Boat builder now qualified for whale of a task

Helping build a giant 80 foot catamaran is a whale of a challenge – but one which craftsman Kris Carlson is now well qualified to tackle.

Kris is an employee with Streamline Catamarans, a Hervey Bay business contracted to build what is thought to be Australia’s biggest whale watching vessel.

Although he had three years' experience in the boat building industry, Kris was not formally qualified when Streamline won the multi-million dollar contract to build the 'big cat'.

To equip him for the challenge, he decided to look into gaining a qualification in marine craft construction and approached the local office of Skilling Solutions Queensland (SSQ), which provides individualised information on training and career opportunities.

Kris learned that his work experience could help him fast-track to a formal qualification and was referred to a contracted training provider for a formal assessment of his skills.

A TAFE assessor conducted the assessment on site at Streamline Catamarans. Kris’s competency was measured through various means, which included a Recognition of Prior Learning process to take account of his full trade and life
experience.

The outcome was a great result for Kris. He was awarded a Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction based on his work experience and skills.

It was also a less than costly process as Kris received a $500 State Government subsidy towards the cost of the assessment because he was a Skilling Solutions Queensland client.

Streamline Catamarans manager Wayne Jones supported Kris in his desire to gain a career upgrade. "It’s been great to see an employee have his years of skills valued and formally recognised," said Wayne.

Kris is now utilising new and existing job skills to help the local company achieve its business objectives and successfully undertake a significant new project.

Secret to starting own business revealed

Graeme Clancy has discovered the secret to starting your own business within the construction industry.

After 45 years of carpentry experience, Graeme has finally formalised his skills and obtained the Certificate III in Carpentry, a move that has allowed him to start his own business.

“I am now BSA licensed and have my own business” Graeme said.

The 62 year old achieved the Certificate III in Carpentry through recognition of prior learning after undertaking an interview with Skilling Solutions Queensland in Mackay.

At the interview, his Skilling Solutions Queensland Consultant provided Graeme with a report outlining the potential recognition he could receive towards the qualification.

Through the partnership between Skilling Solutions Queensland and Construction Skills Queensland, Graeme was then referred to Australian Construction Services to complete the formal recognition of prior learning process.

Once he achieved the qualification, he applied and obtained a carpentry contractor’s licence through the Building Services Authority.

Obtaining this licence allowed him to start his own construction business – GEJ and MP Clancy.

“I would recommend any one with industry experience but no qualification to undergo the recognition of prior learning process and contact Skilling Solutions Queensland” he said.

Volunteers recognise skills and get qualified

Volunteers and staff at the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation now have the piece of paper to prove how their dedication and commitment is valued thanks to the Queensland Government’s free career and training information service Skilling Solutions Queensland.

After undertaking an interview with Skilling Solutions Queensland, 31 volunteers and eight staff went through a process conducted by Brisbane North Institute of TAFE to recognise their existing skills and achieve the Certificate III in Active Volunteering.

Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO Karenlee Spillane said the benefits of gaining nationally recognised qualifications will be far reaching for the organisation.

“Volunteers are an integral part of the Foundation team. Adding such specific training to their existent skill base produces better qualified volunteers who save the Hospital and Foundation thousands of dollars, money that can then be reinvested into working wonders for sick kids,” Ms Spillane said.

Volunteers and staff are now exploring additional training opportunities, a step not previously considered by many in the group.