A formal and recognised accreditation will make it easier for machinery operators to find work in a competitive job market, says JCB Construction Equipment.
The company’s National Key Accounts Manager Phil Withell says formal training ensures operators are up to date on current machinery technology and industry practices, regardless of how long one has been working in the industry.
“For employers, an accreditation program offers peace of mind that operators understand best practice, have achieved benchmarked competencies and have learned from skilled trainers,” he says.
Recently, the company worked with NSW education provider TAFE Western on a new program aiming at training and assessing operators in the construction, earthmoving and agricultural sectors for national accreditation.
JCB supplied a backhoe loader, skid steer loader and excavator to TAFE Western’s Orange campus for competency training and assessment. The program will also cover wheel loaders and telehandlers by arrangement.
TAFE Program Leader Lindsay Griffin says participants would be assessed on their current skill levels and then a program would be developed to meet their individual needs.
“There will be a theoretical component covering machine operations, safety and compliance requirements; plus a practical element covering practical skills appropriate to the machine and applications,” she says.
Griffin adds the institution is glad to have JCB on-board due to its “up-to-date and industry-current” machines.
“Additionally, JCB supports us with full technical services to ensure the machines will always run at their best.”
The TAFE Western-JCB initiative will be offered to businesses across NSW. Training can be offered either on the businesses’ premises or at various TAFE training locations across NSW.
TAFE Western expressed it is willing to work with companies to customise program content and schedule to suit individual requirements.
The first training program will be held on TAFE Western’s campus in Orange, NSW on March 28.
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