engage
JUNE 2012
Bulla’s
Winning
Plan
Powering
Regional
Economies
page 5
Higher
Education:
Lifting the
Limits
page 12
Hospitality
begins at
South West
TAFE
page 22
South West
TAFE’s Customer
Service Skills
rank first in
Australia!
South West TAFE’s Customer Service team is abuzz.
The highly skilled team has just been presented
with the 2012 Award for Excellence in Telephone
Customer Service. The much coveted award was
judged by Customer Service Benchmarking Australia,
a private company specialising in market research.
South West TAFE was ranked first among 25 other
training providers in Australia.
Congratulations!
Top left > Karen McClintock and Trudy Thorp Top right > Audrey Lenehan, Mallory McKenzie and Michelle Burgess
Bottom right > Caroline Bakker, Jodie Ewing and Eloise Walker Bottom left > Olivia Toller-Bond, Jo Healey, Jodie Greer
and Sonia Morey Centre > Sarah Ward, Ellie Ryan and Jane Clifford Centre left > Besse Krause
engage is produced by South West TAFE’s Marketing Department
(Simone Cottee, Hollie Blain, Taylia Trigg and Emma Shields)
Writers: Chamon Vogels & Jayne Shirtcliffe
Art & Production: K&S Lawson Design
Printing: Star Printing
Photographers: Rob Sharrock, Phinc Photography, AJ Photography, South West TAFE,
The Standard Warrnambool Pty Ltd, Portland Studios
Contact engage: Your feedback is important to us, so please let us know what you think of the
magazine. Call 1300 648 911 or email [email protected]
Cover photo: AJ Photography
www.swtafe.vic.edu.au
2Engage | June 2012
Issued June 2012
South West Institute of TAFE
ABN: 76 750 969 979
CRICOS Provider Code: 01575G
TOID: 3120
The information contained in this
publication was correct at time of issue.
South West TAFE reserves the right
to amend costs, subjects or courses
as required without notice. Training
listed is delivered with Victorian and
Commonwealth Government funding.
Inside this issue ...
4
5
Powering Regional Economies
A Local Investment
- David Stafford and Jane Gustus-Callanan
6
Bright Lights and Big City set the
Stage for Make-up Training
- Beauty Therapy teacher Jodi Leahy is off to LA!
8 Bright Lights,
Big City!
7
Children’s Services: Closing the Gap
7
Portland Awards Salutes
Administration Talent
- Congratulations Sharon Robertson!
9
Getting it Right for Local
Businesses
10 Working with Mental Health
- Camilla McLeod and MIND Australia
11 Student Placements: Spoilt for Choice
17 A Kosher
Training
Outcome
12 Higher Education:
Lifting the Limits
- Melissa White
- Seona Taylor
14 TAFE Programs Address Cattle
Fertility
15 Flourishing I.T. Company Prefers
TAFE Graduates
16 Training Raises Standards in
Australia’s Meat Industry
17 Kosher Butcher: Building a Skilled
Workforce
20 Market Fresh
Trade
Teachers
Welcome
In recent weeks the TAFE sector has
been in the spotlight. I can’t deny that
the State Government’s budget took us
by surprise. The TAFE landscape is set to
change dramatically.
Where there is great change there is also
great opportunity. We live in a thriving
region where industry and population
growth is one of the highest in Australia.
With award-winning programs, services
and teachers, our organisation is ripe
to take up the challenge of providing
a more skilled and knowledgeable
workforce for south-west Victoria—a
workforce that allows industry to
perform at its best and compete in a
global arena.
We therefore stand firm against our
three-year strategic goal of supporting
the current and future needs of the
region. Everything we do—our training
programs and services—will be geared
around meeting the required skills and
workforce of our region. In particular,
we will focus on the industries and
employers facing skills shortages.
Through this, we will not lose sight of
our obligation to the community and
will continue to support community
activities and events as well as the
region’s sustainability initiatives.
We are lucky to live in this region of
opportunity—let’s make the most of it.
Thank you for reading this edition of
Engage.
Joe Piper
CEO
18 Going Going Green
19 Sustainable Learning 101
20 TRADE ZONE
- Market Fresh: TAFE teachers Keep It Real
- Support and Wellbeing the Key to Success
21 Hospitality Begins at South West TAFE
22 Celebrating our Regional
Community
Check us out on Facebook and Twitter
1300 648 911 | www.swtafe.vic.edu.au
Engage | June 2012
3
South West TAFE
is proactive in
its involvement
with business
and community
activities in order
to understand the
issues and to help
address them”
Powering Regional Economies
South West TAFE aspires to
be a visionary regional leader
through identifying, responding
and supporting regional skills
and workforce needs.
The Institute is part of the Integrated
Market Facilitation Group, which includes
members from the Department of
Education, Employment and Workplace
Relations (DEEWR), industry, local and state
government, and other Registered Training
Organisations in the region.
The group meets regularly to identify
current and emerging needs in the southwest region, formulating action plans to
facilitate the area’s long-term, sustainable
growth.
“We engage with industry to ensure we
understand their needs and consult with
various business delegates to help achieve
broader regional goals, to understand the
direction that needs to be taken,” said Joe
Piper, the Institute’s CEO.
4Engage | June 2012
According to DEEWR’s Joanna Harrison,
South West TAFE plays a key role in
delivering quality training to meet the needs
of regional employers and future workforce
demand.
“Once they go ahead they will require
residents from Warrnambool and the region
to work during the construction phase, and
with implementation there will be ongoing
employment.
“Increasing the skills of the workforce is
essential to improving productivity in the
region and providing insurance against
future unemployment for individuals,” she
said.
“South West TAFE has a role to play in
catering for these people and businesses
and ensuring they are well-equipped with
the skills that will set them up to work in
these sectors.”
With an expanding population in
Warrnambool and beyond, Warrnambool
City Council’s Manager Business Support
Tanya Egan also emphasised South West
TAFE’s crucial involvement.
