Skills Centre update
As many regular readers will recall, CCF WA received a government grant in late 2008 to develop a Civil Construction Skill Centre. Through further consultation in 2009 with stakeholders, including members, current training clients, state and federal government departments responsible for granting our funding and other CCF Civil Train operations throughout Australia, the grant scope was changed significantly in late 2009.
Overwhelmingly, the feedback we received centred on CCF’s Civil Train role as being predominantly assessor of trainees, and a key provider of short courses. With that in mind, it became obvious that developing a live training site was less of a priority in the first instance and that resources ought to be devoted to creating a Civil Train operational centre. The operational centre will be our industry’s focal point for an increased range of short courses and be the essential hub for the expansion of Civil Construction Certificate III and Certificate IV traineeships throughout the state.
The government has agreed wholeheartedly with this approach, and for some months now we have been actively trying to find the right building to purchase, using grant proceeds. Several possible sites are being assessed and we hope to have an announcement of a preferred site soon.
In the meantime under training manager Aidan O’Grady’s leadership, Civil Train has continued to grow. Already several new short courses are being scoped and new trainees signed up. With government incentives to employers more attractive than ever, members are discovering that now is the best time to invest in training.
Please call Aidan or Rozani Ajid at Civil Train to discuss you training needs on 9240 5233.
Engagement with key government agencies
As reported last month, CCF WA continues to make significant progress in dealing with major government agencies including Main Roads, Land Corp, Water Corp and Western Power. We are looking to find more contractors, who are interested in working on either standing committees or short term project-based work groups, with these agencies. It’s fair to say that all agencies are aware of the critical need to consult with the civil construction industry before major changes are made. If we want to continually improve the safety and effectiveness of our industry it is important that we take every opportunity to contribute to this process.
In addition, CCF WA wants to create our own internal working groups to tackle particular issues members have dealing with particular government agencies, and others outside the industry. Having our own working groups, enables members to be able to raise issues that perhaps are best kept to an internal audience, while we look for possible solutions. We feel working with our own internal groups as well as being part of various government agencies’ committees and groups, gives us the optimum format for driving positive industry change.
Mike Morris, CCF WA’s GM member services is the key contact for all working groups and committees and can be contacted on 9240 5233.
On the Dockers bandwagon
Anyone who follows AFL, will know the Fremantle Dockers are hot at the moment, which is why our July industry luncheon will feature their senior coach Mark Harvey as our special guest speaker. Tickets will sell fast for this event, so contact CCF WA on 9240 5233 to avoid disappointment. (Please note these articles are written well in advance of publishing and I cannot guarantee the Dockers star will still be shining by the time of the luncheon! Please also note I am a one-eyed West Coast Eagles supporter).
