Gazette THE
Monthly Newsletter October 2014 Volume 5, No 8
Job rewards in the pipeline Starting a trade apprenticeship is an investment in a career that promises manifold rewards a few years down the track. But changing from one trade to another and starting as an apprentice when you’re in your 30s and have a young family takes a degree of courage. For plumbing apprentice Murray Cameron, though, this move has been as rewarding as it has been challenging, and a recent $1000 windfall from water heater manufacturer Rheem has helped to relieve the financial burden. Murray was one of only 25 throughout Australia to receive the Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grant, which he plans to spend on a kit of cordless tools, including a drill, screwdriver, circular saw and angle grinder, to help him to
Murray Cameron is one of only 25 apprentices plumbers throughout Australia to receive a $1000 Rheem grant. tackle the diversity of tasks he will work on during his apprenticeship and when he gains his plumbing qualification. It is this diversity of work which attracted Murray to the trade, and which gives him job satisfaction day to day. While working as a reticulation installer,
Murray was attracted to the plumbing trade. Having completed the preapprenticeship course, he said he was pleasantly surprised when he secured an apprenticeship with Active Plumbing. He finds the technical aspect of the trade stimulating and interesting. Continued on page 2
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Job rewards in the pipeline From page 1 “There’s a lot to learn and you’re thinking all the time,” he said. As he approaches the end of his first year, Murray has experienced roof plumbing, new gas and water installations for homes and some commercial work. The institute’s Plumbing Lecturer Warren Sloss said Murray was an excellent student who completed work to a very high standard. “He takes on a guiding role in the class,” Warren said. “He is always listening and very keen and committed,” he added. For his part, Murray is optimistic about his move to take on an apprenticeship at
There’s a lot to learn and you’re thinking all the time.
a mature age, and expects to reap the benefits in spades when he qualifies. He is clearly happy he changed tack to what he knows will be a rewarding career. “It was absolutely the right move, I’m very glad I made it,” Murray said.
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Green-thumbed visitors stop to smell the roses The institute’s horticulture section is blooming for spring. With colours of every hue saturating flower beds and vegetable bounties for the picking, the gardens made an inspiring walk for a recent group of a dozen men from Albany’s dementia respite centre Hawthorn House. A break in the rainclouds allowed the visitors, many of them keen gardeners, to take a relaxing tour of the gardens and nursery with Horticulture Lecturer Leah Goodrem, who pointed out areas of interest and fielded questions. The group were clearly impressed with the extent and quality of the training facilities at the Environment and Primary Industries complex.
Visitors Phillip, Jim and Keith enjoy the colourful displays in the nursery.
Lecturer Leah Goodrem shows off a three-legged carrot and explains the reason for the mutation.
Leah and the group of men from Hawthorn House make their way through the gardens to the nursery.
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From the MD’s Desk Welcome back to everyone for Term 4, when we hit the downhill run to Christmas. We have only eight weeks until the institute closes for the year, so we have a busy six weeks in which to complete all work and assessments. Financially, we are travelling well but we still have some work to do in the portfolios to achieve training delivery targets. I am confident our extra efforts in the coming weeks will ensure we reach 100 per cent of profile by the end of the year. Reconciliation Action Plan The launch of our Reconciliation Action Plan will take place in front of M Block on Monday 27 October. We will welcome Reconciliation WA board member Jim Morrison, who will launch the plan, and Aboriginal Elders and community members. We will be entertained with traditional music and dancing, and a feast prepared by the Aboriginal community. Staff and students are welcome to attend and enjoy this wonderful cultural experience. See the story on page 6. Health block opening and 40th anniversary celebration More than 150 people are
expected to attend our celebration next Friday, 31 October. Training and Workforce Development Minister Dr Kim Hames and Regional Development Minister Terry Redman will officiate at the opening of the block. For the anniversary, special guests Graham Jeavons, a former college counsellor who will travel from Perth with his wife Anne, and well-known local artist Joan May Campbell will be acknowledged for their submission to a time capsule interred in 1979. The contents of this capsule will be revealed and Minister Hames will seal a new one for opening in 2054. Our longest-serving staff member Terri Michael and Graham Jeavons will be invited to cut our birthday cake. A light lunch will be served after the proceedings, and a film from the 1979 time capsule will be shown on a screen in the massage room. This will be a momentous occasion for our institute, and a fittingly historic way to lead into the Anzac Albany weekend. Aboriginal Programs On 14 November, we bid a fond farewell to Aboriginal Programs Manager Shirley Hansen, who is taking leave
