Media Statements: Statements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx RSS feed for the Statements list. Department of the Premier and Cabinet Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:45:04 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 Media Statements: Statements /_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx Lifeline for Pilbara’s Australian Technical College http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132741 Content:

Pilbara’s Australian Technical College (ATC) has been saved by the Western Australian State Government from looming closure at the end of the year.

 

Training Minister Peter Collier today announced the State Government would assume responsibility for the operations of the college to allow it to remain open.

 

“Without this action, students would not have been able to complete their studies and others could not have enrolled for 2010,” Mr Collier said.

 

“The Government has made this decision in the interests of the local community and industry.

 

“This situation has occurred because the Federal Government Act covering the operation of the Pilbara ATC will cease at the end of the year, which means the college could not receive more funding.

 

“We have a strong interest in the ongoing operations of the Pilbara ATC and the State Government encourages training and education models which have positive results for Aboriginal people.

 

“The college’s operation will be reviewed in the broader context of providing sustainable training and employment opportunities for the Pilbara’s Aboriginal people.”

 

The college caters for Year 11 or Year 12 students who want to begin a trade apprenticeship while completing their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) at the Pilbara TAFE’s Pundulmurra Campus.

 

Mr Collier said the Government wanted to ensure all Western Australians had access to first-class training opportunities wherever they lived.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7150
Date: 5/11/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Training
Region: Pilbara
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:03:49 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132741 Developing a workforce for the future http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132733 Content:

Construction industry employers would benefit further from taking on apprentices from January 1.

 

Training Minister Peter Collier today invited Western Australian businesses to take part in shaping their future workforce when he released an issues paper to help drive the development and co-ordination of future skills and labour needs.

 

Mr Collier said the issues paper, WA’s Workforce Development Plan: ‘A Skilled Workforce for the Future’, would guide workforce development policy and training delivery in line with the needs of the growing economy.

 

“Workforce development is aimed at building, attracting and retaining a skilled workforce to meet the State’s economic needs of the future,” he said.

 

“With the unprecedented scale of resources projects planned for Western Australia, there will be a significant increase in the demand for skills and labour in all industries and regions.

 

“It is imperative we build the supply of skilled workers to increase our long-term productivity and capitalise on opportunities as they emerge.”

 

The Minister said construction industry employers would receive up to an additional $2,000 for apprentices completing their training from the beginning of 2010.

 

Mr Collier said the Building and Construction Industry Training Board decided to raise the maximum subsidy to $9,000 as an incentive to increase apprentice intakes, following a 40 per cent drop in commencements in 2009.

 

“The board believes many employers in the construction sector are still concerned about the economy and the bonuses are aimed at easing uncertainty,” he said.

 

The board has applied an additional 10 per cent increase for country apprentices in the south of the State and 20 per cent for those in the north, bringing the subsidies to $9,900 and $10, 800 respectively.

 

The eligibility criteria for employers employing mature-aged apprentices has changed from 30 to 21 years of age.  This mature-aged subsidy is a bonus payment of up to $3,000 in addition to the existing subsidies for employers.  The subsidy recognises the increased costs associated with employing mature-aged apprentices.

 

The Minister said the WA’s Workforce Development Plan: ‘A Skilled Workforce for the Future’ would address key areas such as:

 

·           labour market demand and supply on an industry and regional basis

·           identification of skilled worker and labour shortages

·           enhancing attraction and retention of skilled workers

·           increased participation in the workforce

·           the need for whole of government co-ordination

·           targeted use of migration

·           the need for comprehensive career development

·           enhancing the training and workforce development culture of organisations

·           strategies and actions to address issues and gaps.

 

“This will help ensure future skill shortages are minimised and WA is in a strong position to respond to economic opportunities that will emerge,” Mr Collier said.

 

Development of the plan will be a consultative process, with submissions to be invited and a series of stakeholder forums and workshops arranged.

 

The plan will be co-ordinated by the newly created Department of Training and Workforce Development, which came into effect last week.

 

“As the name suggests, the new department will place greater emphasis on workforce development,” the Minister said.

 

“In addition to its vital training role, the new department has broader responsibility - to build, attract and retain a skilled workforce to meet the economic needs of this State.

 

“The department will work collaboratively and co-operatively with industry, the community and Government to maximise workforce participation and provide a seamless transition from training into employment.

 

“Work is already occurring between industry and government stakeholders to identify workforce development implications of resources and construction projects, including the Gorgon project.”

 

Mr Collier said these initiatives continued the Liberal-National Government’s commitment to jobs and training in WA.

