Industry training update

In the last quarter of 2022, the EWPA and HRIA drafted a strategic learning and development plan to meet the current and emerging needs our members. This formalising of strategy speaks to the heart of what we’re all striving to achieve: a safe, highly skilled, profitable and sustainable industry. Fundamental to achieving that vision is our training, learning and education offering.

Many members are aware of our existing portfolio of training, learning and education. While these have existed for various periods of time, our new plan offers something that was not previously available: a dedicated resource to drive and execute this strategy.

A key element of my role as the National Training Consultant is also to proactively engage members across the country to ensure they’re utilising what’s currently available so we can gain an understanding of what is needed to support their businesses. It’s an opportunity that I’ve been enthusiastically throwing myself into! Whether we meet online or face-toface, it’s a great way to gain a greater understanding of their current needs and what additional learning products we need to support them.

The good news is that the reaction from members has been really positive. A great example is the EWP workshops we’ve been running specifically for technicians. While the Australian Standards say you must be ‘competent’ to work on an EWP (MEWP), the definition of ‘competency’ is very broad and difficult to define explicitly. Meeting ‘competency’ requirements is something we’re looking to address. Our training is specific to this industry, developed by key stakeholders, run by the peak industry body, and delivered in partnership with educational professionals (Registered Training Organisations, TAFE etc). So, if you were looking to build a case for competency, our EWP workshops are a great foundation. We’ve now run the workshops in three states with around 100 technicians participating and are in the process of developing the next modules of learning. Watch this space!

Over the next six months, I’ll continue to engage with members and take on board their feedback. While my focus will be on a rolling out our existing offerings on a national level, we’re beginning to develop new offerings on subjects where members have indicated a need for specific modules of training.

We also need to appreciate the broader implications of offering industry training. While safety, sustainability and profitability are always front-of-mind, having comprehensive, standardised training, education and learning available to members is a great value-add for this industry. With skills shortages across so many industries, the challenge is attracting talented people to work with us. As an association, there are many things we’re already doing in this space, however we know that the more you engage people with learning opportunities, the higher the retention levels will be. People feel more valued, stay longer, gain more skills, are safer and more productive. If we can also offer a defined career path, that’s a win for everyone.

If you’re keen to find out more or would like to talk about training in your business, please reach out.

nicolaschiew@ewpa.com.au

Ph: (02) 9998 2255