until the end of 2015. I send my best wishes to Shirley and thank her for her excellent work to produce the Reconciliation Action Plan. This has meant a great deal of consultation with the Aboriginal community and organisations for most of this year, and has resulted in an exemplary document. I thank you sincerely for your hard work, Shirley, and join all your colleagues in wishing you all the best. Student Services TAFE admissions are progressing very well this year, with our first preferences 45 per cent up on the same time last year. This compares favourably with the state average, which is 35 per cent below the number at this time last year. Student Support and Business Systems staff have been working together to manage and implement the unique student identifier (USI), which is a requirement for students enrolling in 2015. Basically, this means any student enrolling in a course must have a USI or the institute doesn’t get funding. So it’s important we make every effort to implement this strategy. University pathways Articulation agreements have been renewed with Edith Cowan and Curtin, and agreements are being reviewed with Southern Cross and Murdoch. We expect to sign an agreement with the
Great Southern Gazette – October 2014
From the MD’s Desk
University of WA on a confirmed pathway from a diploma to a degree, and we are liaising with that university about providing one year advanced standing for our business graduates. Teaching and Learning Portfolio The 2015 professional development plan for lecturers has been included in the institute’s business plan. New AQTF standards will be introduced for 2015 and next month, the Training Accreditation Council (TAC) is holding information sessions which the institute’s executive will attend. The Environment and Primary Industries Lecturer Ron Gray has attended a meeting of the Aboriginal Training Council. Ron is the council’s Great Southern board member. The portfolio is negotiating a potential partnership with the Department of Parks and Wildlife and South Coast Natural Resource Management for the 20 Million Trees project. This is an exciting project which promises great outcomes. Trades and Allied Industries Ken Clark and Kathy Keay met Terri Thompson from Albany’s new Apprenticeship and Traineeship Company (ATC). The portfolio will work closely with ATC for the best outcomes for apprentices and trainees. Workforce development Members of the Katanning Workforce Development Alliance are considering a draft profile of the Katanning region and their comments will be used to inform the institute’s workforce development plan, which is due for completion this year. Facilities M and A Block refurbishments have been delayed, but these buildings should be ready for occupation in the new academic year. Numerous projects have been progressed
5 or completed, including sewerage, fire and gas upgrades which have necessitated digging all over the northern side of the Albany campus for several weeks. Thank you for your patience during this work. Information Technology All staff are now using the single sign-on system which included a username change. IT has commissioned a service to allow staff to transmit very large files that are beyond the capabilities of the email system. Sustainability Fourteen information signs, forming a sustainability trail from D Block to the rear of R Block, are expected to be installed by the end of the month. These use the QR code system, for which you use an app on your smartphone, so there’s no paper involved. I envisage this will be an excellent training resource and encourage staff and students to learn more about what the institute has to offer in sustainability initiatives. The Denmark campus will participate in the Greenskills Sustainable Living Expo in March. It will host an open day in the organic garden certified by the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia (NASAA). Demonstrations will include making compost tea, micro brewing and the benefits of healthy organisms. Good news Congratulations to new parents Leaya Bailey and Jay Rowles. Leaya and her husband Brendon welcomed Campbell Wolfe Bailey on 17 October, then on Saturday 18 October, Sonny Albert Rowles was born to Jay and his wife Nova. Jay’s baby will no doubt soon be kitted out in Dockers gear, but we don’t know yet what little Campbell’s proclivities are going to be! All parents and babies are doing well, and I welcome the little ones to the institute family. I send my congratulations also to Rachael Coole, who announced her engagement recently. I wish Rachael and her fiancé every happiness for the future. Until next month, happy reading. Lidia
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Great Southern Gazette – October 2014
Great Southern Institute Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa, Aboriginal Programs Manager Shirley Hansen, Aboriginal Programs Assistant Melissa Meyer and Aboriginal Education and Employment Training Committee Chair and Aboriginal Elder Ezzard Flowers with the institute’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
