AIS Newsletter November 2020

 

CEO Update

Ensuring training packages are relevant, support industry with their workforce needs and are streamlined continues to be a driver for our work. This is particularly important in these changing times as we strive to be innovative and agile in our role within the national training system.

 

At its meeting on 13 October 2020, the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) received a presentation from Larry Moore, Chair of the Electrotechnology Industry Reference Committee (IRC), who discussed the work of the IRC in developing the recently finalised Electrotechnology Training Package Release 2.0. From this work, three new Electrotechnology projects were also endorsed by the AISC to address changes in industry technologies, standards, regulations and practices.

 

A further project was endorsed by the AISC to review requirements for rail (including light rail) customer service requirements, including security, rail traffic and ticketing automation and tracking technology. This follows recent innovations in the sector and will be led by the Rail IRC.

 

On the international stage, our work in Vietnam continues to deliver strong results. AIS Global, working in partnership with local training colleges, is providing advice and developing resources to support the attraction of employees and students from diverse cohorts and to foster an inclusive and accessible learning environment. This is also enabling collaborative partnerships with local organisations and enterprises for the logistics sector. This is one of a suite of activities we are delivering to support the logistics sector in Vietnam under an Australian Government funded program.

 

Our stakeholders are always front of mind in our work. We engage with industry through our work developing industry intelligence and training packages through various mechanisms, which most recently has focused on the online space via webinars, IRC ‘Zoom’ meetings and ongoing engagement. I encourage you to explore our recently refreshed website to see what we are up to and how you can be involved and provide input to our various projects.

 

Robert Adams

CEO

 

Refrigeration and air-conditioning project

The UEE Electrotechnology Training Package Release 2 finalised transition to the Standards for Training Packages 2012. During this process, stakeholder feedback indicated several new Units of Competency and Skill Sets were needed in response to changes in refrigeration and air-conditioning industry technologies, standards, regulations and practices.

 

Recent disasters such as Grenfell Towers in the U.K and other recent commercial building fires in Australia have seen Australian regulators prioritising commonality of standards, regulations and skills development in Design, Installation and Maintenance practices in the commercial sector.

 

The AISC recently approved this work which will comprise three projects led by the Electrotechnology Industry Reference Committee (IRC).

 

The projects will see the development of qualifications to:

  • meet regulatory requirements for Technicians undertaking maintenance of air handling equipment for fire and smoke control systems including fire dampers, smoke and heat vents, and mechanical services air handlers.
  • support competencies required by electricians for the Maintenance of emergency lighting and alarm systems in commercial buildings to meet recent changes to Australian Regulations and Standards for Essential Services Fire Measures.
  • standardise training for Installing, commissioning, servicing and maintaining variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air-conditioning systems due to the increasing use of these specialised and complex systems. While the operation logic of the VRF is proprietary for each VRF manufacturer, generic underpinning skills and knowledge of the components’ operating principles and requirements are required to enable the technician to work on systems from a range of manufacturers.
 

Rail project

With rail passenger numbers steadily climbing, the customer service role is expanding and customer expectations increasing. These officers are the first line of safety for rail or tram travelling passengers and play a key role in taking care of the customer’s needs through professional, helpful, high quality service and assistance.

 

This project will review the Certificate II and III in Rail Customer Service to incorporate rail and tram automation and tracking technology service requirements. New automation systems, security and monitoring operations will also be reviewed along with some conductor roles relating to passengers to ensure alignment with the specific rail and light rail operator requirements.

 

Rail operators’ employment pathways will also be considered ensuring the qualifications meet the needs of industry. This development will assist rail operators to deal with the increased reliance on rail transport into the future.

 

Reviewing safety management system compliance requirements, will enable passengers to travel safely, with lower risk of incident or injury. This review is critical to assist rail transport operators to deal with the increase in automation for mass transit systems.

 

Support for future Aviation skills needs

AIS Acting Industry Manager Paschal Somers recently presented at an Aviation Industry Sector Panel event organised by TAFE Queensland and Aviation Australia Brisbane. The event focused on aviation industry needs to inform training and education at TAFE Queensland/Aviation Australia.

 

Paschal provided an overview of the role that Australian Industry Standards has in supporting skills standards development in the aviation industry in addition to current aviation projects, and future skills needs. The event also heard from CASA, Qantas Link, Sunshine Coast Corporation, Brisbane Airport Corporation and Aviation Australia Remote Pilot Training Department.

 

A focus on gender equality, diversity and social inclusion in Vietnam

AIS Global has supported Nguyen Huu Canh College to release its inaugural Gender Equality, Diversity and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) strategy. As a leading vocational training institution in southern Vietnam, Nguyen Huu Canh College is seeking to attract and retain the best employees and students as well as form collaborative partnerships with local organisations and enterprises. An important part of this goal to attract and retain the best is a GEDSI Strategy and Action Plan.

 

The strategy outlines four goals focused on encouraging participation of GEDSI populations in vocational training and teaching; building partnerships with organisations that can support the recruitment and work placement of students; improving learning and teaching for GEDSI groups; and attracting and retaining the best diverse talent as students and staff.

 

This GEDSI Strategy and Action Plan is intended to serve as a model for other vocational education and training colleges to highlight the benefits and outcomes from adopting and implementing an effective equality, diversity and inclusive promoting policy.

 

This program is funded by Aus4Skills on behalf of the Australian Government.

 

46th WorldSkills Competition postponed

WorldSkills promotes vocational education and training for young people in over 80 Member countries and regions. WorldSkills recently announced the 46th WorldSkills Competition, to be hosted in Shanghai, China, will now be held in late 2022. WorldSkills Competitions create a global platform to develop help young people who want to change their lives and the fortunes of their communities and societies. Visit www.worldskills.org to find out more.

 

WorldSkills Australia has also announced it will now hold its National Championships and Skills Show on 26-28 August 2021 in Perth, WA. Over 500 competitors will showcase their skills as they compete for a chance to represent Australia at the international event in Shanghai. Further details of the program can be found at worldskills.org.au.

 

 

Photo: courtesy of WorldSkills International