October / December Issue 2011Newsletter

Work Skills in ToowoombaPAGE 3

Anglican ChurchPAGE 2

FEATURED RECIPEPAGE 6

Student and Employerof the QuarterPage 7

From the Desk of the Big OPage 8

SCHOLARSHIPPROGRAMME

Train them...Don’t blame them

ANGLICAN CHURCH SKILLS UP FOR HIGHER DUTIES

The work skills way

Who is work skills?work skills is a Registered Training Organisation based in Brisbane. We’ve been delivering training and professional development courses to the Corporate and Business sectors as well as Certi�cate I through to Diploma quali�cations, in Business, Hospitality and the Automotive industry since 1993.

How does work skills work & why would I choose them?We operate a fully �exible model which essentially means we deliver face to face training, one on one or small group training in the workplace.

One of the real bene�ts of our model is the ability to customise training so that it suits the pace, the level and the individual requirements of the participants.

With Apprenticeships and Traineeships our Industry Managers are continually meeting and are in touch with our Employers to ensure that their needs are met.

Our Client Managers (Trainers) visit their Apprentice or Trainee in the work place every four to six weeks, just about anywhere in Queensland. That’s right! Fully �exible! We go anywhere! It could be Weipa, Longreach, Emerald, St George or even Charleville.

How do I get in contact with work skills?You can free call us on 1300 360 567

You can email us at info@workskills.com.au or you can visit our website to �nd out more www.workskills.com.au

Why you might ask, is a church doing training in higher-end media production? Good question!

The Anglican Church in Brisbane takes its job very seriously, especially when it’s about having a lot of fun communicating good news about the great work that churches do within the community, while at the same time educating those that may not know what they offer.

The digital age has changed just about everything in communications technology and communicating a message to the public.

To get a better understanding of what’s on offer and to come to grips with best practice in photography, video production, web design and animation, the Anglican Church’s Marketing, Communications and Fundraising Unit asked work skills totailor training sessions to suit of�ice requirements and demands.

“The Church does a lot of work that isn’t necessarily directly related to

churches,” says Heidi Monsour, Head of MC&F. “We have many thousands of people learning and being cared for in our schools, aged care homes and programs in social services. On top of that, the Parishes are doing great things in their Communities. There is so much genuinely good work going on and we want to be able to communicate the stories and information in such a way as to grab the community attention in what is now, a very visual age.”

Ms Monsour says the Brisbane Marketing team, thanks to the learning given by work skills sister company film skills, is now much better placed to enhance their newspaper, publications and web communications with exciting photos, video and designs that speak to a new generation of Australians.

“It’s not going to happen immediately, but the Anglican Church in Brisbane is now familiar with and skilled up in, digital communications tools and is well placed to better inform the public and tell great stories of love, growth and achievement,” Ms Monsour said.

work skills opens

New Of�iceIn ToowoombaDue to unprecedented demand for work skills �lexible methods of delivering training, we have decided it’s time to open a dedicated of�ice in the garden city of Toowoomba.

work skills has hundreds of students all over the Downs and as far west as Charleville, (You might have seen work skills cars getting around)studying quali�ications in –

Mechanical, (including Diesel Fitting) Paint, Panel and PartsHospitality, Commercial Cookery and OperationsBusiness , Certi�icate II through to Diploma and in numerous streamsMedia, Certi�icate IIIAnd an array of Professional Development courses being offered

Considering all this we now have a base in Toowoomba to work from and a commitment to the regions community’s that we are very proud of.

We anticipate the of�ice will be operational from the 1st of October 2011 and with the signage we are installing it won’t be hard to �ind us.

work skills have two full time staff that live in Toowoomba, one of which is Hospitality Chef Hunor Czaran and Business Development Manager Kate Miguel. Kate will be based at our Toowoomba of�ice and she will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have about work skills and how they can deliver quali�ications in your work place and the productivity bene�its and Government incentives that go with it. You can contact Kate on 0421 743 059 or email kmiguel@workskills.com.au or the of�ice on 13 000 SKILLS

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Kate MiguelBusiness Development Manager

What is involved in the programme?Our Media Scholars are employed one full day per week for the duration of their scholarship. Each Media Scholar is “buddied” with an industry expert for supervision and guidance and given real work to complete. Some of the works the Media Scholars are currently involved includes:• Filming• Green Screen• Teleprompting• Editing• Data-basing• After Effects• Quiz Development• Story Boarding• 3D Animation and•Script Writing

film skills (through its parent RTO work skills) has recently introduced a 12 month Media Scholarship Programme and would like to congratulate, welcome and introduce our very �irst group of �ive talented Media Scholars.

Meet our Talented

Media Scholars

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

JazzHi I’m Jazz. I go to Marsden State High School, Year 11. One of my hobbies is to create or edit music with DJ software I also enjoy using creative software like Adobe Photoshop, iMovie and illustrator.

At film skills, I am learning how to use more advanced features in ASPX and SQL (data basing and programming) which is great, it’s giving me more of an in depth side to business. I am also learning the basics to Adobe “After Effects” which I’m really happy about.