Plan formalises cultural alliance Great Southern Institute of Technology will formalise its commitment to the Aboriginal people of the region with the launch of its Reconciliation Action Plan on Monday 27 October. Guest speaker at the launch will be Noongar man and Reconciliation WA board member Jim Morrison. The event will also be attended by Elders and members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Noongar performers Graeme Simpson and Gillian Woods will set the scene for the celebration with a performance of didgeridoo music and traditional dance, and at the end of the ceremony, guests will enjoy traditional food. Aboriginal Education and Employment Training Committee Chair and Aboriginal Elder Ezzard Flowers, who will perform the Welcome to Country at the ceremony, said the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan was an excellent initiative. “Education is an important part of
reconciliation,” Ezzard said. “This plan reflects the hard work building up to reconciliation,” he added. “It is the culmination of the understanding and respect built up between the college and Noongar people.” Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa said the institute, which had grown strong relationships with the Noongar community over many years, actively supported reconciliation through its role as an education organisation. “Through consultation and collaboration, real progress has been made in the areas of vocational education and training for Aboriginal people,” Lidia said. “With strong relationships in place, the next step has been to formalise this institute’s commitment to a greater understanding between Aboriginal and nonAboriginal people through a Reconciliation Action Plan,” she added. The launch will be held on the lawn in front of M Block at 10am.
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Abilities high on agenda at book launch A collective of organisations working together to advocate employment for people with disability has produced an information booklet, which it launched on Wednesday at the institute. Designed to encourage employers to consider a person with disability when recruiting staff, the booklet details the benefits to the employer as well as to the prospective employee. Topics such as support, work health and safety, financial assistance and insurance are covered, and examples of successful work placements are highlighted, demonstrating the qualities of reliability, motivation and loyalty which employers frequently attribute to people with disability on their staff. A collaborative effort by employment services and education and disability support agencies, the booklet was developed as part of an ongoing program to help people with disability to transition to employment. The launch was attended by about 50 people, including employees and representatives of agencies working with people with disability. At the launch, two young people with disability spoke to the gathering about their own work and the personal benefits of being employed. Tyson Lane, who has worked in hospitality and is currently a job-seeker, said working with customers was
At the book launch are Wendy Macliver of Great Southern Institute, David Arys of Options, Dale Arthur of National Disability Coordination Officer Program, Tracy Neilson from Great Southern Personnel and Robyn Sellenger of Albany Secondary Education Support Centre.
Kate McRae, Cleo Tozer, Ronnie Koster and Jason Ball were among the class of students producing an excellent afternoon tea. very rewarding, particularly when he received compliments. “It encourages us to do better and go faster,” Tyson said. “We’re loyal people, and I believe we need a chance to get into the workforce,” he added. Great Southern Institute of Technology Disability Liaison Officer Wendy Macliver, who facilitates vocational education and training for people with disability, said the book was a valuable resource. Providing hospitality at the launch were students of
the Certificate I in Industrial Skills, part of a Creative Catering program which introduces the various aspects of cooking for commercial operations. The students impressed the gathering with their professional presentation of a wide variety of finger food for afternoon tea, which they had prepared in the institute’s training kitchen. Copies of the book, titled Employing People with Disability, are available from Great Southern Institute of Technology by phoning Wendy Macliver on 9892 8741.
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Great Southern Gazette – October 2014
Kadadjiny Noongar Moort
Girls learn the beauty of training... A group of North Albany Senior High School students enjoyed a pampering session from Great Southern Institute of Technology’s beauty therapy students as part of a program at their school. The students are in the Rising Albany Yorgas (RAY) program for Noongar girls, in which they work towards achieving good results at school with the focus on training for a rewarding career. With the help of Tricia Denton of Tricia’s Model Management, the girls have been learning about grooming and make-up, skills which build confidence while they have fun. The workshop also gave the institute’s students the opportunity to hone their own skills.