 

A copy of the issues paper, WA’s Workforce Development Plan: ‘A Skilled Workforce for the Future’, is available on the Training WA website http://www.trainingwa.wa.gov.au/dtwd/detcms/apprenticeships-and-training/training-and-workforce-development/wa-workforce-development-plan-a-skilled-workforce-for-the-future.en?page=2 or by phoning Gary Fitzgerald on 9238 2460.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7150
Date: 4/11/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Training
Region: All
Attachments: http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Attachments/132733/Collierworkplacedevt041109.mp3
]]> Arbouin, Shane Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:52:36 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132733 Training together-working together forum held in South Hedland http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132723 Content:

Initiatives to boost employment and training for Aboriginal people in the Pilbara will be developed during the Training together-working together round table conference in South Hedland today.

 

Training Minister Peter Collier said the conference was part of extensive State-wide engagement, consultation and planning to enable Aboriginal people to develop the workforce skills necessary for sustainable employment.

 

“There are many excellent initiatives under way in the Pilbara involving partnerships with training organisations, employment service providers and the resource industries, but we need to look at what more can be done,” Mr Collier said.

 

“We need to make Aboriginal people more aware of employment and training opportunities, and see if there are better ways for them to link to those opportunities.

 

“The discussion will also focus on the major role that Aboriginal and other businesses can play in training and employing Aboriginal people.”

 

Today’s forum will be conducted by State Training Board chair Keith Spence and Dr Sue Gordon, who co-chair the Training together-working together committee.

 

Training together-working together was launched in September and similar round table forums have taken place in Kwinana and the South-West.

 

Other regional conferences will be held before the Training together-working together Aboriginal Workforce Development Summit is held early next year.

 

The Minister said Aboriginal leaders from WA communities comprised more than half of the committee.

 

“Training and employment are building blocks for improving social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal people,” he said.

 

“Individual committee members will play a leading role in their respective industries and communities to ensure the plan is based on research and analysis of the key issues and needs of stakeholders.”

 

Mr Collier said the State Government wanted all Western Australians to have the skills to be part of the State’s economic future.

 

Minister's office: 9213 7150
Date: 3/11/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Training
Region: Pilbara
]]> Arbouin, Shane Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:39:05 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132723 Unique partnership delivers first graduates http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132694 Content:

Training Minister Peter Collier has today congratulated the first graduates of a unique program at Acacia Prison.

 

The Certificate IV in Small Business Management program was developed as a partnership between CY O’Connor College of TAFE in Northam and Acacia Prison’s registered training organisation, ASPAC Training.

 

“This is the first time that the prison’s education centre has teamed up with a TAFE college in Western Australia to provide added expertise in the classroom,” Mr Collier said.

 

“It was an opportunity to further broaden the range of study and vocational training options available to prisoners.”

 

The course was delivered by lecturing staff from the college, with 63 prisoners taking part and nine completing the full Certificate IV program.

 

A further 26 prisoners received a Statement of Attainment in recognition of the work they have completed to date, while another 10 received special awards to recognise their efforts.

 

“Education and training is a critical building block to ensure access and employability for people in the world of work, especially after they leave prison,” the Minister said.

 

“The partnership with CY O’Connor has been very encouraging and will continue to be a feature at Acacia.”

 

Mr Collier said training delivered at Acacia Prison was aligned with the Liberal-National Government’s vision set out in Training WA - a blueprint unveiled in May to transform the State’s training system.

 

“It is important that all Western Australians don’t miss out on broader training and employment opportunities that are starting to unfold in our State,” he said.

 

“WA is leading the reform of the training system nationally to make it more responsive and flexible, with industry an important partner in achieving this reform.”

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7150
Date: 28/10/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Training
Region: Wheatbelt
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:31:26 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132694 New mine in the city opened under Northbridge http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132673 Content:

Central TAFE students can now get a feel for working underground without leaving Northbridge, thanks to a new $98,000 mining training tunnel.

 

Training Minister Peter Collier today officially opened The CUT Mine, a former service tunnel under the college’s Aberdeen Street campus, which was converted with the support of industry.

 

Mr Collier said the simulated underground mine was the first of its kind in Western Australia and meant students would no longer have to travel 500km to get a taste of life underground.

 

“This project demonstrates the Liberal-National Government’s vision to create a contemporary apprenticeship and traineeship system that is responsive to industry needs,” he said.

 

A set designing company converted the tunnel, lining the cement walls with material to simulate rock faces containing copper, gold and nickel.

 

The ‘mine’ also includes a refuge chamber, donated by MineARC, which is identical to those used in industry.

 

The Minister said this facility, backed by industry support, would help Western Australians gain skills and qualifications to be a part of the State’s economic future.

 

“Students who are undertaking the Certificate III in Mining Exploration will use the tunnel to learn face mapping techniques and basic mine safety,” he said.

 

“Graduates of the six-month course will go on to be employed as exploration field assistants, pit technicians and underground geo-technicians.

