Men's Shed helps shine a beacon for indigenous learners
08-Dec-2011
The Beacon program targets practical and relevant training options for indigenous people throughout the western region, with three organisations collaborating to ensure the program’s success.
Orana Education Centre (OEC) canvasses and facilitates participants throughout the enrolment and employment placing stages, while Western College provides the appropriate training to fit the identified learning outcomes, and the Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES) offers mentoring support for participants during employment.The key to Beacon’s success is that long term employment placement is the critical outcome, with the emphasis on employers signing up students as apprentices.
“It’s not just about training,” says Western College CEO Ron Maxwell. “It’s about matching training to the participants and to what industry and the business sector needs in terms of skills, and making sure that the end goal is always to ensure relevant and sustainable employment. It’s not about ticking boxes – training is of little use if it’s not going to lead to genuine employment outcomes.”
The final course, run over three weeks, was facilitated by Western College and comprised of two weeks’ classroom learning on OHS, communication and work planning, followed by the final week of putting some practical skills to the test, with participants creating their own wooden toolbox as a project.Program co-ordinator, Kerri Capill said the program achieved an overwhelming level of interest from suitable applicants.
“In fact, we had so many we had to limit the student numbers to ten. This was the first time Western College had run this type of course, so our resources with which to accommodate building things was nil.”
Not to be deterred, Kerri called into the Men’s Shed on Talbragar Street “to see if they would consider sharing their venue with our 10 students.“They didn’t hesitate and, with help from OEC, Trevor Johnstone, who is a qualified builder and trainer, played a pivotal role in overseeing the practical section in the final week.
“All the students enjoyed their experience of planning and building their toolboxes and by the time the course finished, three students were in the process of applying for apprenticeships.”
At the conclusion of the practical week, Western College presented members of the Men’s Shed with a Makita Cordless Drill as a token of their appreciation for the Shed’s help in completing a collaborative project that is important not only for the participants, but for the community as a whole.
Upcoming courses
Course Changes26-May-2012
Tips and Tricks in Microsoft Excel - 26 May
Current Capacity: 100% - Full
Available Places: 0
So you know how to use Microsoft Excel but want to get confident using those trickier functions? Save yourself time and frustration by enrolling in our one-day workshop where our trainer will cover the essentials and who knows what you might learn?
The following course is designed for competent computer users already familiar with Microsoft Excel.
You will learn tips and tricks using:
• Charts
• Formatting
• Formulae
• Functions
Saturday 26th May (1 Session)
9.30am –3.00pm $110.00 (Catering Included)
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28-May-2012
OHS Construction / Induction (White Card) - 28 May
Current Capacity: 10% - Available
Available Places: 9
In conjunction with WorkCover
This course covers the requirements of the construction industry regulations. Participants can receive 24 CPD points on successful completion of the course. This is also essential training for anyone seeking employment on construction sites as it assists employees to understand legislation and work with employers to meet the obligations of fostering a safer workplace.
Successful completion will lead to a Statement of Attainment for 1 unit from CPC10108 Certificate I in Construction, CPCCOHS1001A Work safely in the construction industry.
Monday 28 May (1 session)
9:00am – 4:00pm, $145 (includes catering)
Need to bring:
Students please bring identification totalling 100 points
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29-May-2012
Senior First Aid - in conjunction with Australian Red Cross - 29 and 30 May
Current Capacity: 0% - Available
Available Places: N/A
This course teaches the fundamental principles, knowledge and skills to enable the first aider to provide emergency care for injuries and illnesses in the home or the workplace.
Successful completion will result in the issue of a Statement of Attainment for the nationally endorsed unit of competency HLTFA301B Apply First Aid from the HLT Health Training Package.
Tuesday 29 & Wednesday 30 May (2 sessions)
8:30am - 5:00pm $170.00
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