SEETA Projects

SEETA works on a variety of projects relating to the education, training and employment services sector.

 
Engineering Workforce Project:

The South East Education and Training Association (SEETA) and the Engineering Reference Group jointly hosted a forum for the engineering industry in late 2005 in Mount Gambier. The forum outlined industry data gathered as part of a joint project, and gave industry an opportunity to provide feedback.

Data collected as part of the SEETA Engineering project, funded through Reframing the Future, showed current evidence of continued growth in the sector. This data, released at the forum, was gathered through surveying approximately 60 engineering firms. It showed significant shortages for tradespeople both currently and into the future, in a number of manufacturing areas.

The project centred on discussion and action around three issues:

• What are the training needs and issues for businesses requiring engineering trades people? 
• What are the issues that impact on the take-up of engineering trades training opportunities?  
• What are the structures and methodologies which support people to engage in training for an engineering trade?
  

Recommendations from the project were discussed with relevant organisations, with a view to implementing them in the New Year. In addition, the Limestone Coast Regional Development Board has been fortunate to obtain $150,000 funding from the Department of Trade and Economic Development to provide a range of pre-apprenticeship training activities for the manufacturing sector. This funding has supported the implementation of the recommendations in the SEETA  project.
 

Recommendations which are currently being put into place as a result of this funding include:  

• Support for individual coaching and career plans for individuals involved in the pre-apprenticeship course, A.W.E.some! (Automotive, Welding, Engineering and some)
• Coaching and support for individuals to enable them to pass the aptitude tests to enter an apprenticeship.
• Fast tracking of mature age workers in apprenticeships, through recognition of current competency and recognition of prior learning (including Trades Tests).

  
Marketing of the engineering sector as a worthwhile career choice.

Additional strategies will continue to be implemented. 
For further information please contact Helen Strickland, SEETA Chairperson on (08) 8723 1057 or email:  hstrickland@lcrdb.com.