Durack Institute of Technology and Mid West Regional Council are collaborating to develop resources in an online mode to enable the provision of Certificate IV in Frontline Management training to employees of the seven combined Shires within the Mid West Regional Council.
The project, called E – Local Works, is being funded by the Department of Employment, Education and Workplace relations (DEEWR) and provided through the Australian Flexible Learning Framework for the embedding of innovative e-learning practices into business, education and training providers.
This funding is specifically to develop the learning resources for this qualification into an e-learning package that meets the needs of a regional community. The funding also allows DIT to trial the delivery process whereby training is conducted in an online mode with use of a Learning Management System and Web conferencing. This mode of delivery provides convenient access to training in the outlying regions and eliminates the requirement for participants to travel to Geraldton for workshops, tutorials or training sessions.
Throughout the project Durack Institute of Technology will be investigating potential key issues such as the internet infrastructure in regional Mid West and whether or not this mode of delivery is suitable for regional clients.
It is proposed that this training will commence with a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process followed by gap training. Possible clients will be Supervisors and Managers within the Shires of Mullewa, Morawa, Three Springs, Mingenew, Coorow, Perenjori and Carnamah.
Training will comprise of skills sets in relation to human resources; financial; risk and project management. The BSB4087 Certificate IV Frontline Management can also be closely mapped to LGA40204 Certificate IV Local Government Administration and LGA40404 Certificate IV Local Government (Operational Works).
The course development, including an initial pilot of a skill set via online training, will be completed by 30th November 2010. It is anticipated that the first skill set will be ready for enrolment of students in August 2010. The project updates can be followed at http://innovate2010.wikispaces.com/E-Local+Works
These combined funded programs will have the long term effect of creating a highly skilled workforce within the region, tailored to suit the existing and future needs of employers. It will enable participants to take new skills forward into the future, and value adds to the expertise and experience that exists within the Regional workforce.