Bendigo TAFE delivers customised training

STACEY CLARK, Course Coordinator Mining, Bendigo TAFE provides an insight into regional education.

BENDIGO TAFE delivers vocational training, education and assessment services to over 12,000 students every year. Campuses are located at Bendigo, Castlemaine, Echuca and Kyneton.

The Mining Department has been delivering training for the local mining industry since 1994 specialising in surface extraction, underground mining, exploration, mineral processing and laboratory techniques.

Training can be delivered onsite or at one of our campuses. Whether your needs are for an individual unit of competence, a skills set of clustered units or a complete qualification, Bendigo TAFE can assist to meet your needs. The training can be customised for your site and we can individualise the training plan for each person to reflect their roles and responsibilities within the workplace.

Qualifications delivered for Extractive Industries Operations are:

• Certificate II in Surface Extraction Operations (basic operator level)
• Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations (advanced operator level)
• Certificate IV in Surface Extraction Operations (supervisor level)

Bendigo TAFE also has a wide range of industry based short courses which include:

• Safe use and handling of explosives (Work safe approved – License to use blasting explosives)
• Work safely at heights
• Confined space entry
• MARCSTA general safety induction
• Introduction to geology
• Apply first aid (Level 2 workplace first aid)
• Construction Induction Card
• Collect and prepare samples
• Conduct laboratory based acceptance tests for construction materials

Traineeships are available for new entrants to the extractive industry and there are government incentives available which can cover the cost of training. Training can be conducted on site with assessors having regular site visits to keep the training program on track.

WHY TRAIN EMPLOYEES?

The following three points are important reasons to ensure that you train your employees. Each lists some benefits that employers are likely to gain from training their employees:

Productivity improvements

• Newly developed skills in the workplace improve productivity. Employees undertaking training generate new ideas and a fresh approach.
• Training is tailored so that it is relevant to the tasks being performed on the job.
• Flexible delivery methods allow shift requirements and other organisational obligations to be met.
• Employees develop efficient and effective work practices in their training.

Compliance with regulatory and quality standards

• Trained employees assist in meeting best practice standards.
• Tailored training plans to target critical skills required.
• Nationally recognised training assists in meeting regulatory compliance, and avoids health, safety and environmental incidents.
• Structured training provides consistent guidance for safe work practices.
• Structured training fosters a positive working culture

Effective workforce planning

• Qualifications can be aligned with existing job descriptions.
• Opportunity for employees with existing qualifications or skills to upgrade.
• Qualifications from other training organisations are recognised.
• Nationally recognised training provides a robust system to ensure consistency across the organisation and the industry.
• Training your employees assists in improving staff morale and retention

Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) can be utilised to recognise the skills of experienced operators. Bendigo TAFE has developed comprehensive documents for assisting with the preparation and collection of evidence to make the process easy to understand.

For further information contact Stacey Clark of Bendigo TAFE:
Phone: 03 5434 1653
Email: sclark@britafe.vic.edu.au
Website: www.britafe.vic.edu.au

TESTIMONIAL

“Iluka Resources Ltd values our continuing relationship with Bendigo TAFE as it has proven to be professional, responsive and supportive of our needs”
John McKay – Iluka Resources

60 SECONDS WITH AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER…

What is your name?
Stacey Clark

Who do you work for?
Bendigo TAFE

How many years have you worked for this business?
14 years

How many years have you been involved in the Industry?
18 years

What is your role at the company?
Coordinating mining, extractive, and related programs and courses

What does your job involve?
Conducting training/assessments, liaising with industry and developing programs to suit industries needs.

What is the best part of your job?
When both employers & employees are satisfied with the training.

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