Murrindindi Training Needs Study Now Available
Wed, Aug 9, 2006; by Bill Coppinger.
The final report of the Murrindindi Training Needs Study completed in November 2005 is now available.
The study is the result of a partnership between the Office of Training and Tertiary Education, (OTTE), The Murrindindi Shire Council Economic Development Unit and the Board of the Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network (CRLLEN).
The study was commissioned with OTTE funding in direct response to one of the many issues that arose during the State Community Cabinet Meeting held in Murrindindi Shire in late 2004.
The aim of the study was to identify the specific skills and training needs of industry and business located within the Murrindindi Shire and to inform the planning of the State Office for Training and Tertiary Education.
The project considered what the vocational education and training needs of key industries within the Murrindindi Shire are and how a more coordinated and targeted response from education and training providers can benefit both industry as well as young people looking to make the transition from school to work or further education.
The study and its recommendations form the basis of an action plan for the Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network Murrindindi sub committee.
Manager of the Murrindindi Economic Development unit, Mr Bob Elkington said when referring to the study,
“We hope to find solutions to many of the issues facing businesses and individuals when it comes to accessing appropriate training and staff at reasonable cost”.
He pointed out some of the key themes in the recommendations including
“a lack of public transport options, the need for an on-line skills bank and shire wide training calendar and a more comprehensive skills shortage audit as integral to progress”.
“The study has given us much needed information relating to what training opportunities exist, what is needed but doesn’t currently exist and recommendations as to how we close the gap” Mr Elkington added.
The study involved consultation with many business people from all sectors including individual interviews with a number of the larger businesses in their workplace, group forums across the shire and individual input via written responses. The steering committee involved in having the report completed would like to express its gratitude to all those who gave their time as part of the data collection process.
Chairperson of the Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network at the time of the study, Mr. Gerard Hard said, "This is another excellent example of local solutions being developed that will support industry needs and better synchronise our education and training resources to support our young people and the communities they live in. The Board of the CRLLEN is pleased to be working so positively with Murrindindi Shire and the State's Office of Training and Tertiary Education”.
Current Chairperson, Mr Geoff Barrett, noted that the Board "looks forward to acting on all of the recommendations of the report over the course of 2006-07 in partnership with the Murrindindi Shire".
A copy of the final report can be downloaded here: Murrindindi High Priority Training Demand Study [13.5 MB]
The CRLLEN Murrindindi sub committee is prioritizing and actioning the recommendations of the study.
For further information about the study or the sub committee please call Bob Elkington, Economic Development Manager Murrindindi Shire Council on 0357 720 367 or email tourism@murrindindi.vic.gov.au
[Source: Murrindindi Shire]
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