SA's State Parliament was recently told that a major 'Skills Strategy' being undertaken in SA would shift the State’s training system to one that is driven by the needs of industry, regions and the State economy.
Employment, Training and Further Education Minister, Paul Caica said the training system had been traditionally oriented around what training providers supplied, and the requirement that students come to them.
“The contemporary needs of industry and the workforce require a transformation in how and where we deliver training,” he said.
“That’s why an important element of the Skills Strategy is for TAFE SA to increasingly take training to industry, enterprise and learners, regardless of where they are located.
“We are making a commitment for 25% of all vocational training to be delivered in the workplace by 2012 and we are already on the way to achieving this.
“TAFE SA already delivers a significant amount of training in workplaces in regional areas with examples in shearing, horticulture and viticulture.
“Work based training offers regional solutions when location and level of demand has reduced study options for potential students.
“That’s why TAFE SA is now delivering the Diploma of Aquaculture entirely in the workplace, in both Adelaide and Port Lincoln, making it possible to deliver a course that would not otherwise have sufficient numbers of students to be viably run.
“TAFE SA is also working with a Family Therapy Centre in the city, where students undertaking the Certificate IV in Community Services Work learn in a work environment. The theoretical component is provided through interactive e-learning with assistance provided by TAFE Lecturers on site.
‘This delivery is possibly the first of its kind in Australia for community services and health training and it’s been so successful that in semester two, 60 students will receive all of their training through this model, and may never set foot in a conventional classroom.
Minister Caica said the Workplace Education Unit at TAFE SA Adelaide South had been delivering 95% of its training in the workplace for the last 17 years. Last year the unit provided specialized training in workplaces for almost 3,000 employees.
“This approach to training provides students with the opportunity to train in real work conditions and, as a consequence, they are better prepared to make the transition from training to employment,” he said.