Lindsay Ferguson from the Department
of Business and Innovation explained that
skilled workers need to be aligned with
areas of growth for the south-west. He said
these areas included processing; transport
and logistics; trades; and up-skilling where
standards require greater levels of expertise.
“For us, it’s very important that the residents
of our city are well trained and have the
right qualifications to support the growth of
Warrnambool and the region.
Tanya advised that the building/
construction sector was an identified area
of growth and that Warrnambool was also a
nucleus for investment in green energy with
various wind farms and a number of gasfired power stations proposed.
“South West TAFE is proactive in its
involvement with business and community
activities in order to understand the issues
and to help address them,” he said.
“It is also active in servicing and exploring
export markets, which adds to the diversity
of the region’s capability and export income.
A Local
Investment
Below > David Stafford and Jane Gustus-Callanan
South West TAFE services
a growing regional
population over a vast
geographical area, with
campuses in Warrnambool,
Hamilton, Portland and
Glenormiston. Dedicated
managers are positioned
at each campus, working
in partnership with
industries, communities
and individuals to ensure
local workforce needs are
recognised and addressed.
South West TAFE’s mission is to provide
opportunities for all, aiming to provide
adequate training options across the region.
According to South West TAFE’s Hamilton
Campus Manager Jane Gustus-Callanan, the
Institute strives to ensure that each campus
delivers a full suite of training products and
services.
“We have the skills and abilities in our
staffing group to cater for a diverse
population in innovative ways,” she said.
Jane started in her current position this year,
bringing a wealth of industry experience
from her 25 years in the community services
sector. Her professional background
includes youth and community services,
health, local and state government, and
education and justice areas. The TAFE
sector is not new to her, having 14 years’
experience at three other institutes, with
half that time in campus management at
regional and corrections campuses.
1300 648 911 | www.swtafe.vic.edu.au
She believes South West TAFE’s Hamilton
Campus is strategically placed in the city’s
industrial area, highlighting the Institute’s
links with industry.
“South West TAFE contributes to the
Portland region by helping achieve
economic, cultural and social outcomes,”
David explained.
“We work in partnership with our
communities to provide services that meet
their ongoing training and education needs.
Each campus is the right size to cater for
new and emerging trends as well as more
traditional areas of delivery in each town.”
“We sponsored the Administrative
Professional of the Year Award, which
gave local industry in Portland the chance
to recognise the contribution of its
administrative staff and was attended by all
major businesses within the region.”
Portland Campus Manager David Stafford
is a Certified Practising Accountant and has
spent a rewarding 18 months in his current
role. His 10 years of vocational teaching
experience and 20 years in small business
management have given him a solid
foundation for his current position.
The Institute’s Portland campus is also
involved in the Future Leaders of Industry
program where students are assigned a
mentor from Portland industry.
David believes the priorities for Portland are
developing training in aged care, nursing
and childcare, as well as further developing
partnerships with tertiary institutions to
bring university education to the town.
“The students then participate in
professional development activities relevant
to their chosen field.”
David advised that the ability to run
this program was due to South West
TAFE’s partnerships with the Glenelg and
Southern Grampians LLEN, local secondary
colleges and local businesses including
Portland Aluminium, Port Of Portland, and
Glenelg Shire.
Engage | June 2012
5
I will see all the
latest make-up
and what’s in trend
at the moment,
then bring this
knowledge back
to my classes at
South West TAFE
and teach the
students everything
that I learnt.”
Above > Jodi Leahy
Bright lights and big
city set the stage for
make-up training
The bright lights of Los Angeles
may attract the biggest names
in show business, but it’s also
a place where South West
TAFE Beauty Therapy Teacher
Jodi Leahy will hone her
professional skills.
The vibrant make-up artist is flying to
America for two weeks this month and will
mingle with experts at the top of her game.
make-up artists, a walk along the famous
Hollywood Boulevard and visit behind the
scenes at Paramount and Universal Studios.
“I will see the latest in make-up and what’s
on trend at the moment, then bring this
knowledge back to my classes at South West
TAFE and teach the students everything that
I have learnt.”
She will attend a personally customised
Napoleon Perdis training course that will
equip her with special effects, glamour,
and high fashion make up skills suitable for
television and film.
“It’s perfect timing considering we will be
offering the Diploma of Specialist Make-up
Services next year—these students will learn
the latest and greatest in make-up artistry
and be at the front of their field. I also plan
on doing plenty of networking while I’m
over there and setting up some student
placement opportunities.”
Also on her busy agenda while in
Los Angeles is a visit to IMATS—an
internationally renowned tradeshow for
Upon Jodi’s return, industry representatives
from south-west Victoria will be invited to
also hear about Jodi’s travels.
6Engage | June 2012
“South West TAFE likes to engage industry
so we will be holding a regional event where
beauty therapists, make-up artists and
hairdressers will be invited along to hear
the latest in their industry through various
showcases and demonstrations to help
improve and refine their skills.”
Jodi is able to make the overseas journey
thanks to South West TAFE’s Wayne Smith
Fellowship, which is awarded once every
year to enhance personal and professional
growth for its recipients and the entire
organisation.
“It’s South West TAFE’s commitment to
providing professional development
opportunities to its employees that has given
me this incredible opportunity,” she said.
Children’s services:
closing the skills gap
A new appointment for South West TAFE is set
to greatly benefit the region’s early childhood
education and care (ECEC) sector.
The Australian Government recently appointed the Institute as an
approved provider of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for the
ECEC workforce in south-west Victoria.
According to South West TAFE’s ECEC Team Leader Di Hutchins, this
will allow a team of government-approved educators to identify
existing skills and knowledge among industry workers and, where
appropriate, give them credits towards industry qualifications. It
will also identify a shortfall of skills in the workplace and provides
recommendations for training to fill any gaps.
“We will ensure access to flexible training and education options to
meet the growth needs in this sector,” she advised.
South West TAFE joined forces with Warrnambool City Council
(WCC) about 13 years ago to support the development of the early
childhood workforce needs in the area.
One particular successful joint venture was the creation of the
popular Florence Collins Day Care Centre on Warrnambool’s Kepler
Street.
