striking a match – working with the nsw rural fire service in a rural partnership

2007 TAFE NSW TEACHING AND LEARNING CONFERENCE

Striking a match – Working with the NSW Rural Fire Service in a rural partnership

Sustaining the Spark!



The history of our work with NSW Rural Fire Service



From a single inquiry about training in Report Writing in 2000 a particularly strong relationship has been developed between TAFE NSW Riverina Institute Cootamundra/Young Campus and the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).



There have been over 640 student course enrolments, ranging from two day commercial workshops on Managing Conflict to Diploma courses in Frontline Management, Business Management, Human Resources and Business Administration ( up to August 2007)

Overall completion rates have been 90%.



This year1. Diploma 202. C4 in FLM LDR 753. C4 in FLM SAF 75 (Monitor a safe workplace)4. C4 in FLM LDR 75 (Teams and Relationships units)5. C111 Bus Admin 156. C4 in Bus Admin and Management 357. C4 in Human Resources 68. TAA current 30 9. Facilitation and presentation programs (Conflict &

Conflict/Negotiation)10. Advice for RPL for individual staff and volunteers



Delivery sites over the past 7 years include Ballina, Katoomba, Wagga Wagga, Cessnock, Yass, Dubbo, Sydney, Armidale, Leeton, Queanbeyan, Cootamundra and Young.



Delivery strategies:

A block release model where NSW Rural Fire Service staff have attended programs for three or four days in Certificate 1V and Diploma of Business (Frontline Management).



Delivery strategies: A second model for the delivery of training in

Certificates III and IV in Business Administration has been used.

Workshops, Recognition of prior learning GAP training using flexible delivery materials as

well as email and telephone support



For the first four to five years of the program the participants have been staff of the NSWRFS.

Over the last two years participant focus has turned towards senior brigade officers, that is, volunteers of the NSWRFS.



Sixty eight Region West RFS staff members were involved in an extensive Training Needs Analysis in the first half of 2005

This included analysing each position description and defining position challenges and responsibilities. Each of the competencies identified within each position was then aligned to competencies from a relevant Training Package.

Staff seconded to Region West of RFS



Evaluation and Communication

Program staff monitor and evaluate all training A staff member from the NSW Rural Fire Service

Learning and Development Systems Unit attends training

The NSW Rural Fire Service also uses its internal evaluations for our training

RFS staff and TAFENSW meet to review and plan during the year regularly



Challenges

Time and distance Changes in Training Packages Negotiating new programs Being able to respond in a timely manner Developing resources materials to deliver



Rewards: New learning for us Contributing to learning in RFS New relationships Diversity Providing a flexible and responsive services Service based on best practice Fun



Highlights:

Graduation ceremonies Seeing people grow and develop Starting new challenges Secondment Joint staff development activity TAFENSW Quality Awards 2006 Relationships



What’s happening now



Tania’s perspective of working with Riverina Institute



Emergency Services Management Training Unit was established at Cootamundra/Young and Tumut Campuses in January 2007 on a full-time basis to promote and provide training to NSW RFS and other agencies.



Continuing to build relationships based on partnership models with NSW RFS

Enhancing our industry specific partner ships to support workplace cultures of learning and innovation.

Customizing base level qualifications for staff and other volunteers to develop career pathways.

Working in on-site training facilities with RFS where possible

Developing training and assessment strategies that integrates the industry skills and competencies required for the Public Safety industry.



The key to success:

Know your “stuff” Be able to deliver Passion, commitment and involvement Relationships

striking a match – working with the nsw rural fire service in a rural partnership

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