Latest Industry News

Ergon Energy trains workforce of tomorrow with new intake of apprentices across Queensland

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:24:19 +1000

Ergon Energy has welcomed one of its largest apprentice intakes with 72 new recruits starting work – 12 of them women.

Chief Executive Ian McLeod said this was a wonderful achievement for the organisation, which remains strongly committed to training the workforce of tomorrow.

“The apprentices were chosen from more than 2000 applicants for the sought-after positions. They’ll be based at more than 30 locations across Queensland, from Thursday Island in the north, south to Stanthorpe and west to Cloncurry,” Mr McLeod said.

“The apprenticeships we offer each year reflect the changing needs of our 4600 strong workforce,” he said.
“The 2012 apprenticeships include communications technicians, distribution linespersons, systems electricians, a transmission linesperson, mechanical fitter and boiler maker.“

Mr McLeod said the number of women undertaking trades with Ergon Energy had grown in recent years, as had the number of Indigenous apprentices.

“We’re working hard to be an employer which reflects the diversity of the communities we serve,” he said.
Mr McLeod said the new intake included a mix of mature-aged apprentices and teenagers straight from school, along with 12 female apprentices and four Indigenous apprentices.

“Working on powerlines has traditionally been dominated by men. This year, for the first time, Ergon Energy will have four women beginning linesperson training,” Mr McLeod said.

“Many of Ergon Energy’s recruits hailed from, and would continue to be based in the smaller towns of regional Queensland including Gayndah, Hughenden, Millmerran, Moura, Middlemount, Mundubbera, Murgon, Springsure and Thursday Island.

“This means they won’t have to leave their homes to find work and they can gain valuable skills in a good, solid trade,” Mr McLeod said.

All new apprentices attend a week-long induction, which includes health, safety and environmental awareness training.

Depending on their chosen trades, the recruits will then undergo between three and eight weeks of technical training in Brisbane, Townsville or Rockhampton.

www.ergon.com.au

Advice offered to skilled workers to gain recognition for prior learning and experience

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:18:49 +1000

Energy Skilling Solutions, ESQ’s free career, training and skills evaluation service is reminding all job search and employment agencies in South East Queensland to refer valued clients to take advantage of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) services.

Given the critical shortage of tradespeople in Queensland it is important that job service agencies and their clients are fully aware of the available opportunities to upskill.

According to ESQ’s Skills Recognition Consultant, Patrick Wilson it is important to encourage and foster career development in the trades.

“Recognition of prior learning can provide an avenue for advance entry into related qualifications, achieving a trade outcome more rapidly than would otherwise be the case”.

The Energy Skills Solutions service is a State government funded program which provides a subsidy to those with experience in a particular area to be assessed by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) against the competencies in a national qualification.

In most cases, the RTO completing the RPL assessment will be the supervising RTO that delivers any remaining training required to complete the qualification and thereby issue the qualification, thus ensuring integrity in the RPL outcome.

RPL can also assist job seekers in obtaining an apprenticeship in that it can clearly demonstrate to potential employers of apprentice’s evidence of their previous skills and knowledge and the ‘degree of fit’ against the competencies in the relevant qualification.

Depending on how much RPL the person achieves, then they may pre-qualify for the National Apprenticeship Program which requires applicants to obtain a minimum of 40% RPL into the relevant qualification.

ESS can also assist electrical contractors who have electrical trades assistants to utilise the RPL process to become trade qualified electricians.

“We’ve had a number of situations where an employer of electrical workers has put forward their electrical trade’s assistants for RPL into the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician qualification,” Mr Wilson said.

“The person is obviously a valuable employee whom the employer has identified has the capacity to make a good tradesperson, so it makes sense to train them as an electrician.

“The RPL process provides the means to advance this process significantly.”

Energy Skills Solutions is a FREE information service provided by Energy Skills Queensland on behalf of Skilling Solutions Queensland and the Queensland Government.

For more information phone Patrick Wilson, Skills Recognition Consultant on 3277 1333 or visit:
www.energyskillsqld.com.au

Major projects report urges industry to prepare for rapid skills demand

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:09:26 +1000

Key findings in a 2012 Major Projects report released by the Queensland Major Contractors Association (QMCA) in partnership with Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) is urging the state’s construction and energy industry to start preparing for a rapid increase in skills demand.