“Working together to develop a high quality children’s services
workforce is the foundation of lifetime learning for children in our
region,” said Kellie King, WCC’s Manager Community Services.
Above > Di Hutchins
“Access to DEEWR-approved RPL assessors at South West TAFE will
be a key measure to continue to assist early childhood services to
develop a well-trained, qualified and dedicated workforce to meet
the growth needs of the sector and economic and social outcomes
for the region.”
Portland award salutes
administration talent
Her office is a hive of activity with the chatter from customer dealings
and the clicking of keyboards as staff attends online enquiries.
She’s the unassuming type, known for her caring persona. Her wealth
of experience and corporate knowledge is quite remarkable. Sandra
has dedicated about 25 years to her current workplace at Glenelg Shire
Council.
In return, Sandra has received the equivalent of a standing ovation
from her peers, having just been named the South West TAFE
Administration Professional of the Year 2012 at the Administration
Professional Breakfast held by United Way and the Committee for
Portland.
Currently employed as Administration Support Officer for the
Community and Culture Department, Sandra was nominated by a work
colleague for the award, which is sponsored by South West TAFE and
recognises administration professionals within the Portland region.
“It’s nice for the administration role to be recognised as it is an
important component of all organisations,” she said.
“I am very honoured and privileged and proud to be in the company
of the other nominees who are also deserving of the award as they are
highly respected members of their organisations.”
Above > David Stafford and Sandra Robertson
Stationed in modern Portland offices, Sandra
Robertson goes about her work with precision
and professionalism.
1300 648 911 | www.swtafe.vic.edu.au
Fittingly, Sandra recently completed a short course in computing
through South West TAFE, which has helped consolidate her skills.
The Shire’s Group Manager Community and Culture, Adele Kenneally,
said that Sandra was a fine example of an administrative professional
who always goes the extra mile and adds value to her work.
Engage | June 2012
7
Workforce
planning
pays
dividends
for Bulla
Above > Jason Langdon and Kylie Vallins
A strong working relationship
between Bulla Dairy Foods and
South West TAFE has brought
enormous benefits to the major
Australian dairy company.
Bulla’s Production Services Manager Kylie
Vallins said the business relationship with
South West TAFE was very welcomed.
“South West TAFE has been extremely
helpful. They put in the time and effort to
understand the type of business we are, and
help us develop a training strategy around
real-life problems that would develop our
staff and deliver improved results based on
problems that we had identified,” she said.
8Engage | June 2012
“They helped us create a new team structure
and gain an in-depth understanding of
some of the key principals of Operational
Excellence. We now have an internal project
management system, which uses DMAIC
(Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve &
Control) as the foundation, and various other
problem-solving tools to assist us achieve
the desired business results.”
Kylie advised that due to the success of
Bulla’s new project management system, it
has now been utilised at three other sites in
Colac and Melbourne.
South West TAFE has
been extremely helpful.
They put in the time and
effort to understand the
type of business we are,
and help us develop a
training strategy around
real-life problems that
would develop our staff
and deliver improved
results based on
problems that we had
identified”
Getting
it right
for local
businesses
Employer and industry
engagement is central to
service delivery at South West
TAFE. It is part of a strong push
to align training programs
with the skills requirements
of south-west Victorian
industries.
The Employer Engagement Survey is just
one of the strategies used by South West
TAFE to measure employer satisfaction and
training outcomes. According to South West TAFE’s Research
and Surveys Officer Anne Waters, the
survey is conducted annually.
1300 648 911 | www.swtafe.vic.edu.au
“Feedback from employers through this
survey is vital— it helps us continuously
improve our services and programs so we
can meet the current and future needs of
industry within the region,” Anne said.
The relevance of
training provided
also rated highly at
95.3%, indicating that
our training programs
focused on relevant
skills, reflected current
practice, prepared
employees well for
work, and was seen as
an effective investment
by employers”
“It is so important that more feedback
options are currently being developed.
This will give employers the chance to
engage with us more frequently.”
“In 2011, employers rated overall
satisfaction with South West TAFE highly at
95.4%. The relevance of training provided
also rated highly at 95.3%, indicating that
our training programs focused on relevant
skills, reflected current practice, prepared
employees well for work, and was seen as
an effective investment by employers”.
Engage | June 2012
9
Working
with
mental
health
Above > Camilla McLeod
Camilla McLeod knows mental
health issues can spiral out of
control. She’s witnessed scores
of people in her community
experiencing emotional turmoil
from psychological instability.
South West TAFE shares a decade-long
partnership with Mind Australia, an
organisation supporting people with mental
health issues and associated challenges.
It was a need to help these individuals
reconnect with society, and the want to
banish associated stigma surrounding
mental illness, which has driven a career
change.
Last year, Camilla completed her first student
placement there and said that South West
TAFE’s partnerships with industry were
extremely beneficial to students.
Back in 2010, the Kings College Pre-School
Assistant enrolled in South West TAFE’s
Diploma of Community Services course.
Social welfare was the perfect training path
to follow her professional dreams.
“With two daughters in university and a son
in year 11, I was looking towards the future
and thinking about what I wanted to do with
the rest of my working life,” she said.
“There has always been a stigma
surrounding talking about mental illness and
I want to help break down those barriers,”
she said.
10Engage | June 2012
This union has provided valuable work
placement opportunities for many students
over the years.
“It just makes sense of what you are learning
in the classroom—seeing it out in the
workplace,” she said.
Mind Australia’s Area Manager Collette
Porter praised Camilla for her skills and
said that she had proved herself to be an
exemplary student.
“She demonstrated well-developed skills
which were far above those that would
be expected in regard to her time spent
undertaking study.”
Later this year, Camilla will complete her final
student placement before graduating with
her social welfare qualification.
There has
always been
a stigma
surrounding
talking about
mental illness
and I want to
help break
down those
barriers”
Student Placements: Spoilt for Choice
South West TAFE works with
industry to provide valuable
practical experience in reallife settings. Student work
placement locations vary from
the local region to interstate
destinations and focuses on
providing an engaging and
positive learning experience
often with real job opportunities
at the end of the placement.