Shanel Turner learns a few make-up tips from Shelly Hodge.
Shantay and Sheyanne Tidswell learn from Sarah Cartwright and Tenika Heng.
Shontay Woods.
Shantay and Sheyanne Tidswell admire the result of their make-up session.
The beauty therapy students and RAY program girls exchanged lively banter.
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Kadadjiny Noongar Moort Carlton Godfrey.
Damien Blurton.
... and men tool up in the workshop In the institute’s carpentry and joinery workshop, seven Aboriginal men have been learning some valuable basic trade skills as part of the Certificate I in Industrial Skills. Under the guidance of program coordinator Rod Connell, the group have spent time in various workshops at the Albany campus, Fabian Roberts.
learning carpentry and joinery, tiling, copper welding, plastering, bricklaying and metal arc welding. As part of their 15-week course, they have put their skills to good use by constructing a pipe storage area at the back of the plumbing workshop. Laurence Williams.
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Keeping abreast of the latest developments and best practice in industry is a primary aim of Great Southern Institute of Technology lecturers and program coordinators. Students enrolling in courses can be confident they are receiving up-todate training to industry standards, and employers can expect a level of competence from those trained on our campuses. All lecturers are encouraged Section 4to participate in industry consultation and attend seminars and conferences, and portfolio budgets allow for The VET Practitioner Capability Framework professional and career development opportunities. The Gazette’s series of articles on provision of cutting-edge training The Capability is presented in two ways. View 1 uses framework trainer or assessor progresses in their role. View 2 uses the level continues this month withFramework a look at the capability which helps the domains and skill areas as an organising principle: this makes as the key organising principle: this is useful for looking at what it easy to see how each capabilityand or skill area develops individual needs to demonstrate at their respective level. to identify areas for development, the roleas the of our anprincipal lecturers.
Capability Framework by Domains and Skill Areas New takeVIEW on1: Thesupport for lecturers Lecturers at the institute value the availability of one-on-one support from Principal Lecturers Ruth McLean and Ray Tuckey. While changes to the structure of the principal lecturers’ duties will lend a different complexion to the service in 2015, lecturers can be confident this support will still be there. Ruth explained a draft PD program for next year was in the pipeline, to include formal workshops and structured sessions. This will be allied closely with the VET Practitioner Capability Framework issued by IBSA and illustrated in the image on this page. The capability framework reflects the skills competent people use in teaching, assessment, industry liaison and compliance with AQTF requirements. Six skill areas – or methods of working – comprise evidence-based practice and research,
Systems & Compliance
Teaching
DOMAINS Industry & Community Collaboration
Assessment
Capability framework reproduced courtesy of IBSA (Innovation and Business Skills Australia).
leadership, ethics, cultural competence, innovation and communication. This framework, Ruth explained, demonstrated factors identified in best
practice, and helped lecturers to determine areas for professional development and detect gaps in their knowledge. Continued on page 11
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New take on support for lecturers From page 10 Ruth said a copy of the framework in poster form had been supplied to all the sections, but she and Ray would happily supply more detailed information on the framework and show how it could be applied to assist lecturers to identify areas for development. The flexible approach outlined in the framework will ensure lecturers benefit from information and training which is most
appropriate to their individual situation, which may mean they will not need to attend as many face-to-face professional development sessions in 2015. Lecturing staff are welcome, as always, to discuss issues and ideas with Ruth or Ray, however both principal lecturers will spend more time in the classroom next year – Ruth in the Health Sciences and Community Services portfolio and Ray mainly allied with the Teaching and Learning portfolio.
Plucky Jess gets on her bike for a cause Rain and blustery winds in Perth did not deter Skills Development Centre Portfolio Administration Officer Jess Johnston from getting in the saddle last weekend and pedalling her heart out to raise funds for cancer research. Taking part in the SunSuper Ride to Conquer Cancer, Jess was one of more than 1000 riders. For completing the 100km ride on the Saturday, Jess raised sponsorship exceeding $3800. “It was an excellent experience, I had the best time,” Jess said, though she conceded she had been saddle sore at the end of the day. She is looking forward to riding in the event again next year, and plans to train harder to complete the ride more comfortably. “I didn’t care about my time, I was just glad to finish,” Jess said.