 

“Working underground is not for everyone and The CUT Mine gives students a realistic taste of spending long hours with the only lighting from a lamp on their helmet.”

 

Opening the facility also marked the start of a new era for Central TAFE, as Mr Collier unveiled the college’s new name - Central Institute of Technology.

 

This is in response to the Minister’s call to provide colleges with greater autonomy, giving them the opportunity to become more flexible, innovative and effective in a competitive marketplace.

 

“The new identity is the latest evolutionary step for Central, the State’s oldest post-secondary education institution which first opened its doors in 1900, as Perth Technical College,” Mr Collier said.

 

“It also represents a fundamental change in our approach to managing training in WA, providing the opportunity for colleges to present themselves as independent centres of excellence and specialisation.”

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7150
Date: 23/10/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Training
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:25:19 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132673 $3.3million boost to South West Regional College of TAFE trade training http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132646 Content:

Trade training at South West Regional College of TAFE (SWRC) received a major boost today with the opening of a $3.3million upgrade to its building trades precinct.

 

Training Minister Peter Collier opened the new centre - which now includes a plumbing and gas fitting workshop - which is the only major facility of its kind in the region.

 

Mr Collier said apprentices would benefit significantly from this and enable them to train locally in an environment equal to any in the metropolitan area.

 

“The new site includes mortar trades and plumbing sheds, two small rooms where students and lecturers can review their work, two new classrooms and enhanced office and storage space,” he said.

 

“The precinct’s upgrade means the South-West is now more self sufficient in providing skilled workers for the local labour market.

 

“In addition to plumbing, the precinct will accommodate other trades such as bricklaying, plastering, tiling, painting and wall and ceiling fixing in modern facilities.”

 

The Minister said the new centre also included a water recycling system designed by lecturers and installed by apprentices. This enabled no mains water needed to be used during plumbing training.

 

“There are also plans to install a system to recycle all of the mortar and lime used during training by apprentice bricklayers,” he said.

 

Mr Collier said the improved facilities would provide a simultaneous training hub for both the building industry and for schools.

 

“Training for the Building and Construction Industry Training Fund introduction program, ‘Try A Trade’, will also be conducted within the precinct,” he said.

 

“The State Government is determined to seeing people who live in regional areas receive the same training opportunities as those in the metropolitan area, allowing them to gain the skills and qualifications to be part of the State’s economic future.”

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7150
Date: 19/10/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Training
Region: South West
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:03:55 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132646 South-West working together to close employment gap http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132632 Content:

The first in a series of landmark discussions throughout regional Western Australia has been held to help close the gap between training and employment between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

 

Training Minister Peter Collier and members of the Training together-working together Committee (a sub-committee of the State Training Board) met with business, industry and community members in Kwinana and Bunbury today.

 

The Training together-working together initiative, launched by the Minister last month, is a centrepiece of the Liberal-National Government’s commitment to increasing the number of Aboriginal people in training for ongoing employment in WA.

 

Mr Collier said the first meetings were aimed at boosting sustainable employment and economic development opportunities for Aboriginal people in the South-West.

 

A focus of the meetings was the Gnaala Karla Booja Employment and Economic Development Agreement, signed recently between the Gnaala Karla Booja people, Newmont Asia Pacific, South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, and the State and Federal governments.

 

“This agreement goes well beyond what is required by Native Title processes and provides an opportunity for a long-term relationship between industry and the traditional owners of the region,” the Minister said.

 

“Key to this agreement is the employment of at least 100 Gnaala Karla Booja people on the Boddington Gold Mine, and training and support for these employees.

 

“Other important objectives in the agreement include retention plans for Aboriginal students in secondary school, scholarship and cadetship opportunities, and assistance in business and enterprise opportunities.

 

“Clearly this agreement presents exciting opportunities for Aboriginal people in the South-West.”

 

Today’s meetings also focused on:

  • ways to prepare and support Aboriginal people for education, employment, business and enterprise opportunities in the region
  • ways to ensure Aboriginal people are aware of these opportunities
  • identifying key service providers to support industry and Aboriginal people
  • investigating how similar agreements can be rolled out across the region.

“WA is on the cusp of strong jobs growth, so we are determined to support the work being done to boost Aboriginal employment and workforce participation not only in the South-West but across the State,” Mr Collier said.

 

“The Training together-working together committee will strengthen opportunities that enhance Aboriginal involvement in industry training and employment, as well as Government decision making, both at central and local levels.”

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7150
Date: 16/10/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Training
Region: South West
]]> Antartis, Jill Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:13:08 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132632 New skills kitchen provides new opportunities in hospitality http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132595 Content:

Training Minister Peter Collier has opened a new $2million skills kitchen at West Coast Institute of Training’s Joondalup campus.

