New disability support workers in southern Tasmania recently benefited from a virtual induction training session delivered from the other end of the State, through the Skills Institute’s new Mobile Training Centre (MTC), connected to the National Broadband Network.

 

The MTC – part of the Institute’s NBN Speed on Wheels project – aims to capitalise on the roll-out of the NBN in Tasmania to trial the provision of accessible training solutions for apprentices, trainees and employers in remote locations.

 

Equipped with 15 computers, it will provide a model for an alternative training strategy, particularly for remote and small workplaces that often find it hard to function without their apprentices required to attend training off site.

 

Skills Institute CEO Malcolm White said the MTC was visiting the three stage 1 NBN areas in Tasmania – Smithton, Scottsdale and Midway Point – providing the opportunity for remote facilitation in a virtual classroom environment in areas such as horticulture, hospitality, human services and natural resources.

 

“Today’s visit to Midway Point will provide disability support trainees with a two-hour session conducted by Skills Institute teacher, Mark Krause, who will remotely deliver the training from Smithton,” Mr White said.

 

“The training will be centred on two modules from the Certificate III in Disability qualification, covering topics such as dignity and respect, behaviours of concern, communication and sexuality and intimacy, through high resolution video resources.

 

“In addition, a live Q & A session will be held with a group of disability support workers from the Wyndarra Community and Resource Centre in Smithton, who will share their wealth of knowledge and experience in residential and community-based care, with up to 14 OPTIA students in the South.

 

“As both Midway Point and Smithton are Stage 1 sites for the NBN roll-out, the speed will be fast and should cope with the virtual classroom software as well as several High Definition videos, created for this project.

 

“Making use of the stage 1 NBN sites around the State by means of a virtual classroom will allow this type of simultaneous audio and video streaming, live questioning and feedback, virtual blackboards, workplace simulations and linkups with industry experts.

 

“We believe this mobile NBN training model has the potential to showcase a new VET training strategy across the Nation and improve the VET sector generally through responsiveness and flexibility to address workforce development needs.”

The NBN project was funded by the National VET E-Learning Strategy 2012-2015 to stimulate innovative approaches using the National Broadband Network to increase participation in training and improve the skill levels of the Australian workforce.


The strategy provides incentives and support for VET providers to use the new NBN system to improve and extend training opportunities, while furthering Australian Government policy objectives for greater participation and enhanced workforce skills.