Relationships with student
placement partners also ensure
South West TAFE staff are kept
abreast of changes or new service
principles in industry standards.
Keeping in touch with managers of
national companies and regional
business owners means networks
are healthy, relevant and strong.
Kyeema Support
Services Inc
Warrnambool City
Council
Lasseters Hotel
Casino, Alice Springs
Kyeema works with industry to facilitate
and support people with disabilities and
their participation in the community.
South West TAFE is a major sponsor of
the internationally-renowned Fun4Kids
Festival, an annual event run by the
council.
South West TAFE students from the
Diploma of Hospitality, Diploma of
Tourism and Certificate III in Commercial
Cookery experience an Alice Springs’
hotel or resort placement as part of their
study programs.
“We have used South West TAFE to train staff
in Certificate IV in Disability, OH&S, Training
and Assessment, and other courses. We also
happily host South West TAFE students doing
a variety of community services studies, and
aim to make their placement experience
interesting, rewarding and ‘real’ in terms of
the work they do for us. Many people come
to us with some trepidation about disability
work, but leave quite reluctantly and with an
entirely different view.
The relationship our clients have with
South West TAFE is also very significant and
probably the most important factor for me. A
big focus in disability is to use all the services
a community has to offer. Those who use
TAFE find it expands their horizons and their
social networks, and I cannot speak highly
enough of the staff who work with our crew
and make them feel welcome, excited and
challenged year after year.”
Julie Amor, Day Programs Manager,
Kyeema Support Services Inc
“Fun4Kids plays an integral role in
developing future employees for local, state,
national and international service industries
by delivering real, skills-based training to
hundreds of students.
The partnership provides hands-on learning
experiences for students studying tourism,
hospitality, events, childcare, sport and
recreation, and cookery programs at
South West TAFE. Students must put into
practice the theory they have learnt in the
classrooms; they must interact with real
customers, deal with real challenges and
find the right solutions in the immediacy of a
major event.
Past students have secured paid
employment positions at Fun4Kids in
subsequent years (post their volunteering
experience).”
Rebecca Elmes, Events & Promotion
Coordinator, Warrnambool City Council
“I highly value the partnership for a number
of reasons. Firstly, it is well established and
occurs every year. Some of the partnerships
Lasseters has formed with other education
and training institutions have been and
gone, but the partnership with South West
TAFE continues as strong as ever.
Secondly, it gives Lasseters an opportunity
to put something back into the industry in
which we are a part.
Thirdly, the students from South West TAFE
always seem to have a good time here and
enjoy the experience.
And lastly, our employees who hopefully
learn something from the students as well,
also enjoy the experience.
Lasseters Hotel Casino offers South
West TAFE students paid positions and
encourages them to return at the end of
their studies. Several students have returned,
some for a short tenure and some for many
years—I can think of five staff that have
worked at Lasseters who started out on a
placement from South West TAFE. I hope to
work with many more!”
Tim Higgins, Training Officer,
Lasseters Casino
1300 648 911 | www.swtafe.vic.edu.au
Engage | June 2012
11
Higher
Education:
Lifting the
Limits
South-west Victoria is a large,
thriving area. One of the
many things the region does
really well is higher education.
This is set to get stronger as
South West TAFE continues to
collaborate with other tertiary
institutions. Through these
relationships, the region is
set to shrug off the limits that
have restricted higher-level
education prospects in the past.
The primary aim of cooperation between
South West TAFE and other tertiary providers
is to provide better education services and
help retain a highly skilled workforce in the
region.
A network of pathways from TAFE to university
degrees is continually expanding, with credit
transfers granted from relevant qualifications
at Advanced Diploma, Diploma or Certificate
IV levels.
Synergies have also extended to resource
sharing, providing a better quality teaching
and learning experience.
South West TAFE’s 40-year relationship with
Deakin University is a shining example of success.
“We don’t see it as a business relationship,
we see it has an educational partnership
to advance the interests of the region, the
students and their families,” said Dr Greg
Wood, Head of Campus at Deakin University in
Warrnambool.
“We have created seamless pathways for
students to articulate from South West TAFE to
corresponding university programs. If people
can be educated in the region, they will
hopefully stay in the region.”
Another partnership between South West
TAFE and RMIT is set to improve educational
outcomes in Hamilton. Selected TAFE courses
will soon be delivered at the RMIT Hamilton
site, maximising the use of the township’s
extensive education resources.
“I think that in south-west Victoria we are lucky
to have strong professional relationships and a
track record of working together to help us deal
with the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
An alliance between South West TAFE, Charles
Sturt University (CSU) through the Australian
Graduate Management Consortium (AGMC),
has also enabled students in south-west
Victoria to obtain postgraduate management
qualifications. This can articulate into a
Master of Management at CSU, or give credits
towards other CSU master degrees.
The Deakin University Pathways
Award is awarded to a South West TAFE
graduate to assist with their university
studies - a testament to the commitment
of fostering further education pathways.
“It makes sense to share resources and
knowledge where we can. We can build
on investments already made, and find
more effective ways to plan and deliver our
research, teaching and learning so that the
region benefits,” Kaye Scholfield, RMIT’s
Senior Manager said.
Above > Sue Kilpatrick (Deakin), Sara Napier (DUPA
recipient) and Joe Piper (SWTAFE)
12Engage | June 2012
Melissa White
Seona Taylor
South West TAFE COURSE: Certificate IV in Nursing
(Enrolled/Division 2 Medication Endorsed Nurse)
EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP:
South West TAFE and Deakin University
CURRENT STATUS:
Working at South West Healthcare in Warrnambool as a
Division 2 Nurse while completing the Bachelor of Nursing
South West TAFE COURSE: Graduate Certificate in
Management
EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP:
South West TAFE and Australian Graduate Management
Consortium (AGMC)
CURRENT STATUS:
Economic Development and Grants Officer,
Warrnambool City Council
The thought of undertaking a university degree was quite
daunting for Melissa White. In previous years, her priorities
were raising a young family with her husband.