 

The kitchen is a welcome boost to the Institute’s West Coast Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, providing industry-led equipment for bakery and pastry training and increasing by one third its capacity for cookery students.

 

The development aligns with the Liberal-National Government’s vision to create a skilled workforce and contemporary apprenticeship and traineeship system.

 

“This is the first facility of its kind to be developed in Perth’s northern corridor, offering state-of-the-art resources to train new and existing workers in pastry and bakery cooking,” Mr Collier said.

 

“It will allow students to gain the required knowledge and skills in an environment that reflects industry standards.

 

“The new kitchen will also be used by local businesses keen to use the facilities to help with their skills training and staff retention strategies.”

 

With industry sponsorship of major equipment, the academy will deliver training in Certificate III in Pastry Cooking; Certificate II in Baking; and Certificate III in Combined Trades; in addition to its highly sought after Certificate III in Commercial Cookery.

 

“This will further strengthen the academy’s industry links and position it as a centre of excellence for hospitality in Western Australia,” the Minister said.

 

“Providing facilities to accommodate pastry and bakery training will increase apprenticeships in these trades and assist in addressing the skills shortages experienced in these areas.”

 

Mr Collier said the new kitchen supported the Government’s commitment to see all Western Australians with the skills and qualifications to be part of the State’s economic future.

 

“WA is leading the reform of the training system nationally to make it more responsive and flexible, with industry an important partner in achieving this reform,” he said.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7150
Date: 9/10/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Training
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD
]]> Antartis, Jill Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:52:08 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132595 Student graduation provides opportunities in maritime industry http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132534 Content:

Training Minister Peter Collier today celebrated with school students who have graduated from an innovative training program in the Peel region.

 

The Hooked on Fishing Youth Maritime Program was developed in partnership with Challenger TAFE, the Mandurah Offshore Fishing and Sailing Club and Street Net, offering new pathways for students who were disengaged from school.

 

About 200 Year 10 students have taken part in the program since it started.

 

“This is a unique training initiative, providing a solid foundation for young people to pursue a rewarding career in the maritime industry,” Mr Collier said.

 

“Many students have already gone on to work in a number of areas, such as fishing, maritime tourism, shipbuilding, environmental protection and hospitality.

 

“The program has also opened opportunities for further study within the maritime and fishing industries.”

 

Three courses are run each year, catering for up to 12 students who gain a Certificate I in Fishing Operations, as well as a Recreational Skippers Ticket and senior first aid certificate.

 

The Minister said the Liberal-National Government was committed to seeing all Western Australians with the necessary skills to be part of the State’s economic future.

 

“The Government has introduced a raft of initiatives to boost training throughout WA to deliver a contemporary and relevant training sector that is responsive to industry and community needs,” he said.

 

“We will continue to work collaboratively with local organisations and industry to ensure the State is in a strong position to take advantage of new employment opportunities that will emerge.”

 

Minister's office - 9213 7150
Date: 25/09/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Training
Region: Peel;Eastern Metropolitan;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs
]]> Antartis, Jill Fri, 25 Sep 2009 02:22:46 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132534 New facility will provide boost to skilled workforce http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132501 Content:

Training Minister Peter Collier has marked the start of construction of a new facility in Clarkson that will inject significant numbers of skilled tradespeople into the workforce.

 

Trades North, operated by West Coast Institute of Training (WCIT), is expected to open in early 2011, enabling apprentices and enterprises to access local trades training.

 

The new centre would support the Liberal-National Government’s vision to create a skilled workforce and represents yet another milestone in the Government’s strategy to transform the State’s training sector.

 

Mr Collier said the $23million facility would assist in providing a highly-skilled workforce into the future for the building and construction; electrotechnology; and light manufacturing industries.

 

“The new centre will support jobs growth and provide industry-led training to ensure a sustainable workforce for the future,” he said.

 

“It will provide training for up to 450 school students, apprentices and existing tradespeople each year in bricklaying, plastering, tiling, carpentry, joinery, engineering and electrical trades.

 

“Training will be contemporary and relevant to prepare students for the many employment opportunities that lie ahead, as we enter a new phase of economic growth.”

 

The Minister said Trades North would help increase retention rates in the north-west metropolitan region by positioning Clarkson as a ‘first choice’ education and training precinct.

 

“The centre is located adjacent to the Clarkson Community Senior High School, adding another training campus for students in the northern corridor,” he said.

 

“For businesses, Trades North will provide an opportunity to identify their training requirements as well as gain access to a higher number of skilled tradespeople in their local region to fuel their workforce.”

 

Minister's office - 9213 7150
Date: 18/09/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Training
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD
]]> Stratford, Pamela Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:06:51 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132501