This Scholarship opportunity will help me improve my skills and knowledge and hopefully succeed in the future. The environment at film skills is brilliant it’s a well respected workplace but there’s still funny humour in there as well

GarethHi, I’m Gareth and I’m currently doing a Certi�icate III in Media at film skills. This involves making instructional videos for other apprentices and trainees using Adobe “After Effects” and “Autodesk Maya” as well as other 3D motion graphics programs. One of my strengths and hobbies is working in the �ilm industry as well as playing drums and bass guitar. In 2010, I was a runner-up in the “Panasonic Kid Witness News” competition and achieved the 2010 Film and Television Award for Helensvale State High School.

DannyHey guys, my name is Danny and I am a trainee at film skills. I love heavy metal and guitar, but I’ve always wanted to become an animator and sound engineer. I heard about this opportunity at my school Helensvale High, and was really excited about this position. I am currently making safety guides in After Effects, and learning how to make 3-D titles move. I’m learning a lot at film skills and gaining new experiences in the workforce. I feel quite professional ha ha.

This is a fantastic opportunity for our Media Scholars to gain valuable insight and “Real Life” work experience in the Film and Media Industry.

As well as Real Life work experience, the film skills Media Scholars will also be trained and assessed through the Certi�icate III in Media which covers the following training units:• Develop and extend critical and creative thinking• Work effectively in the screen and media industries

• Follow occupational health and safety procedures• Shoot material for screen productions• Follow a design process• Produce and prepare photo images• Create 3D Digital Animations• Create 3D Digital Models• Create 2D Digital Animations• Perform basic vision and sound editing• Use advanced features of computer applications

Skills acquired from this certi�icate will allow the Media Scholars to enter into industries such as �ilm, television, radio, digital media industries as well as industries seeking internal media development and creation and production skills in their workplace.

film skills is passionate about the continual development of our media scholars, aiming to provide them with a wide variety of experiences. Exciting times are ahead for our scholars as film skills looks into the possibility of the Scholars: Spending time with a well known Professional TV. Photographer. Visiting a University for potential career pathways and Entering into external Film & TV competitions.

Towards the end of the media scholarship, film skills plans to review available full-time positions within the business with a view to encouraging our media scholars to apply.

Meet our Talented

Media Scholars

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

ShannonHey everyone!My name is Shannon; I currently attend Marsden State High School in my 11th year of education. When I found out I was accepted into the traineeship for film skills, I was so excited, my Mother and I had to call the whole family straight away. I have always been a pretty hard worker and strive to always be doing something productive. I enjoy making small trailers, or documentaries of my travelling experiences with music, and have always been a tech geek. One day I see myself either in the musical theatre business or else doing the �ilm and editing to promote them, but I can’t choose yet? They’re both to fun!

VijayI am Vijay Samuel. I am 16 and attend Calvary Christian College, and a trainee at film skills and enjoying every minute of it. At film skills, I get to work on real �ilm sets, shooting real footage that is used in the learning guides as well as making quizzes using “Quiz Maker”. Every day at film skills I’m learning new skills, like how to set up the lights and assemble the green screen. In the future I want to work as a director and I believe film skills will help me get there.

Ingredients1 kg whole belly pork4 star anise2 glove crushed garlic

1 knob crushed ginger1/4 cup light soy sauce

1 teaspoon sea salt3 teaspoons vegetable oil

6 Moreton bay bugs greenWater 2 peeled green apple1/4 bunch mintSalt and pepper800g Sabago

potatoes40g butter, chopped1/3 cup hot milk

Score the skin of the pork belly with a very sharp knife. Rub oil, garlic, ginger, soy and sea salt over

pork belly and set aside for a few minutes. Preheat oven to 220°C. Place pork belly onto a wire rack and

place into a pan with a cup of water in the bottom. Cook for 30 minutes and then reduce the oven

temperature to 150°C and slow cook for 2 hours. Take out of oven and keep warm to serve. In a pan heat

some oil and cook then Moreton bay bugs till firm, also keep warm.How to cook the bugs :1. Cut bugs in half lengthwise and clean out the 'yuck'.

2. Rinse well under running water, ensuring meat stays in shell Meat side up

3. Season to taste with freshly cracked salt and pepper, melted knob of butter with a squeeze of lime

4. Grill for 11 minutes or until bugs are firmPoach apples in water till tender, allow cooling slightly and pureeing til smooth with picked mint and

season.

Peel potatoes and cut into large chunks. Cook in a large saucepan of boiling salted water for 20 minutes

or until very tender but not falling apart. Drain potatoes well. Return to saucepan over low heat. Shake

pan gently until any remaining water evaporates. Using a potato masher, roughly mash potatoes.

