At its November 2008 meeting, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) made significant commitments on skills and workforce development. The Commonwealth agreed to fund 100 per cent of the cost of training places for job seekers and up to 50 per cent of the cost of training places for existing workers. The States agreed to fund 40 per cent of the cost of training places for existing workers, with the remaining 10 per cent to be met by private contributions.

 

As a result of discussions EE – Oz has been successful in securing funding for a “Gas Operations” pilot project.

 

The project will deliver a training program to up-skill existing workers in Origin Energy (LPG) and Thiess Services (Natural Gas), involved in the supply of energy on a national scale, . The provider for the training will be GippsTAFE with the UEG06 Gas Training Package being used for both organisations.

 

EE – Oz has established a steering committee that will have ongoing involvement with the project, with a timetable of meetings and report back deadlines set for the year.  Employees from Origin and Thiess Services will be involved.

 

It is anticipated that 115 participants will achieve either Certificate III or IV in Gas Industry Operations.

 

As mentioned earlier this is a pilot project that EE – Oz Training Standards will be trying to expand in the future and with their standing as one of the leading Industry Skills Council in Australia, I am confident that they will do everything possible to achieve that.

 

The upshot of the expansion of the program is that they members will be able to enhance their skills and credentials and the employer will have the opportunity for their employees to improve their skills and credentials at a minimum cost.