Jess Johnston raised $3800 for cancer research from her recent 100km cycle ride in Perth.
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Lecturer calls the shots on make-up As part of their course, beauty therapy students at Great Southern Institute of Technology practice applying make-up for various themes. Putting their creativity and enthusiasm into practical projects, they explore the possibilities of make-up application for a diversity of purposes. With Beauty Therapy Lecturer Alison Sharpe’s recent experience to call upon, the group can now look forward to learning about make-up for the film industry. Alison explained she had been invited by former beauty therapy student Tania Tysoe, who had moved to Perth since graduating last year, to work with her for a day or two on a feature-length film being shot on location near Perth. Tania was working for independent film maker and director Craig Eccles, an acclaimed storm photographer, who had given valuable experience to performing arts students and others working behind the scenes. The film, titled The Loop, is a paranormal thriller about four young adult storm chasers and a terrifying night when they fight for survival. While Tania worked on the hair, Alison took responsibility for the make-up, though she said Tania usually handled both. Despite the film’s relatively low budget, Alison said she had been impressed with the professionalism of the production, and the discipline brought to the film set by the experienced production team, which included Darren Everett as first assistant director and Jenny Friend as script supervisor. “It was fascinating meeting them all,” Alison said. “Jenny was in charge of continuity, which is a challenging job,” Alison said, explaining hair, make-up and costumes had to be exactly the same to the last detail in identical scenes shot at different times. Continued on page 13
‘The Loop’ Director Craig Eccles, Beauty Therapy Lecturer Alison Sharpe and First Assistant Director Darren Everett relax between takes.
Alison touches up make-up between shots.
Alison prepares to work on actress Monique Eccles’s make-up.
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Lecturer calls the shots
Actor Michael Rainone gets his make-up done by Alison Sharpe (above) and his hair by former Diploma of Beauty Therapy student Tania Tysoe (below).
Do you have an idea for an article in The Gazette?
From page 12 “Hair has to be trimmed a tiny bit so it doesn’t look longer if there’s a few days between takes,” Alison said. “I was interested in how forgiving the camera was, and I was surprised at how makeup for films was a lot more natural than theatrical makeup.” Her admiration for Jenny and her work brought a greater pay-off than Alison had expected when Jenny offered to visit the institute later in the year to talk to the students about film production and the demands on the make-up artists. “We can learn so much from Jenny, and the students will find her really interesting,” Alison said. As for her own experience, Alison said her time on the set had been extremely valuable. “It was brilliant – I absolutely loved it,” she said. “I have made a lot of contacts and they have invited me to work on the set again at any time,” she said.
Email marketing@gsinstitute.wa.edu.au
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Volume turned up on shirts for a day Flamboyant, flashy, gaudy and garish may have described the garb some staff sported for Loud Shirt Day last Friday, but they took it on the chin. The brave souls who turned out in their
most lurid gear raised a total of $142.70 to improve the lives of deaf children. Well done, everyone, including those who didn’t dress the part but were happy to donate to the cause.
ARE YOU A LECTURER NEEDING SUPPORT?
Principal Lecturers are here to support you to deliver the best possible training experience for our students. We offer a range of workshop-based and ‘at-your-desk’ support including: • Help with validation and pre-audit preparation • Coaching and mentoring for new staff • Moodle support from beginner to advanced. We are also able to set up individual and small-group sessions on any training or assessment-related topic.
Phone Ray on 9892 8831 or Ruth on 9892 8759
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Leah Goodrem and Laura Dall’Olio select colourful specimens for the Albany Show.