The report identifies that the CSG to LNG industry will continue to drive business investment growth over the medium term.

Three major CSG to LNG projects worth around $45 billion are currently under construction in Queensland.

The report predicts major engineering construction projects, exceeding $100 million in value, to double in growth from a forecast of $10.7 billion in work undertaken in 2011/12 to just under $20 billion per annum in 2013/14 and 2014/15.

On a broader level, engineering construction activity is expected to exceed $100 billion per annum in 2013/2014. The upswing in major engineering construction activity in Queensland is likely to be sustained and will have a substantial impact on workforce requirements, with the report predicting a peak of approximately 30,000 engineering construction workers required by 2014/15.

The report suggests the regional focus of many mining and energy products will create substantial challenges for the construction industry.

The coming mining and energy investment cycle will drive a fundamental shift in the way construction works are delivered. Competitive positioning will be required in the building and engineering construction industries as large mining and energy projects attract skilled labour and equipment.

QMCA president Tony Hackett said the surge in major engineering construction called for a research based report to be developed to assist key industry stakeholders in their preparations.
“Major projects require a great amount of planning, control and coordination to ensure they have the skills to be delivered on time and on budget.

“The value of projects commencing in between 2012 and 2015 is larger than ever before so it is vital that the industry undertakes sufficient workforce planning to minimise cost escalations,” he said.

For more information on the 2012 Major Projects Report visit:
www.qmca.com.au
www.csq.org.au

ESQ’s Electrotechnology Pre-apprenticeship program has bright sparks ready for the job

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:09:19 +1000

Energy Skills Queensland has introduced a no cost recruitment strategy for employers which will provide hundreds of electrical apprenticeship seekers with basic training and vital skills to kick start their careers.

ESQ have selectively recruited candidates for the Electrotechnology Pre-apprenticeship Program and are now calling on Queensland electrical businesses to take advantage of the scheme by employing an industry experienced participant as an apprentice.

ESQ Chief Executive Officer Glenn Porter said the Pre-apprenticeship Program will help fill workforce needs by providing electrical contractors with keen apprentices who have already received some industry training and support.

“This is a great opportunity for electrical employers to take some of the country’s most skilled future apprentices on board,” Mr Porter said.

“These candidates have all completed a Certificate II in Electrotechnology, 32 per cent of their off the job training, a construction industry White Card, CPR training and have their own PPE gear.

“All of the candidates are ready and willing to gain an apprenticeship and to start a rewarding career within the electrotechnology industry,” he said.

Research recently under taken by ESQ indicated that approximately 39 per cent of all commencing electrotechnology apprenticeships are cancelled as a result of poor recruitment, selection and induction techniques undertaken by many employers.

“Energy Skills Queensland’s Electrotechnology Pre-apprenticeship Program will maximise successful commencement and retention of new apprentices and trainees within the electrotechnology industry by ensuring participants are job ready before jumping in to an apprenticeship,” Mr Porter said.

Master Electrician spokesperson Stacey Ozolins agreed that apprentices are vital for the future success of the Australian electrical industry.

“Everyone remembers the person who gave them a start in their career. Passing on the skills we build up over a lifetime of experience is one of the most important things we can do to keep our industry strong,” Ms Ozolins said.

“It is well documented that demand for skilled electrical tradespeople will significantly increase next year and go on to sky rocket in 2013 and 2014 due to expansion in the energy and resources sectors and the rollout of the National Broadband Network.

“The Pre-apprenticeship Program participants will not only provide an excellent springboard for employers but will also help attack Australia’s skills shortage,” she said.

“This is a big win for businesses as they can take on apprentices who already have practical work experience up their sleeve and a third of their off the job training complete. Plus this all comes at no cost to the employer.”

ESQ’s Electrotechnology Pre-apprenticeship Program is funded by the Queensland Government through Skills Queensland’s Strategic Investment Fund.

