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Technical Training Update
SKILLS TRAINING IS NOW A PRIORITY ITEM AND IS FINALLY ATTRACTING THE GOVERNMENT ATTENTION IT DESERVES.
After successfully launching a series of training programs in collaboration with TAFE Queensland, Access Service Australia have taken the model and garnered enough support to roll the program into Victoria and New South Wales. The Service Technicians course is aimed at building skills within the sector and caters for a range of abilities, from the already competent to competent new mechanics.
The program started out as a way of providing a stable footing to help prove ability, and fill the gaps of missed or forgotten knowledge missed or forgotten. The course has increased employee satisfaction, which in turn, has bolstered retention. While the course caters for a mix of personnel from varied, sometimes competing backgrounds, the course removes technicians from their silos and provides fresh challenges and learning scenarios. These class-based peer groups give a window to the other side; offering professional networking and new-found pride in their company.
The need to expand the course to the southern states soon became a priority, and with the help of Keith Clark at Haulotte Australia and Malcolm McIntosh at Genie, the course will be available in Sydney and Melbourne from February 2023.
New training focus for HRIA and EWPA
While always a keen supporter of such initiatives, the HRIA and EWPA have taken a significant step in investing in the expansion of training under the national associations, in the knowledge that such training can underpin much more. The potential is for nationally recognised outcomes, tiered skill assessments and certified technicians, to make our industry safer and set a foundation of quality.
To deliver on their new training vision, the associations needed to invest in dedicated time and people, and were pleased to announce the recent appointment of Nicolas Chiew, whose insights into the rental and access landscape are second to none. In announcing this new role, EWPA and HRIA CEO, James Oxenham noted: “A common thread between the EWPA and HRIA is the mandate to promote a safe, skilled and sustainable industry. The creation of a dedicated training division, with dedicated resources, is a direct indication of the priority we are placing on developing high quality, industry relevant training for our members.”
In taking on the newly created role of National Training Consultant, Nic commented: “I’m extremely excited to be taking on this new challenge. My previous 6 years tenure working in the National Office gave me a strong understanding of the challenges our members face and how our association can look to address these hurdles. I’m fortunate this role affords me the opportunity to work with the EWPA/ HRIA boards at a strategic high level and to work hard for our members at the ground level. I applaud the work that John and the Access Service Group have done in designing this course and I look forward to continued collaboration as the program expands nationally.”
Nicholas Chiew
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