Josh helps the homeless

New elearning builds capability

The number of members accessing online learning more than doubled in 2019 as our people embraced more modern approaches to training. First Aid, Thermal Imaging Camera Awareness and Brown Coalmine Firefighting are just some of the elearning packages rolled out on CFA’s Learning Hub (learninghub.cfa.vic.gov.au) in the past 12 months. Most of the new packages are adaptive to our people’s skill sets, which means that prior learning and experience are recognised and learners don’t have to sit through information they already know. Fire Weather, Asbestos Awareness, Intermediate Bushfire Behaviour, AIIMS Awareness, and Driving Policy and Legislation are the next packages to roll out. DCO Training Gregg Paterson said more than 9,150 members completed online learning across 35 courses in 2019 – double that of 2018. “Digital learning isn’t designed to replace face-to-face training; CFA people receive more than 500,000 hours of formal and informal training each year across the state,” Gregg said. “What it does do is help us meet the demand for training.” “Relying on in-person training often means waiting to complete qualifications and competencies if sessions are full or if they have to travel long distances to join a course.” Gregg said face-to-face training would still be available to members who prefer to learn in a classroom setting. “The digitisation of some of our programs helps us to deliver more flexible, consistent and targeted training to brigades, particularly for individual, role-specific training and response activities.

Left and below: Two of the available online training modules are Thermal Imaging Camera Awareness and Brown Coalmine Firefighting

“In some cases, members will soon be able to complete the majority of their training online before completing a smaller, practical component in person. “If you prefer to participate in face-to-face training, this will continue to be available to you through your district office.” To find out more about digital learning at CFA visit The Learning Hub or speak to your district office. The new digital learning packages are funded under the State Government’s $60 million investment in the Victorian fire services as part of the 2017 Fire Services Statement.

STORY SHAUNNAGH O’LOUGHLIN