But the time had come when she felt unfulfilled and yearned
to further her education. After speaking with various health
professionals, she found some direction and mustered up the
courage to enrol in a course.
“Having looked into the nursing pathway at South West
TAFE, I felt reassured that their approach to study through a
supported learning environment was the way to go.”
“We were taught with a personalised, hands-on approach
as opposed to the university model of (more) independent
learning. But I was able to earn credit points towards a Deakin
degree if I did decide to go down that path.”
Melissa began to believe in herself and gain confidence in
taking her education to the next level. After completing
her South West TAFE studies, she enrolled in the Bachelor
of Nursing degree and was helped along the way through
various scholarships.
“I received eight credit points towards my degree due to my
TAFE studies, which means I have been able to decrease my
university workload by nearly a year.”
Now in her third and final year of her degree, Melissa has
already secured employment in her chosen field, something
she attributes to have a prior TAFE qualification. The TAFE
course also ‘inducted’ Melissa into studying again, preparing
her for higher education.
“The knowledge gained at TAFE has helped immensely with
my approach to study, research, assignment writing and
exams at Deakin.
When Seona Taylor enrolled in South West TAFE’s Graduate
Certificate in Management, she was seasoned in work and
study. She had partially completed a Bachelor of Arts degree
and a number of certificate-level courses across various
disciplines. Prior to having children, she had also acquired
many years’ experience in administration, management and
marketing roles.
For the past five years, Seona has worked at the Warrnambool
City Council as their Economic Development and Grants
Officer. About two years ago, an opportunity became
available for her to gain a tertiary-recognised management
qualification through the South West TAFE and AGMC
alliance. The AGMC is a unique joint initiative between
Charles Sturt University (CSU) and South West TAFE offering
a suite of practical postgraduate university courses designed
and developed to meet the needs of busy managers.
“I was able to undertake a recognised tertiary qualification
with materials provided from a remote campus, but could
then tap into local resources for tutorials, preliminary
marking and feedback of assignments and advice,” she said.
“The tutorials, which were held at South West TAFE and
facilitated by qualified educators, included students who
joined the group via conference calls, which gave me the
opportunity to discuss my studies with others who were
undertaking the same course, both locally and from all
around Australia.”
Recently, Seona gained a promotion within Council, and says
her studies were a major factor in this. Not surprisingly, Seona
is now a strong advocate for the program, believing it to be
extremely helpful for employees and their workplaces.
“Being a regional student, I can say from experience that
the partnership between South West TAFE and Deakin really
provides tremendous opportunities.”
1300 648 911 | www.swtafe.vic.edu.au
Engage | June 2012
13
TAFE
programs
address
cattle
fertility
Above > Brad Pickford with Orford Dairy Farmer Rachael
McGrath and Glenormiston College’s Rob Graham
Cattle fertility issues within
the dairy industry are being
addressed through the
development of artificial
insemination (AI) programs at
South West TAFE’s Glenormiston
College.
With the assistance of local AI companies
and Brad Pickford—the inventor of the
Breed’n Betsy training aid, Glenormiston
has developed cattle AI programs to
ensure that farmers use the correct
techniques and understand the theory
behind the practice.
Rob Graham, the Institute’s Team Leader
in Agricultural and Equine Studies, advised
that fertility issues had hampered the dairy
industry for decades.
“Brad’s programs have been particularly
successful through the use of an artificial
cow, which provides students with a
model that familiarises them with the real
thing prior to practicing on a live animal,”
Rob said.
“The dairy industry has been involved
in a number of research projects aimed
at identifying the issues and developing
strategies to reverse the trend. Some of this
has been due to genetic issues but practices
used on farm and by AI technicians have also
been noted as contributing factors,” he said.
Another initiative of Glenormiston is
the dairy cattle pregnancy awareness
program that provides farming industry
workers with the knowledge and skills to
understand the pregnancy cycle of cattle,
including determining the pregnancy and
the stage of gestation.
Trainers at Glenormiston College continue
to liaise with the dairy sector and work with
specialists to develop programs that increase
skill levels in the area.
“This understanding enables the farmer
to identify problems earlier and put plans
into place to address these.”
14Engage | June 2012
These courses
that Glenormiston
College run are
just fantastic for
us farmers. I
attended an artificial
insemination course
back in April, and
with what I’ve learnt
today I will now
be able to AI and
pregnancy test our
herd.”
Rachael McGrath, Orford Dairy Farmer
Flourishing
I.T. Company
prefers TAFE
graduates
Below > Stephen Cope and Glen Brock
We’ve gone through
stages where it has
been hard to get hold
of qualified people,
and although we also
train our own staff, it’s
always good to have
access to people with
TAFE training”
Warrnambool’s Stephen Cope
commenced his studies at South
West TAFE back in the midnineties. He was young and keen
to pursue a career in electronics.
“Nearly half our team previously studied at
TAFE,” Stephen said.
After completing a computing course, he
gained employment at a local stationery and
office equipment firm, and was swooped
under the wing of Rod Brugman. What
emerged from that business friendship
was an urge to acquire their own business.
With the honing of a business plan, the duo
set about starting eResources – providing
products and services to the Information
Technology industry. It was only the two of
them, working countless hours to streamline
their operations and attract clientele to grow
their desired empire.
He said that the training had prepared him
well for employment, as he was exposed to
more elements of the computer engineering
sector.
Over the next decade, the work would roll in
and the team numbers increase, growing to a
current staff role of 12.
1300 648 911 | www.swtafe.vic.edu.au
E-resources network engineer Glenn Brock
completed South West TAFE’s Advanced
Diploma Computer Systems Engineering in
2006/2007.
“I’d never seen the service side of things
before, so TAFE was able to teach me all
about it before I got my job and then I was
able to do more advanced things within my
position, compared to others who had no
formal training,” he said.
Stephen explained that he employed
qualified TAFE people due to their hands-on
experiences including the dismantling and
re-assembling of computers, and a good
general knowledge of networking and
operating systems within a business setting.
The Institute currently offers an Advanced
Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering
– a course that Stephen believes can be very
valuable in order to gain IT employment.
