Training more critical than ever but new approaches needed

This story quoting our CEO, Chad White, appeared in the Newcastle Herald on June 21, 2018.

The CEO of one of the region’s leading Registered Training Organisations (RTO) says training is more important than ever to organisations but that new approaches to training are what will help to skill them for greater success.

Chad White from Forysthes Training says with organisations facing more change to their business and regulatory environment, it is vital that staff have the skills and competencies to continually adapt to the ever-changing nature of work.

He cites recent changes the NSW Government made to the Maintenance of Competence Scheme as one example of regulatory change. Minimum hours of technical and non-technical learning over a five-year period are mandated for people in the resources sector who hold a practising certificate issued by the NSW Resources Regulator.

Similarly, the Australian Government has turned training and assessment training on its head in a bid to overcome serious deficiencies in the level of skill and competency among the tens of thousands of people with training or assessment functions which is saw as a threat to Australia’s productivity and competitiveness.

Many people in the mining, local Government, manufacturing and education sectors need to undertake training to meet the new requirements. Forsythes Training was one of the first RTOs in Australia to be an approved TAE40116 course provider and has adapted it courses in light of the Maintenance of Competency program.

Mr White says putting everyone through a standard course is outdated. He says Forythes Training programs for clients are increasingly customised to their business needs, budget and delivery requirements, as well as contextualised to the organisation’s policies and procedures.

Recently a leading global company came to Forsythes requesting information to put Australian staff through the new Cert IV TAE course.

“We determined what they really needed was a shorter industry skill set program that took key units from that course over a shorter time,” Mr White says.

“This save time and money but gives staff the right level training for their needs,” he says.

He says people can go on to do the full qualification later.

“Having different pathways to gain skills is important.”

Mr White says that approach is behind its partnership with the University of Newcastle to allow people undertaking its leadership and management qualifications to gain credit points towards business and commerce degrees.

He says incorporating non-technical skills into training is also essential. Leaders need training in emotional intelligence. As part of change management and WHS training, staff need skills in developing and maintaining resilience.

“What doesn’t need to change is ensuring trainers have the latest qualifications as well as practical industry experience.”

Forsythes Training provides nationally accredited courses, short courses, as well as customised training and pre-employment programs. It is a NSW Government Smart and Skilled Provider and AgSkilled Provider. It has been a platinum supporter of the HRATA Awards for more than a decade.

This story appeared in the Newcastle Herald on June 21, 2018.