Building Practical Skills for the Walgett Community

10-September-08

Walgett TAFE College has launched a new project to enhance vocational skills in the Walgett community.  The, Building Practical Skills project is a joint partnership between TAFE NSW - Western Institute, Best Employment, Murdi Paaki Enterprise, Walgett CDEP and Centrelink. Building Practical Skills

The program will enable participants to gain a Certificate II in Skills for Work and Training, an OH & S white card, a Chain Saw Licence, a Chemical Handler's Certificate and Statement of Attainments in Rural Production Studies, Construction, Welding and Horticulture.  They will gain experience in installing, maintaining and repairing fences, small motor and machinery maintenance, handling livestock using basic techniques, knowledge of planting trees and shrubs and paving techniques.

Mrs Shirley Bleechmore, Head Teacher for Access and General Education with TAFE said, "The course has a flexible, hands-on approach to delivery and we hope that this will lead to many more courses for the Walgett community. The course is being delivered by qualified and experienced teachers from a number of TAFE faculties."

Mr Beau Thorne (BEST Employment) said, "Julie Casey of ESO BEST Employment instigated discussions with TAFE to develop this course. She was keen to look at alternative methods of content delivery for industry training and this program which is ideal for the employment needs of the local area, is a result of her efforts."

"We are also very proud of the people who have enrolled in the course, they have shown a commitment to enhance their skills and improve their employment opportunities. Students will be supported all the way through the course and the partnership stakeholders are working together to ensure that students have the best chance of successfully completing the program".

Mr Jason Wright, Contract Manager for Murdi Paaki Regional Enterprise said, "This is a wonderful opportunity for Walgett CDEP participants to be involved with other registered jobseekers in training that has been designed to cater for the skills shortages in the area.

"It is great to see our CDEP participants, young and old so excited about taking part in the training.  I would like to congratulate all participants taking part in the course and wish them every success."

The course started on 2nd September and will run for three days a week until July 2009.