06 Dec New construction course seals TAFE partnership
North Coast TAFE and the Slim Dusty Centre and have joined forces in a 10 year partnership that sees the centre play host to a range of practical training courses.
“The partnership provides TAFE with an onsite training room as well as the project work to give students hands-on experience. We’re starting with a Certificate II in Construction, which is an entry level qualification to work in the trades and construction industries,” says Mark Whitehead, Leader of Community and Business Engagement for the Macleay Valley.
“This is a brand new way of delivering a course completely off-campus. What’s unique is that students get to complete a certificate and do the practical work at the new Slim Dusty Centre in Kempsey,” says course coordinator Ian Skaines.
“Students will be building things like display shelves, cabinet work, office walling and redesigning the café to incorporate a commercial kitchen facility to meet community demand,” says Ian.
“This qualification is recognised in the industry and means they will be able to work in building and construction or on the roads. They will also get their white card from Work Cover which is essential for onsite construction work. It means they are truly work-ready,” says Ian.
“It’s also a pathway course from construction worker to qualified tradesman as the core units they complete gives them direct credit towards a Certificate III course such as plumbing, carpentry, painting and decorating, tiling, paving or concreting,” says Ian.
“The partnership between North Coast TAFE and the Slim Dusty centre opens up the doors of opportunity. In the future we will be able to run courses such as tourism and hospitality, events management and barista training,” says Mark Whitehead.
“It’s all about mutual benefits. The centre benefits, TAFE benefits and ultimately the community benefits by getting the centre up and running,” says Mark.
The Certificate II in Construction starts in February 2015, for one semester, three days a week.
There will be an information session about the construction course at the Slim Dusty Centre on 2 February 2015 from 9-11am. For more information contact the Customer Service Centre on 1300 628 233.