Technology is creating vast changes in the world of work. With the modernisation of industry, the move from manufacturing to consumerism and a shift in global market operations, industrial processes are less common. It is however impossible to overlook the place of industrial workers, industrial processes and industrial organisations. Workers all over the world provide the goods that we consume and rely on. Industrial Workers of the World Day, celebrated on 27 June recognised and celebrated these workers. Upcoming National Skills Week, Australia’s pinnacle week promoting vocational education and training (VET) will celebrate careers across the manufacturing and design industries, among hundreds of other careers achieved through a vocational education and training pathway.
“As individuals, we would be lost without those workers that manufacture the goods and services we use daily. It is important to recognise these workers for the contributions they add to our society,” says Kirstin Casey General Manager at SkillsOne.
Bowhill Engineering, South Australian small business and finalist in the Small Employer of the Year Award at the 2015 Australian Training Awards, recognises the importance of the manufacturing industry. Bowhill Engineering is a family owned business that designs, fabricates and installs large complex structural steel for buildings, engineering constructions and specialist equipment manufacturers Australia wide.
Winner of the 2014 Telstra Regional Business Award and finalist in the 2014 National Telstra Business Awards, Bowhill Engineering is committed to training its staff in lean manufacturing. Bowhill have a dedicated internal training management plan, effective for each employee on their first day of induction. This plan has seen huge business benefits, including a rise in productivity, an increasing competitive advantage and a reduction in costs.
Working with local provider TAFE SA, apprentices are trained in Certificate III in Engineering (Metal Fabrication) and selected staff are trained in a Certificate IV in Competitive Manufacturing Systems and Practices, creating a high skill set in manufacturing systems, production and fabrication processes. The number of apprentices trained since first undertaking apprenticeships in 1991, continues to grow with apprentices considered annually and 19 employed to date.
“The value of recognizing the importance of ongoing training in the workplace including apprentices to grow your workforce and provide valuable local opportunities and skills, upskilling of existing staff to meet company growth and direct, and meeting the changes and modernization of the industry has been invaluable to Bowhill Engineering and ensured that we can provide our clients with a skilled workforce,” said a Bowhill Engineering representative.
On the other end of manufacturing spectrum, with a luxury focus is TRAKKA Pty Ltd, and finalist in the Small Employer of the Year Award at the 2014 Australian Training Awards, a designer and manufacturer of luxury motorhomes and campervans.
A leading industry player for 40 years, TRAKKA’S team of skilled engineers have developed the latest in cutting edge technology for motorhomes, including the 2014 patenting of a rain water retrieval system. TRAKKA acknowledges that training is the backbone of a strong business and therefore works with each employee to identify their training needs before facilitating necessary training through a range of partners.
With hundreds of Australian Apprentices completing their training at TRAKKA, employees spend a combined average of 700 hours in on and off the job training.
Training is provided in a range of nationally recognised qualifications, including Certificate II and Certificate III in RV Manufacture and Automotive Manufacture courses, with upskilling heavily promoted. Employees are encouraged to attended industry conferences, seminars and engage in sharing new information with others in the team regularly.
For further information on Bowhill Engineering or TRAKKA’s story, or other engaging career stories from the Australian Training Awards visit the Australian Training Awards website.
SkillsOne will be showcasing VET qualifications during National Skills Week from 28 August to 3 September 2017. During this week, Australia will celebrate the limitless career opportunities available through a VET qualification. To organise an event, or take part in the many events that can be found across the country, visit the National Skills Week website.
For more information please contact: Kirstin Casey (General Manager at SkillsOne)
Mobile: 0420 652 558 Email: kirstin.casey@skillsone.com.au