To find out more about employing one of the selectively screened program participants contact ESQ Workforce Development Consultant Jody McAully on 0488 079 370 or email jmcaully@energyskillsqld.com.au

{docs category="electrotech-employers"}

www.energyskillsqld.com.au
www.careersinenergy.com.au
www.masterelectricians.com.au

New careers in gas website portal to connect businesses in gas regions with skilled workers

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:59:07 +1000

Job seekers looking to join in on the Queensland gas industry boom, and local businesses seeking skilled workers have a new point of entry, following the launch of Energy Skills Queensland’s (ESQ) Careers in Gas website (careersingas.com.au).

The website was launched by Employment, Skills and Mining Minister Stirling Hinchliffe recently at the Queensland International Gas Symposium.

Minister Hinchliffe said the Careers in Gas website will help jobseekers keen to share in the golden age of gas development in Queensland.

“It’s a commendable initiative. It gives small and medium sized businesses in gas communities, including retailers, health providers and hospitality operators the chance to advertise local vacancies for free,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

The Careers in Gas website has been developed by Energy Skills Queensland in partnership with QGC, Santos and Origin, who jointly funded the website’s development as part of their drive to recruit Queenslanders for their large gas infrastructure projects and support local businesses in gas communities.

Energy Skills Queensland CEO Glenn Porter said the website also provides information for job seekers on the skills pathways to follow to secure work in the various in demand occupations and on living in Queensland’s gas regions.

“The three gas companies are developing gas fields in central Queensland, pipelines through to Gladstone and LNG plants on Curtis Island and they need a big workforce for the construction and ongoing operations of these projects,” Mr Porter said.

“The objective of the Careers in Gas website is to help ensure employers get the skilled workers they need and that locals are trained to take up jobs as they come on-line.”

Santos GLNG President Mark Macfarlane said the company was proud to be involved with the Careers in Gas initiative, which would open career pathways and provide additional support to those wanting to be part of the sector.

“We already have more than 1,600 people directly working on our project in Australia and we are still seeking hundreds of exceptional people to become part of a ground-breaking team focused on delivering GLNG,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“The industry will provide enormous economic and job opportunities for individuals and businesses right across Queensland in the years ahead. This new site will help people take advantage of those opportunities.”

Paul Zealand, Origin’s CEO Upstream said he was proud of the work Origin has done with Energy Skills Queensland identifying and developing skills to support the creation of long-terms jobs in the coal seam gas to liquefied natural gas industry.

“Origin already invests considerable effort into ensuring job creation, apprenticeships, graduate positions and traineeships are available to the local communities in which we operate.

This includes both jobs in the CSG to LNG industry as well as those outside of our own. So supporting this website is a perfect fit for us.”

“Continued concerns around the skills shortage and loss of young tradespeople out of rural areas and high-paying industries means we need to act now to secure the future of both local industries and townships, and this website will help achieve those goals.”

QGC Vice President Corporate Brett Smith said QGC has nearly 300 vacancies in professions covering geology, drilling, engineering, construction, project management, and administration.

“More than 4300 people are already working for QGC and its contractors,” he said.

Energy Skills Queensland leads energy industry and government engagement on vocational education and training, skills development and labour market issues.

To find out about the job opportunities in Queensland’s gas regions visit:
www.careersingas.com.au

Gladstone Workforce Skilling Strategy Graduates Help Soften Local Skills Shortage

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:51:02 +1000

One hundred local participants of the Gladstone Workforce Skilling Strategy (GWSS) are ready to address the booming energy industry’s workforce needs, after becoming the first to graduate from the leading-edge program.

GWSS fast tracks participants into essential areas of construction, engineering, administration and hospitality within booming local industries.

GWSS Project Manager Karen Bellert said 80 of the graduates have already secured jobs in local industries with more graduates finding employment every day.

“The Gladstone Workforce Skilling Strategy is not only providing participants with the qualifications and skills for a career in the energy sector, but it’s also ensuring the growing industry has the skilled workforce it needs,” Ms Bellert said.

“The early success of so many of our participants really demonstrates the local area’s need for the Gladstone Workforce Skilling Strategy.

“A shortage of skilled workers creates a potential logjam right across the Queensland economy – not just in the energy sector. This program is helping alleviate that pressure,” she said.

The first group of Gladstone graduates has undertaken industry training, participated in work experience and completed a job readiness program to give them a springboard into their careers.

