Media Release
Territory tradesmen Build Skills
Thursday 23 March 2006
Five Darwin tradespeople and one from Katherine will soon emerge with new qualifications, as they complete the last block of their Restricted Electrical Licence (RELs) training program, partly funded under the NT Government’s Build Skills initiative.
The Department of Employment, Education and Training’s Deputy Chief Executive Mr John Hassed said the Build Skills initiative was launched late last year to assist NT employers to up-skill or re-skill existing workers with appropriate qualifications and licences to practice their trades.
Mr Hassed said the development of the new Restricted Electrical Licensing training program is a prime example of where government engages with industry to build on local skills, enabling the Territory to increase the productivity of its workforce.
“The Electrical Workers and Contractors Licensing Board (EW&CLB) implemented new nationally accredited training requirements to cover various tradespeople working with electricity in a restricted capacity – trades such as refrigeration mechanics, instrumentation technicians and plumbers,” Mr Hassed said.
The first REL training program has been coordinated by the Territory Construction Association (TCA) in conjunction with EW&CLB, Advanced Training International (ATI) and GnorTop Training.
Mr Hassed congratulated the six participants for the commitment they showed in finding time to undertake the training and acknowledged the support of industry.
“The employers and employees involved really are role models for other local industries looking to increase the skill level of their workforce and ensure workers have current licenses to practice in their occupations,” he said.
“Many existing workers have substantial experience and job knowledge but either lack qualifications or have qualifications which may need to be refreshed. The Build Skills initiative enables these groups of workers to become qualified or up-grade to qualifications to current industry standards.
The Build Skills initiative is offered to cohorts of workers identified by industry associations or union organisations and their employers to increase the skill level of their workers.