Oak Training and Development Services’ 20th AnniversaryOak Training and Development Services is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that provides internal training for supported employees and staff across all Divisions of Oak Tasmania, as well as training and assessment services to external organisations on a ‘fee for service’ basis. 
PHOTO: Chris Clark (right), delivering a training program to Walkabout Industries’ employee Merv Branch. Training Manager Chris Clark has been running Oak Training and Development Services since 1998, and says that the delivery of practical training programmes is as important now, as it was 20 years ago. “Changing employment and economic conditions, employer and employee expectations and changes to our education system are impacting on the training sector. We have always provided accredited training, which is vital to the educational and future employment success of our participants, however one of our strengths is the ability to adapt training packages to an individual’s needs and those of his or her employer.” Chris highlights the fact that Oak Tasmania’s Training and Development Division enhances the State’s education system through the practical application of techniques and training. “We have the currency to impart the necessary knowledge and up-to-date industry practices because we work in an organisation that operates a number of successful business enterprises.” Chris says the support received from industry and training sectors in Tasmania contributes to the overall success of Oak Training and Development Services. “Skills Tasmania provides funding to Oak Training and Development Services so we can deliver industry specific, certificate-based training for our supported employees.
“We currently provide expertise to the Tasmanian Polytechnic and Tasmanian Skills Institute (formerly TAFE Tasmania); agricultural and horticultural sectors in Tasmania; Youth Futures; TOPQUAL; and external Australian Disability Enterprises.” The first training programme (Orchard Skill 1) was delivered in 1998, and comprised four blocks of nationally accredited units taught over an eight-week period to 12 participants. This programme was specifically designed to be inclusive for supported employees of Tahune Fields, as they made up one-third of the student body. The programme taught operational and procedural methodology in the field of agriculture and horticulture. The initial group of trainees comprised people with limited rural experience, and those wishing to expand their rural skills. Today, training available through Oak Training and Development Services focuses heavily on practical application and benefits people who may have experienced barriers to learning through traditional training methods. The Division also provides Oak Tasmania’s supported employees with on-the-job vocational skills at Certificate level that match industry standards in their chosen field of employment, and include: Transport and Distribution (Warehousing); Oak Tasmania’s supported employees work in industries as diverse as timber manufacturing, production horticulture, security shredding and paper recycling, intelligent and manual mail processing, potting soil production and solvents decanting and packaging. Further information on Oak Training and Development Services is available by contacting Chris Clark on: 0417 569 163 |