“We’ve gone through stages where it has
been hard to get hold of qualified people,
and although we also train our own staff, it’s
always good to have access to people with
TAFE training.”
According to Stephen, with businesses
increasingly reliant on IT services, a growing
need for skilled professionals is developing,
primarily within the hosting sector - cloud
computing.
“Cloud computing allows businesses to host
computer applications off-site, providing
staff access to those applications from
anywhere in the world with an internet
connection,” he said.
With the internet and computing world
continuing to boom there are ever
increasing opportunities to establish a
successful career in this industry.
Engage | June 2012
15
Training raises
standards in
Australia’s
meat industry
Industry gets to enjoy
many benefits from
MTA training programs,
including a workforce
that now understands
the requirements of the
industry and external
regulators”
Meat
Training
Provider of
the Year
Above left > MTA team members - Darren Rohan, Wayne Perry, Paul Meredith,
Shelley Dykstra and David Suggett Above middle > On site assessment and
support Above right > Working one on one with retail apprentices
Through engaging with the meat industry, Meat
Training Australia (MTA)—a training department
of South West TAFE—is developing vital
knowledge to ensure the workforce is equipped
with appropriate information and skills.
Paul advised that MTA
ensured training programs
were customised to meet the
requirements of company
policies, procedures and
regulatory requirements.
MTA’s Manager Paul Meredith explained that Australia’s red meat
industry had an enviable international reputation as a leader in food
safety, animal welfare and disease control.
This included export licensing,
food safety, QA, animal welfare,
environment, OHS and workers
compensation.
“This earns the trust of domestic and international consumers and
allows access to all global markets where collectively over three
million tonnes of Australian product is consumed each year,” he said.
MTA has worked hard to develop networks with industry
organisations including MINTRAC (National Meat Industry Training
Advisory Council), AMIC (Australian Meat Industry Council), and MLA
(Meat & Livestock Australia). MTA is also involved with Australian Meat
Processor Corporation and Victoria’s regulatory body, PrimeSafe.
The alliances provide the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge
of trends, issues and regulatory changes that affect the industry. This
can then be passed on to MTA’s clients.
16Engage | June 2012
“Industry gets to enjoy many
benefits from MTA training
programs, including a workforce
that now understands the
requirements of the industry and
external regulators,” he said.
“Another major benefit is having
our trainers based on-site at meat
processing plants. This allows the
trainees access to our trainers
at all times, and the programs
are aimed at increasing trainee
retention rates in the industry by
supporting trainees throughout
their traineeships in both on- and
off-the-job training.”
David Suggett, MTA’s training
coordinator, works closely with
the retail meat sector and along
with his peers, visits industry
apprentices in their workplaces.
“We are entering businesses,
usually working one-on-one with
apprentices, and this allows us to
address the individual learning
needs of each student and each
business,” he said.
“We tailor the training to each
apprentice’s needs and keep it
relevant to the tasks they are
performing in their job role,
while still remaining true to the
qualification.”
Flexible study delivery and
highly experienced trainers
are the reasons behind a
Melbourne-based meat
business engaging the services
of Meat Training Australia.
Continental Kosher Butchers is a processor,
wholesaler and retailer of kosher beef,
lamb, veal and smallgoods. The business
was established in 1945 and with more than
50 employees, is the largest of its type in
Australia.
General Manager Daniel Lewis advised that
the industry was experiencing a nationallyrecognised skills shortage.
“This training has not only benefited the
business, but has improved the worth of
each person trained.”
“I quickly came to realise that training
was the only answer to building a skilled
workforce,” he said.
He said that MTA offered training pathways
for trainees that had furthered their training
to become skilled supervisors. This meant
his existing workforce could be upskilled
and there was no further need to hire
external supervisors.
“Since completing my own training
contract (with MTA) where I was thoroughly
impressed with my trainer’s knowledge and
method of delivery, I have signed up about
15 additional workers in various courses and
have had significantly less staffing issues.”
The partnership between the meat
business and MTA was formed in 2006, and
according to Daniel, training packages have
been customised to suit individual needs.
Daniel explained that the trainers assessed
the trainees’ and apprentices’ abilities while
they were working, following up with oneon-one tuition in a down-to-earth manner.
“The trainers are always attentive to the
individual, regardless of age or experience,”
he said.
Kosher butcher: Building a skilled workforce
I quickly came
to realise
that training
was the only
answer to
building
a skilled
workforce”
Meat Industry
Vocational
Student of
the Year
1300 648 911 | www.swtafe.vic.edu.au
Engage | June 2012
17
South West TAFE is fostering ‘green’ partnerships to entrench sustainability
into education delivery. With the help of these alliances, the Institute’s quality
teaching staff are drawing on their experience and knowledge to design
learning programs with a sustainable flavor. Students are being equipped
with environmentally-saving strategies to take into their future workplaces.
The aim is to produce a flow-on effect that will ripple through south-west
communities and reduce the carbon footprint.
GOING GOING GREEN
Knowledge of sustainability practices
is a skill that is becoming more and
more valuable with many sectors
across Australia aiming to better
their sustainable practices and
understanding.
The Australian Government is
implementing policies to support the
transition into a sustainable, low carbon
economy. According to Marcia McCarthy,
Tourism and Events Teacher, this will
mean an increased demand for new skills,
particularly new skills for sustainability
and an enhancement of existing skills,
knowledge and practices.
“This will mean an increase in demand
for new skills, particularly skills for
sustainability and an enhancement of
existing skills, knowledge and practices,”
she said.
Skills Australia has recently endorsed the
Tourism, Hospitality and Events Training
Package to inject sustainability into all
facets of training delivery.
“In preparation for this delivery, it was
important that tourism educators develop
‘green’ skills and knowledge, and a deeper
18Engage | June 2012
understanding of current approaches
to sustainability both domestically and
internationally.”
Professional development for South West
TAFE staff commenced last year with two
of the Institute’s tourism teachers winning
fellowship awards to support education
and study in the areas of eco-tourism and
sustainability.