Students spring into action for show The warm spring weather has brought the green-thumbed among us out into the garden to tame the winter weeds and enjoy lush floral displays. For some Great Southern Institute of Technology students, the weather also signals their final preparations for the Albany Show, which this year will take place on 7 and 8 November. The students of the Certificate III and Diploma of Horticulture and Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management have been potting, feeding, pruning and trimming their show specimens. They nurture their plants and monitor them for pests, disease and damage, then select their best specimens for the show. Preparation started just after last year’s show, when that group of students were fresh from the event, and full of ideas and enthusiasm. Leah said this year’s classes took over and have nurtured specimens for the
pelargonium, fern, cactus, succulent, annual, potted colour and vegetable classes. A show submission is a requirement of their course and forms part of their assessment. In addition to this year’s crop of students, some of the institute’s former students will be showing. Leah said the horticulture section was a traditional part of the show and still one of the most popular attractions. “Lots of people still make a beeline for it, and this section attracts people of all ages,” Leah said. She encourages all institute students and staff to enter the horticulture section, and she can supply details, help and advice for anyone considering entering. “You might be surprised at how good your specimen is,” Leah said. “If you are thinking of entering in any category, go for it,” she added.
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Get Walking Over October With the weather warming up, now is a great time to get out the sneakers and do a bit of walking. It’s a terrific way to socialise and walking also provides excellent health benefits. There are some terrific walking activities happening at the moment that will keep you motivated and moving! Walk Over October is a state-wide program that focuses on the environmental, transport, recreational and health benefits of walking. You can organise a walking event with your community group or workplace or even take the online walking challenge. Visit www.walkoveroctober. com.au for the details. Alternatively you might prefer to walk the Gibb River Road! Diabetes WA has just released the next Get on Track Challenge and you can register a team now to take on the 660km journey through the Kimberley. It’s a virtual walk which starts on 1 December and you make progress along the track by doing regular physical activity (such as walking) and eating two serves of fruit and five
Bush walking is a great way to exercise. serves of vegetables each day. You can monitor your team’s progress along the Gibb River Road online. Register now at www. getontrackchallenge.com.au. So why is walking so good for you? • It reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke
• It helps you manage your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol • It reduces your risk of diabetes and some cancers • It improves balance and coordination • It makes you feel energetic and happier See you out there!
This column courtesy of Great Southern Population Health. For more information, phone 9842 7500 (Albany) or 9821 6287 (Katanning).
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Safety First With Rick Muller
Did you spot all the hazards?
Congratulations to Natalie Hudson and Jaime Eatt, who each won a $50 live works voucher for spotting more than five hazards in the August health and safety competition. Here are the answers – how many hazards did you spot? Objects should not be placed in front of a heater. Ergonomic hazard – pinching the phone can cause neck problems.
Heaters are very hazardous and must be placed in a safe area, well clear of any combustible materials. Open drawer is a trip hazard.
Electrical lead under chair can cause chair to lock and tip over. Leads under desks should be secured. Files not secured.
Glass of water balancing above electricity. Handbag should not be on the edge above a heater.
Exposed extension leads should have a trip-safe cover on them. Emergency equipment not easily accessible.
Files must always be stored in a safe area, not under desks or in walk areas. Cables and powerboards under desks and tables must be secured.
Hazardous chemicals should be in a safe designated storage area, not on a meeting table.
Psychological hazard - stress, harrassment. Lexy gave it her best shot to look stressed and physically harrassing Kristine by pointing and shouting. Well done to the actors.
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Seeds
OF SUSTAINABILITY
Greening program pays dividends As part of their course at the institute, Katanning students of the Certificates II and III in Horticulture have planted about 15,000 trees this year. Under the guidance of Horticulture Lecturer Mark Randall, the students have carried out the project for their unit ‘Implement a plant establishment program’. The trees have been planted for a number of sustainability reasons. These include revegetating ecological corridors to protect native species’ habitats, preventing salinity on farmland and preventing invasive species dominating natural habitats. Trees have been planted on a Katanning farm and on the edges of the Katanning creek, and rubbish and debris have been cleared from water beds. Approximately 120 trees are needed just to absorb the carbon emissions during a car’s lifetime. This student group has not only cancelled out their own vehicles’ lifetime ecological footprint, but also contributed to reducing that of other people. – Rachael Coole