Almost 500 design and technology (D&T) staff have undergone safety risk management training provided by the Department of Education through the Challenger Institute of Technology.
The one day training course based on two units of competency taken from the Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety was held within schools across the State. In all, 38 training sessions were delivered face-to-face; 16 of those in regional areas.
The feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive. The training was augmented to include relevant Department of Education policy and procedures and included school specific scenarios and practical work. Many participants commented that the content was appropriate, relevant and the sessions provided valuable networking opportunities and a forum to share experiences.
Lecturer Gary Catterall reported that the vast majority of staff were keen and their input and participation demonstrated they were engaged, willing and enthusiastic to be part of the training.
Certificates of attendance have been sent to participants and this will be followed by certificates of competency for those that successfully complete the prescribed assessment requirements.
Design and technology is one of the more high risk activities that occur in our schools with the potential for serious injuries to staff or students.
The provision of OSH training for D&T teachers has been called for by the SSTUWA through our industrial agreements over a number of years and we would like to take this opportunity to thank the Department and their OSH team for supporting and organising this important safety initiative. In particular, we thank Dave Rowe and Sarah McCaskie, Departmental OSH Consultants, for bringing this project, which has been logistically complex, to fruition.