Add butter and hot milk to potatoes. Beat with a wooden spoon until fluffy. Season with salt and pepper

To serve cut the pork into portions, place on the plate with the apple puree and Moreton bay bug. Spoon

the mash on and drizzle with the juice of the pork. Serve with a fresh apple, raisin and rocket salad

Encore RestaurantToowoomba

Recipe of the Quarter

Pork Bellywith Moreton bay bug and green apple pureeMethods

Tamara GibbsEncores Restaurant Toowoomba

This quarter we would like to acknowledge Tamara Gibbs who is an Apprentice Chef at Encores Restaurant Toowoomba,

When asked the question “why did you choose this apprenticeship and what have been the highlights for you so far?” Tamara said “I was inspired by my grandmother and I have a real passion for food. I love working with my team members and enjoy the time I spend with them and learning from them”

In relation to Tamara’s capabilities work skills Trainer Hunor Czaran has commented that “Tamara is capable, tentative and applies herself and doesn’t hold back on asking questions.”

Tamara’s Supervisor Clayton has very high regards to Tamara’s work ethics. Always on time, works very hard, and as quoted “dynamic and passionate”.

“Why did you choose this apprenticeship and what have been some of the highlights for

you so far?”

Student

Mark & Meredith RawlingsEncores Restaurant Toowoomba

Mark Rawlings (chef) and his wife Meredith, Owners of Encores Restaurant and Simply Seafood in Toowoomba are proud to use work skills as their training provider. Head Chef Clayton Costigan alongside Mark leads a very dedicated team of Chefs and Apprentices

Clayton believes the greatest benefit of having apprentices learn in the workplace is being able to keep our apprentices on site and monitor them during their training. Flexible one on one training means the apprentices build strong relationships with their Chef, team members and their trainer.

“work skills flexibility really fits in well with our busy restaurant and they’re happy to adapt their training to suit our kitchen schedules and time frames” Clayton said. “The support and training that work skills deliver is consistent throughout all our apprentices and the training is always on track and thorough.

“In your opinion, what has been the impact of training apprentices for

your business?”

Employer

Student and Employerof the Quarter

Suite 4/5 & 6 Level One

Loganholme Queensland 4129p. 1300 360 567f. 18 000 SKILLS (754 557)e. info@workskills.com.auCheck us out atwww.workskills.com.au

Suite 3 Ground Level

Loganholme Queensland 4129p. 13 000 SKILLS (754 557)f. 18 000 SKILLS (754 557)

Check us out at

Window

FROM THE DESK OF

THE BIG OJOHN WOODWARD

Heading into the festive season (I know tell me about it!) it gives cause to re�ect on the year that was, or at least almost has been. For most of us it has been a rather challenging twelve months, what with continuing uncertain global economic gloom out of the US and Europe dogging us, the �oods here is Brissy and on The Downs, and Cyclones up North. But the good news is that other than WA, Queensland now leads the rest of the country in terms of growth.

These events have taken their toll on households, whole communities, businesses and in some cases whole industries. Thankfully Queenslanders and its Communities are sensational at pulling together and helping each other out and while these events have been punishing on people we always somehow �nd a way to move forward and get on with rebuilding and the like. Large Industries in most case get assistance from Governments to move forward, but small to medium business very rarely get any assistance and yet these types of business employ the majority.

It is when business is facing tough times the �rst reaction is to cut costs and the �rst cut is to sta� and or sta� training.And sometimes that’s just the reality but if possible training of sta� is a key consideration you could utilise to ensure maximum productivity from your greatest asset. I’m sure we all agree that a highly trained workforce is a productive and cost e�ective workforce and this in turn will ensure that your business is extracting every opportunity that is presented to it.

That being said there is a way to take advantage of Government funding in an indirect way and that is through apprenticeships and traineeships and other training programs

that are mostly fully funded by the Federal and State Government.

In Queensland we are fortunate to have quite a few Government funded training programs that businesses can utilise to help up skill their workforce, such as User Choice funded Apprenticeships and the “Skilling Solutions Queensland’s” RPL (recognition of Prior Learning) o�er just to name two and these can be used by approved students to fund or partially fund the training costs of many apprenticeships and traineeships with a variety of training methods available. Also the Federal Government has available incentives for employers, putting these apprenticeships and traineeships in place. In some cases these incentives can be as much as $4,000.00 and payable at commencement of the program and on completion. So as you can see, business may be able to up skill the sta� and potentially not have to pay a cent.

As in the case of the SSQ program there is also the “Skills First Trade Skills Recognition Program”, designed to o�er a streamline process for sta� to have their skills and knowledge assessed against formal quali�cations. Employees that obtain these quali�cations through recognition of skills already acquired could then be deployed as supervisors where apprentices or trainees are employed or as team leaders and other such positions within the business. Also, by promoting the option for sta� to be trained and skilled as well as the ability to gain formal quali�cations will assist in a happy and motivated workforce, which in turn contributes to a productive and stable business.

These incentives I have mentioned in this article do however have governing regulation and varying funding types. This is because the State and Federal Government place di�erent priorities on the State and Federal skills needs and subsequent funding amounts. If you wish to know more about these program, please contact us here at work skills on either 1300 360 567 or email info@workskills.com.au and we can answer any questions you might have about how to take advantage of these Government incentives.

Merry Christmas from us all here at work skills.