Mount Isa apprentices thrive with 'model' training program

A TAFE program to improve literacy and numeracy among Mount Isa apprentices is so successful it shapes as a model for apprentice training across Queensland.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said this in Mount Isa today when he launched the Bligh Government’s revitalised Queensland Skills Plan 2008, which addresses skills shortages and reforms to vocational education and training.

Since 2007 all apprentices employed by the Xstrata company have undertaken the customised TAFE program, conducted on-site by a specialist teacher from the Mount Isa campus.

“Maths skills and literacy are crucial for trade apprentices, and in the past two years this program has produced excellent results,” Mr Welford said.

“These young people are achieving great exam scores and their retention rate is 84 per cent, which is well above average. Just recently, for example, 14 apprentice electricians at the company completed stage one – and every single one achieved honours.”

The 10-week program was conducted at the Xstrata Skill Centre and prepared stage one apprentices for their TAFE block training. The three-hour workshops offered literacy tutoring but focused on revising basic maths skills and introducing trade maths.

Member for Mount Isa, Betty Kiernan, said another customised TAFE program, for Indigenous employees at Oz Minerals’ remote Century mine, was also achieving outstanding results.

“This program involves TAFE business teachers and supporting tutors flying to the mine every fortnight to run full-day tutorials for trainee administrative staff,” Ms Kiernan said.

“It has been so successful with one group of 13 Indigenous trainees, all women, that nine of them have achieved their Certificate II in Business Administration and are now tackling the Certificate III course.

“This is an excellent outcome which benefits both individuals and their employer companies who face a challenge to recruit enough skilled staff.”

The Queensland Skills Plan 2008 continues the Government’s determined drive to increase skills of individual workers, as well as addressing changed labour market conditions.

Key measures and strategies include:

• Funding of high-level training for 450 engineering associate professionals;
• A new program to help young people aged 18-24 secure work, including paid work placements, job preparation assistance and accredited training;
• A pathway into mining sector employment for 240 Indigenous Queenslanders through subsidised pre-vocational training (partnering Queensland Resource Council);
• Involving industry to a greater degree in the development of vocational training programs; TAFE teachers to spend time with local industry to increase skill levels.

To download a copy of the Queensland Skills Plan 2008, go to www.deta.qld.gov.au/skillsplan

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 0419 734 985