Marcia, along with Katrina Barnes,
attended the 3rd World Eco Tourism
Conference in Cambodia networking with
300 delegates from 25 different countries.
South West TAFE’s tourism programs
have since won the 2011 RACV Victorian
Tourism Award for Tourism Education
and Training. This was followed by a silver
medal in the National Qantas Tourism
Awards.
“These accolades are testament to the
local partnerships we have fostered,
the joint industry projects we have
been invited to participate in, and our
commitment to prepare students for
work so they can help businesses create a
greener future,” Marcia said.
South West TAFE tourism teachers are
all members of the State Government’s
Greener Government Buildings program,
which aims to produce energy and
water-savings among government
organisations.
The tourism training
programs we deliver
empower graduates
to develop a clear
understanding of the
link between tourism
and sustainable
community
outcomes. Because
our graduates have
worked at many local
festivals and events,
they have the ability
to positively promote
sustainability and
encourage patrons to
make small changes
in how they treat the
environment.”
Marcia McCarthy
Sustainable
Learning
101
South West TAFE is currently delivering
a program to skill ‘green’ trainers
and assessors in the workplace and
vocational education and training
sector.
The Certificate IV in Training and
Assessment (TAE) is re-jigged and is now
providing a qualification with a focus on
green skills, with the inclusion of a new
unit on sustainability.
“This provides you with the skills
and knowledge required to develop
sustainable learning programs,” the
Institute’s Donna Ellis said.
A new component to the course is the
TAE501A Analyse and apply sustainability
skills to learning programs unit.
“This is the first such opportunity in
our region, and will help industry to
understand how sustainable principles
and practices apply to them to give them
the edge,” she said.
This is the first
such opportunity
in our region, and
will help industry
to understand
how sustainable
principles and
practices apply to
them to give them
the edge”
Last year, Donna participated in a
sustainability pilot program at Swinburne
University. As a result, South West
TAFE was invited to become part of
a consortium led by the University of
Ballarat to deliver the new sustainable TAE
training package this year.
South West TAFE has also been part of
the National Centre for Sustainability – a
collaboration of several educational
institutes that support the development
of sustainable practices, since its inception
nearly 10 years ago.
1300 648 911 | www.swtafe.vic.edu.au
Engage | June 2012
19
TRADE ZONE
Market fresh: TAFE
teachers keep it real
South West TAFE provides a
rich and rewarding learning
environment for apprenticeship
students. Highly qualified teachers
infuse their teaching programs
with years of industry experience
and current knowledge. Students
are then polished for successful
careers in their respective
industries, ensuring their skills
impress potential employers.
Andrew Greenberger Automotive
Andrew Greenberger is one of the Institute’s
Automotive teachers and brings 30 years of
motor industry experience to the job.
Completing two apprenticeships in
mechanics and panel beating/spray
painting, as well as spending about 14
years at workshop management level in car
dealerships, he understands the wants and
needs of both apprentices and employers.
“My broad industry experience and
manufacturer training has added great value
to my role at TAFE,” he said.
“Continual contact with my network of
industry contacts keeps me up-to-date
with new technology and changes in the
automotive industry.”
20Engage | June 2012
Above > Andrew Greenberger and
Chris Lawlor Left > Jason Sealey
Jason Sealey - Engineering
Chris Lawlor - Plumbing
South West TAFE’s Engineering teacher Jason
Sealey is based at Portland Campus and has
come full circle. He once occupied the same
classroom he teaches in, when he completed
his fitter and turner apprenticeship training.
Chris Lawlor joined South West TAFE’s
plumbing teaching team after more than a
decade of industry experience.
He finished top of the class and went on
to win Rotary Club Apprentice of the Year
across all trades. He was also a state finalist.
After many years in his trade, Jason joined
the South West TAFE team and has since
enjoyed sharing his knowledge and
experience with apprentices.
“The wide variety of industries I have worked
in means I can give realistic examples to
students in the topics they’re covering,” he
said.
“Through industry experience, I’ve also
got a good understanding of the types
of tasks apprentices will face whilst in the
workplace.”
Being part of a small community, Jason
keeps in regular contact with local
employers to ensure his training programs
respond to industry skill requirements.
“During class time I like to form discussion
groups with the apprentices and talk about
the various projects they’re currently
involved in, and give them all something
to think about when they go back to their
workplaces.”
He has worked in a small local plumbing
business attending to domestic housing
work and maintenance, and a larger
company in Melbourne on commercial
building sites.
“As a teacher, I quite often use examples
from the work I was doing in Melbourne to
try to make the topics more relevant and
easier for the students to understand,” he
said.
“I consider it very important to maintain
industry connections—it keeps my
knowledge up-to-date and ensures the
information I am teaching students aligns
with the latest work practices.”
Support and wellbeing
the key to success
South West TAFE aligns with
various networks to ensure
apprentices and trainees are
well supported and retained in
their workplaces during their
initial years of training.
These alliances are helping retain workers
and securing skills for industry’s future
needs.
“We pride ourselves on quality training. If
a teacher identifies that an apprentice or
trainee needs extra assistance, then we
have access to a strong support network
to help address the situation,” said Carole
Macpherson, the Institute’s Quality Officer
for Traineeships and Apprenticeships.
The Victorian Government has developed
an Apprenticeship Support Officer (ASO)
Program to provide pastoral support for all
first-year apprentices aged 15 to 24.
ASOs provide advice and assistance on
personal and workplace issues and work
collaboratively with the Apprenticeship
Field Officers (AFO), who take care of
regulatory issues.
Below > Shane McKew and Locky Eccles
1300 648 911 | www.swtafe.vic.edu.au
“ASOs also work with Registered Training
Organisations (RTO) like South West
TAFE, Australian Apprenticeship Centres
and other service providers to deliver an
integrated apprenticeship support service,”
Carole said.
Both ASO and AFO officers are based
at South West TAFE providing teachers,
apprentices and trainees convenient access
to the services.
Since arriving, ASO Shane McKew has built
up a healthy network with trade teachers at
South West TAFE.
