading researchers and consultants; government employees, employment service providers; and community representatives.

CHC08 Implementation Forums

17 March 2009
Dockside, Cockle Bay Wharf
Darling Harbour
9.00am – 4.30pm

The Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council is facilitating a series of one day forums to support the implementation of the new Community Services Training Package. Attendees will:

• Identify the major changes and shifts between the new Training Package and the previous version
• Hear from industry about their requirements for best-practice implementation
• Access valuable information to incorporate new developments and approaches in terminology, structure and application of the qualifications and competencies into training and assessment delivery strategies.

Participants can also select specific areas of the Training Package they wish to learn more about through individual break-out groups:

• Individual Client Services
• Community Services and Development
• Children’s and Youth Services
• Client Services including Community Coordination and Management
• Chronic Disease and Self-Management
• Skill Sets

Course profile

Responsibility for alcohol service rests with staff and licensees

Responsible Service of Alcohol – Statement of Attainment (TAFE PLUS)

If you’re looking to enter the hospitality industry, or just want a part-time job during the holidays, you should be aware that NSW regulations require anyone involved in the sale, supply or service of alcohol to hold a NSW-approved certificate in Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA).

Most liquor licensees and club secretaries have to complete a Casino Liquor and Gaming Control Authority-approved RSA course or an approved course of training that includes a Responsible Service of Alcohol component. RSA requires licensees, club secretaries and staff to intervene in situations where intoxication is detected and to prevent minors accessing alcohol on or from the venue.

The course teaches participants about responsible service strategies; the legal obligations of bar staff; and the strengths and effects of alcoholic beverages and standard drinks. They also learn about smoking regulations and the benefits of responsible service strategies.

Safety paramount in food handling

Workplace Hygiene (Food Handlers) – Statement of Attainment (TAFE PLUS)

If you want to work in food preparation in the hospitality, community food service or the health sectors, or are already employed in any of these areas, then knowing how to handle food safely is absolutely essential. This course will teach you how to follow the food hygiene procedures of a particular organisation, and handle food in a safe and hygienic manner.

You will also learn about the major causes of food poisoning and food spoilage, as well as the legal procedures and enterprise standards for all aspects of safe food handling.

The course is particularly relevant to staff working in kitchens, housekeeping, food and beverage and tour operations involving the preparation of food.

For more information on TAFE NSW courses, visit www.tafensw.edu.au.

Share TAFELINK

Do you know someone who may be interested in TAFELINK?