Construction projects and parks management in the Armidale region are benefitting from an unprecedented level of cooperation between Council and TAFE NSW.
Council has signed up a greater number of staff for apprenticeship training at TAFE NSW to improve their on-the-job skills and help equip the organisation's future team leaders.
Six Parks and Gardens team members recently began a Certificate III in Horticulture at TAFE NSW to enhance their knowledge of vegetation management practices that are sustainable and cost efficient.
At the same time, five water and waste water staff started a Certificate III in Civil Construction in Plant Operation course and five road crew members are studying a Certificate III Civil Construction – Roads Maintenance.
"TAFE has been one of our go-to training providers for a number of years because of the world-class training it provides," Armidale Regional Council Chief Executive Officer Susan Law said.
"Field staff starting with Council are consistently signed up to do TAFE courses relevant to their new roles, as part of our emphasis on high-quality services and constant improvement.
"However, this is the first time we've had such sizeable groups undertaking courses together. We've found course participants get even more out of their training if they can work together."
TAFE NSW has customised, hands-on training packages that are delivered in the classroom and on Council work sites to ensure staff spend less time away from the job at hand and more time delivering services for Armidale residents.
"It's been a great arrangement between our two organisations to tap into local training services and boost the skills of Council outdoor staff," Ms Law said.
"The time and resources we invest into this training quickly repays itself by translating into costs savings through better work practices, while the community benefits from enhanced services."
TAFE NSW Regional General Manager Kate Baxter said: "As Australia's largest training provider, TAFE NSW prides itself on working with local organisations and industry to deliver a pipeline of skilled employees to meet their requirements."