The QGC Gladstone Workforce Skilling Strategy Graduation Dinner was held at the Yaralla Sports Club with 190 people in attendance to celebrate the achievements of this first group of graduates.

“It was a fantastic night. We were extremely excited to honour all of our participants and to thank those in local businesses and industry who took participants on in work experience roles or who have provided full time employment opportunities,” Ms Bellert said.

“Gladstone job seekers and those looking for a new career can still take advantage of the opportunities that are becoming readily available in the state.”

The Gladstone Workforce Skilling Strategy is funded by the Australian Government’s Indigenous Employment Program and the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

ESQ will unveil exciting plans to expand this program in early 2012.

For more information on the Gladstone Workforce Skilling Strategy contact project manager Karen Bellert on 0448 085 118 or visit:
www.careersinenergy.com.au

Queensland Telecommunications New Entrant Program Gears Up for 2012 Intake

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:12:22 +1000

Energy Skills Queensland and Mission Australia will be holding information sessions for the 2012 intake of the Queensland Telecommunications New Entrant Program.

The program will train another 83 workers between January to May to rollout the National Broadband Network (NBN) and install digital television and ADSL.

Program info sessions will be run in Ipswich, Eagle Farm, Redlands, Gold Coast and Toowoomba on the following dates:

Ipswich -11 January 2012
Eagle Farm -13 January 2012
Redlands - 27 January 2012
Gold Coast - 20 March 2012
Ipswich -17 April 2012

ESQ will be also looking for industry support for one week of work experience (ride-ons) for the participants starting in January 2012.

Industry employers looking to participate should contact Kim Hetherington on 0418 722 775.

Participants can make a booking to attend information sessions by phoning Katelyn Wathen on 07 3277 1333 or by emailing kwathen@energyskillsqld.com.au

For more information about the Queensland Telecommunications New Entrant Program download the participant flyer from the Careers in Energy website:
www.careersinenergy.com.au

Skilled Toowoomba telecommunications cabling graduates ready for work

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:27:31 +1000

Ten trained telecommunications workers recently graduated in Toowoomba to meet workforce needs in the telecommunications sector.

The Energy Skills Queensland Telecommunications New Entrant Program prepares workers for the NBN rollout, and work in digital television technologies and telecommunications networks.

The participants have successfully completed a Certificate II in Telecommunications cabling and completed work experience with local telecommunications companies.

Local job service agencies - Max Employment, Employment Services Queensland and Campbell Page supported the participants throughout the entire program.

ESQ Workforce Development Consultant, Kim Hetherington, said the program was providing participants with a career pathway, and ensures the sector has access to the skilled workforce it needs.

“This is a growing area of skills demand and the New Entrant Program is opening up opportunities and giving job seekers access to fantastic job career prospects by providing them with the necessary training,” Ms Hetherington said.

“Our first group of bright sparks have undertaken industry training, participated in work experience and completed a job readiness program to give them a springboard into their telecommunications careers.

“This program is our solution to alleviate a potential logjam across the Queensland economy because of a lack of skilled workers,” she said.

Eight Toowoomba companies gave the participants work experience while checking them out for suitability as employees.

Damian Spence of ET TV Everything Television was very impressed with his participant.

“He was keen, worked hard and knew the basics”. That’s the sort of employee I need,” Mr Spence said.

Toowoomba’s New Entrant Program will be taking on a second group of local job seekers in early 2012 to complete a Certificate II in Electrotechnology.

The Queensland Telecommunications New Entrant Program is funded through the Queensland Government Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative and supported by the Department of Education and Training through the Productivity Places Program.

Employers, find out more information about these skilled workers:
{docs category="twmba-telco-employer-brochure"}

Information sessions are being held in 2012.
Potential participants, find out more information about how you can join the program:
Queensland Telecommunications New Entrant Program

www.careersinenergy.com.au
www.energyskillsqld.com.au

www.det.qld.gov.au
www.deewr.gov.au

Bechtel announces historic intake of 400 adult apprenticeships for Gladstone LNG projects

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:57:00 +1000

Bechtel will hire 400 adult apprentices to construct three LNG plants in the Gladstone region under the National Apprenticeships Program (NAP), making it one of the largest intakes of apprentices in the nation’s history, and a huge boost for Queensland jobs.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh joined Bechtel Managing Director Andy Greig and Federal Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations Senator Chris Evans in Gladstone to make the announcement.

