public sector training

Skills boost for
NSW public sector

A joint effort between TAFE NSW and the NSW Premier’s Department is providing extra career advancement options for employees in the NSW public sector. It also aims to streamline, simplify and extend workforce development across the sector.

The TAFE NSW Public Sector Training initiative offers a range of staff training and development programs for employees of NSW government agencies.

Peter Henry is Client Relations Manager at the TAFE NSW National Business Office. He said 105 NSW public sector agencies were surveyed in early 2006 about their training needs and priorities. More than 80 per cent responded, and the information gathered was used to develop the program. Three pilot courses ran in November last year, two at Sydney Institute and one at North Coast Institute.

Irene Simatos, Human Resources Teacher, TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute said a number of employees studied Managing Performance and another group, Customer Service in the Public Sector. They came from a range of government departments including NSW Treasury and the Roads and Traffic Authority.

‘Both workshops went well,’ she said. ‘The participants were well-engaged and the feedback has been very useful. We were able to build the courses around the units of competency provided by the different agencies. We are now refining and reviewing training materials.’

Once a workshop is completed students receive an Attendance Statement. They can then opt to complete a work-based project or prepare a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate current competency, providing them with a Statement of Attainment. Further training is then available to allow students to gain a nationally-recognised qualification in their desired area.

Jenny George is an administration co-ordinator at NSW Treasury. She completed her Certificate IV in Government at the end of last year and used the Managing Performance two-day workshop to complete an additional five units of competency, in addition to the 15 she completed while attaining her Certificate.

Ms George studied planning for and supervising performance, career planning and people management units. ‘Irene Simatos was a terrific trainer who made the workshop interesting and relevant for everyone there,’ she said.

TAFE NSW and the Premier’s Department are working together to enhance career options for public sector employees.