“Every time an apprentice or trainee signs a
contract, it falls under this Act.”
His duties include investigating disputes
between apprentices or trainees and
employers, supporting them if they
are identified as victims of workplace
violence and harassment, helping RTOs,
and providing advice on training-related
matters.
Locky said being based at South West TAFE
was definitely beneficial for apprentices,
trainees and teachers due to his easy
accessibility.
“If there is a problem with one of the
apprentices, then they (the teachers) are
very quick to let me know,” he said.
“They will contact me and then I make
contact with the apprentice or employer.”
AFO Locky Eccles works in unison with
Shane and also assists apprentices, trainees,
employers and trade teachers.
“In a nutshell, I’m an apprenticeship
policeman,” said Locky.
“I’m employed by the State Government
as an authorised officer pertaining to the
Education and Training Reform Act.
We pride ourselves
on quality training.
If a teacher identifies
that an apprentice
or trainee needs
extra assistance,
then we have access
to a strong support
network to help
address the situation”
Engage | June 2012
21
Hospitality begins at
South West TAFE
The dinners are
definitely an eyeopener as it gives us
an opportunity to view
potential employees.
We also get to speak
to other hospitality
leaders and it’s good
to sit down and talk
about some of the
common issues and
problems we have
like trying to retain
staff in our industry.”
Above > Kylie Gaston, Justin Williams and Liz Waters
An industry dinner hosted
annually by South West TAFE is
producing attractive benefits
to the hospitality, tourism and
events sector.
Each year, about 60 local hospitality, tourism
and events operators descend on the
Institute’s Endeavours Restaurant.
A dinner is prepared, cooked and served by
South West TAFE hospitality students under
the supervision of department teaching staff.
South West TAFE’s Liz Waters said that
it provided a valuable opportunity to
showcase potential staff to various
businesses, and it also allowed a chance for
teachers and industry to network.
“This creates an opportunity for industry to
provide feedback on the training South West
TAFE delivers, and to discuss specific training
needs,” she said.
“Another benefit is that subsequent to
almost every dinner, operators have sourced
future staff from among the students they
have seen working in the restaurant on the
night.”
Warrnambool Memorial Bowls Club General
Manager Stephen DeMartin attended the
dinner and was so impressed with the calibre
of staff that he hired one of the hospitality
students.
South West TAFE is able to convert industry
discussions into improved training for its
students.
“The dinners are definitely an eye-opener as
it gives us an opportunity to view potential
employees. We also get to speak to other
hospitality leaders and it’s good to sit down
and talk about some of the common issues
and problems we have like trying to retain
staff in our industry.”
The Institute also provides an ‘industry table’
where key representatives from specific
industry sectors meet at the restaurant more
regularly.
“This allows our teaching staff to speak
directly with specific sectors—such as
events—and enables them to catch up with
one another,” she said.
Quest Warrnambool’s Justin Williams said
that the dinners provided him a great
opportunity to network.
“It’s great to sit down with other colleagues
and meet the students, teachers and
coordinators,” he said
“Working with TAFE has been fantastic for us
and it’s been beneficial for the region with
the great training programs they offer.”
22Engage | June 2012
Kylie Gaston is the owner of Port Fairy’s
Charlies on East, and appreciates the
opportunities that South West TAFE
provides.
“The industry dinners are the icing on the
cake. South West TAFE is always extremely
professional in the events that they run, and
their delivery of training,” she said.
“This reflects in my staff—the ones who have
been trained or are being trained there.”
Celebrating
our regional
community
e
in the local Relay for Lif
Portland Campus joined
rs.
yea
y
man
for
ted
por
- an event they have sup
out the ’Top Dog
Our Portland team took
t site design and raised
bes
House’ award for the
the Australian Cancer
in excess of $1000 for
se.
Council cau
As an education provider and a custodian of major public assets, social
responsibility is engrained into our business. We empower our employees to
serve their communities by supporting them to take part in fundraising activities,
public events, forums and steering committees. In addition, many of our students
volunteer at local events and festivals.
We recognise that educating students requires a community effort, and
thank our regional community for their continued involvement and support.
Portland ‘Life on Line’ students participated
in the ANZAC Day Memorial service at
Portland. The students created the wreath
laid in class as part of their community
activity studies.
ents joined in
Hospitality, Tourism and Events stud
h Festival.
the festivities of the annual Koroit Iris
s helping
They worked alongside festival volunteer
ival parade,
out with children’s games, the fest
Institute’s
admission gates and operated the
.
Cart
ee
Coff
Endeavours
Warrnambool VCAl students opened the ‘Bean
Drinkin’cafeaspartofastudentprojecttolearnnew
skills and be involved in a community activity. The
cafe was a collaborative project with Brophy Family
and Youth Services, which will also raise money for
the paediatrics unit of South West Healthcare.
Warrnambool Rotary Club continued its support of
ourstudentswiththe‘WarrnamboolRotaryCluband
South West TAFE Student grant’.
ff supported the
South West TAFE sta
to support those
e
driv
il’s
unc
Cancer Co
ding ‘Biggest
hol
by
cer
affected by can
all campuses.
oss
acr
Morning Tea events’
Alan Bowes, Vice President of Warrnambool Rotary
Club presented the award to 2012 grant recipient
Samantha Bandman.
1300 648 911 | www.swtafe.vic.edu.au
Engage | June 2012
23
Real
Training.
Real
Skills.
Real
Qualifications.
At South West TAFE we don’t cut
corners or deliver half-hearted
content. Our programs are real
opportunities for you to gain the skills
employers are looking for.
With award-winning programs, services and teachers,
our organisation is committed to take up the challenge of
providing a more skilled and knowledgeable workforce for
south-west Victoria—a workforce that allows industry to
perform at its best and compete in a global arena.
It will take time and there will be costs.*Our point of difference?
Our programs will provide you with the quality of training you
need to stand out.
Stand Out with a South West TAFE qualification.
*Funding is available for eligible students. Please speak with a Customer Service Officer to determine your eligibility.
1300 648 911 | www.swtafe.vic.edu.au
engage