Partnerships: Striking a match
Presentation by Peter Redman, Project Manager/Head Teacher, Riverina Institute with Faye Dorczak, Head Teacher Riverina Institute and Tania Brine, Strategic Services Officer, NSW Rural Fire Service
In 2000 staff from the Cootamundra campus of TAFE NSW Riverina Institute responded to an enquiry from a staff member of the NSW Rural Fire Service for training in report writing. Within a couple of months a training program had commenced with up to 35 Fire Control Supervisors from western and central NSW. Since then the relationship between the Institute and the Rural Fire Service has developed into a strong partnership.
Successful delivery
A completionrate of 90%, is a testament to successful delivery. What has contributed to this success?
- Staff at the Rural Fire Service are supported in their training by a salary structure which rewards and encourages training.
- Individual training plans. At induction, an individual’s skills are assessed for Recognition of Prior Learning and further training required for certification is identified. A training plan is then developed. Everything is aligned to a training package so that completion of even a single unit is meaningful.
- The training plan is realistic. Training must not go into the fire season. The Certificate III and IV Business Administration is therefore delivered over an eight month period, the Diploma over a nine month period: It is tough going for participants to complete in that period of time, but students are…enthusiastic people, well supported,( the) quality of work has been fantastic.
- Delivery sites are usually on the job at Fire Control Centres from Ballina to Young. The first half of delivery conatins block release; the second half is distance education.
- Assessment incorporates a relevant workplace problem. In this way a workplace problem (is turned) into assignment.
- Contact is maintained through peer groups, email and teleconferencing.
“Don’t take anything for granted…do try to add value”
A training unit for management training in emergency services has been set up by Cootamundra campus to support the on-going commercial client relationship.
The program is constantly monitored and evaluated, by TAFE and by the Rural Fire Service’s learning and development team. Both meet regularly during the year to review and plan.
TAFE service is flexible accommodating time and distance, changes in Training Packages, negotiating
new programs as required and responding quickly.
There are many rewards in the partnership for TAFE staff including the opportunity to contribute to learning in Rural Fire Service and to learn during the process. Providing a service based upon best practice and the fun of being flexible and responsive is also rewarding.
New relationships, seeing people grow and develop, and starting new challenges, joint staff development activities and the opportunity for secondment have all been identified as highlights of the partnership; especially being recognised in the TAFE NSW Quality Awards 2006.
Key to success
According to those involved success is quite simple really! It encompasses:
- Knowing your stuff
- Being able to deliver
- Passion commitment and involvement
- Relationships.
Rural Fire Service representatives were on hand to provide a glowing testimonial to” the staff at Riverina; their ongoing commitment, professionalism being able to work with them around our seasonal time keeper.”
Further resources
If you want to join the NSW Rural Fire Service, receive TAFE training, or read the Service’s Training Newsletter, their website is www.bushfire.nsw.gov.au
The Cootamundra Campus of the Riverina Institute of TAFE NSW is at www.rit.tafensw.edu.au/Cootamundra