Premier Bligh said it demonstrates that the LNG industry in Queensland is no longer a dream, it is now a reality.

“Over the next four years alone, the industry will deliver approximately 18,000 jobs and we want to see as many of those as possible go to apprentices and trainees,” Ms Bligh said.

“The 400 adult apprentices employed by Bechtel is a great start.”

“Many will be able to get full trade qualification to work on Bechtel’s three LNG operations in just 18 months, rather than the usual four years, under the National Apprenticeships Program.

NAP Program Director Alan Sparks said Bechtel’s announcement had set a new benchmark.

“The Bechtel intake confirms that the resources sector and industry at large can successfully tap into additional and alternative apprenticeship programs to contribute to their shortfalls by up-skilling Australians,” said Mr Sparks.

The NAP scheme is an innovative alternative for talented adult Australians with extensive trade skills and experience, but not necessarily a formal qualification. It enables candidates to complete trade training based on a competence model.

The Program currently has another 1,000 workers ready to participate in the NAP initiative.

Bechtel’s Managing Director in Australia, Andy Greig, said NAP was a win-win scenario for the company and applicants.

“There are certainly skill shortages in the construction industry and we continue to look at every possible way to fill the gaps. This innovative scheme taps into a large pool of talented Australians,” Mr Greig said.

SkillsTech Australia is Queensland’s largest trade and technician training TAFE institute and the National Coordinator of this program.

SkillsTech Australia is working with the National Apprenticeships Program to train and employ adult apprentices for the CSG to LNG industry to combat skills shortages.

One of those apprentices was electrical apprentice, Ross Maidens (pictured), who was among the very first intake of adult apprentices from NAP and has been onsite with Anglo American Metallurgical Coal, in Central Queensland, since August.

Mr Maidens was originally a domestic electrician from the United Kingdom, whose qualifications are not recognised in Australia. He had been quoted $12,000 and three years, to study privately.

“It wasn’t feasible to undertake a normal apprenticeship here and support my family,” said Mr Maidens.

“This way I gain my Australian qualification and have basically doubled my pay.”

Mr Sparks stressed NAP did not represent the end of traditional apprenticeships, but rather signals the beginning of new complementary options to increase organisational capability and enhancement of skills in Australian resource companies.

Seven trades are being offered at this stage - Electrical Fitter Mechanic, Dual Trade Electrical/Instrumentation, Metal Fabrication Boiler Maker Welders, Diesel Fitters, Metal Fabrication Pipe Fitters, Mechanical Fitter and Carpentry Formworkers.

A national network of Group Training Organisations and Training Providers can facilitate recruitment and college training, from any capital city or selected regional population centre, for placement on project sites anywhere in Australia.

“Our network ensures the credibility of the National Apprenticeships Program approach and helps to deliver a truly new and balanced national concept in apprenticeship models,” said Mr Sparks.

The Program also helps ensure Australian workers fill Australian jobs - a viable, productive, long-term and sustainable complement to importing foreign workers.

“By up-skilling adult Australian workers, the National Apprenticeships Program is providing Australian workers with the chance to gain a recognised trade and significantly increase their earning capacity”

“Bechtel and Anglo-American have taken the lead in looking outside the square to fill their skills requirements and I would encourage others to consider this initiative,” Mr Sparks said.

“The NAP initiative delivers to industry a mature, trained workforce that is able to fill skills needs with talented and experienced Australians”.

How does the NAP work?
NAP is not ‘fast-tracked’. There are two stages to the trade qualification – a formal Recognition of Prior Learning process (demonstrating applicants have at least 40% of aligned trade skills); and gap training.
The Program amounts to a second chance for skilled workers, aged mostly between 25 and 45, including:
•    people who have partly completed an apprenticeship
•    permanent Australian residents with overseas qualifications not yet recognised in Australia
•    ex-members of the defence forces with aligned skills
•    people with other related trade qualifications
•    trades assistants from the construction & engineering trades

www.bechtel.com
www.careersinenergy.com.au
www.nationalapprenticeships.com.au
www.skillstech.tafe.qld.gov.au