TasTAFE to work closely with Regional Jobs Hub Network

A new pilot program will see TasTAFE working more closely with regional employers and communities to meet local training needs.

Jobs Tasmania supports the Regional Jobs Hub Network across the state that connects people with jobs where they live.

TasTAFE has employed a new Regional Engagement Officer who will work with Southern Tasmanian Jobs Hubs to identify how TasTAFE can meet regional training needs.

Martin Killick, a former employment and training coordinator at Business and Employment South-East Tasmania (BEST) - one of the four Jobs Hubs located in Southern Tasmania -has just started in the role which will run as a 12-month pilot.  He will be working closely with the Jobs Hubs based at Pontville, Glenorchy, Huon Valley/Kingborough regions and Sorell to increase access to TasTAFE’s training.

Having collaborated with TasTAFE in his previous role at BEST, Martin says he has seen first-hand the impact that local, tailored training opportunities can have on the community.

“This new role is a way of connecting local employers and communities with the diverse training that TasTAFE has to offer. TasTAFE is an excellent training provider and their training makes a real difference in regional communities.

“I’ve seen first-hand how training tailored to the specific needs of local people and employers can have a really positive impact.

“For example, at BEST we had TasTAFE deliver traffic management and white card regionally, down as far as Nubeena and Taranna and up to Triabunna.  Those regions have not previously had anyone that’s been prepared to go and deliver a product to them in their own community so it was really positive.

“With the most recent Taranna traffic management course – I filled the spots there within three days of advertising it locally and that’s because the locals saw an opportunity to get trained without having to travel. Being able to deliver that locally was very well received.”

Martin has previously worked in employment services and says he was attracted to the new vision for TasTAFE outlined in its 10-year strategic plan, Reimagining TasTAFE.

“I think with having a very strong focus on what the next 10 years look like, this is now a very good time to get involved with TasTAFE.”

Martin says he’s looking forward to working with the Jobs Hubs, recognising that each will have different needs.

“I’ll be talking to local employers about training solutions. We can also look at how we can value-add to other things the Hubs have already got planned or are currently working on, or emerging needs in their regions.

“Or sometimes it could be as simple as me assisting someone to enrol online and if that helps that person access TasTAFE one way or the other, I see that as an achievement.

TasTAFE Acting Director, Future Students and Industry, Matt Dance said TasTAFE was excited to have a staff member working side by side with the Jobs Hubs.

“As we look to the future, we have an increased focus on working with industry and the community to delivering tailored training programs that meet their specific needs. The Regional Engagement Officer role will allow us to hear direct from community and employers in regional areas about what they need from us.

“Ultimately it’s about increasing access and encouraging great participation in TasTAFE’s training.”

Martin can be contacted via the TasTAFE Business Growth team:  BusinessGrowth@TasTAFE.tas.edu.au