In 2008 Central TAFE embarked on a new and exciting mode of training for surveyors in the Goldfields and Pilbara regions without the need to travel to Perth. Central TAFE and several large mining companies have joined forces to provide a work based training program (WBT) for surveyors that will help address the current skills shortage in the industry.
A Central TAFE surveying lecturer, flies to Kalgoolie and Newman for two days every fortnight, to provide specialised training, onsite assessment and assist with the accreditation of prior learning (RPL). While responsibility for learning still rests with the individual, each student has the opportunity for ‘one on one’ tuition with a lecturer that allows them to progress through the course at their own pace.
And what a pace it has been so far! Results have far outstripped expectations, with most students completing over half of the Certificate IV in Surveying (Mining and Engineering) in 9 months. While this progress is expected to slow once students begin second year, the opportunity for RPL increases as the skills they have gained in the workplace align better with subjects in the Diploma in Surveying (Mining and Engineering).
The concept of work based training is not new, and has been trialled successfully in the past by Central TAFE at Kambalda and Norseman. However, this is the first time that a group of mining companies have combined resources to provide the financial and logistical support to sustain a long term training commitment. While Central TAFE funds the lecturer time via student enrolment, other costs such as airfares, accommodation, car and venue hire, tuition fees are spread equally through the mining companies on a per student basis.
Central TAFE’s WBT program is sufficiently flexible to allow students to begin their studies at any time and at any level. Old and partially completed qualifications can be mapped across to the new Advanced Diploma in Surveying to ensure that all students meet the academic requirements for mining authorisation.
Central TAFE is committed to continuing with this program providing there is sufficient industry interest and enrolment to support the training costs.
If you would like more information on this program or wish to speak to a training consultant, please contact Central TAFE Surveying at Leederville campus on (08) 9202 4366 or email peter.douglas@central.wa.edu.au