Resources
Try-a-Trade Training Program
Manufacturing Links Program
Lean Manufacturing Workshop
Local teens celebrate success in tackling region's skills shortage
On Wednesday, 16 September a total of 27 local Year 10 students celebrated the part they've played in solving the region's skills shortage.
The students, who are studying Industrial Technology and Design at five of the Gateway Schools to the Manufacturing and Engineering high schools1, have successfully completed the 10-week Pilot Pre-Vocational 'Try a Trade' training program - an initiative of Manufacturing Skills Queensland funded by the Department of Education and Training.
Designed to provide students with an opportunity to develop a working understanding of careers within the manufacturing and engineering industries, the program has awarded the local students with competency certificates in the areas of 'working with others in a manufacturing, engineering or related environment' (MEM16007A) and 'the use of hand tools' (MEM18001C).
The award celebrations, which included a barbeque, industry tour of Swift Engineering and a presentation ceremony, was attended by around 140 people including Mayor Colin Meng, Mackay Regional Council.
Alana Thornber Manager Gateway Schools - Manufacturing and Engineering was delighted with the response to the pilot program from students, industry mentors and participating companies alike, and believes it has the potential to be implemented as a State-wide initiative.
"The program has been a great success with more than 20 mining and engineering companies, and local schools donating time, funds and equipment to bolster the government funding received," Ms Thornber said.
"The barbecue and award ceremony is a fitting finale to a hugely successful initiative which has helped participating students consider a transition into school-based apprenticeships as they begin the senior phase of their school careers.
Program details:
In The News [PDF 588kb]
Program Overview [PDF 132kb]
Prevocational Program Students [PDF 496kb]
Paget Industry Tour [PDF 1.4mb]
Rio Tinto Hail Creek Mine Tour [PDF 2.0mb]
BMA Hay Point Terminal Tour [PDF 888kb]
The Next Step [PDF 712kb]
Professional development
Funding - High Schools Manufacturing Links Program up to $1,500 available. A Workplace Excellence Program Manufacturing Starter Initiative funded program delivered in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Regional Development Industries, the Department of Education and Training and Manufacturing Skills Queensland.
What is the High Schools Manufacturing Links Program?
The High Schools Manufacturing Links Program aims to provide teachers with funding to facilitate their release from normal school duties to undertake project development work that will enhance and broaden the school's ability to deliver manufacturing related content with the guidance of industry.
Who is eligible?
It is recognised that all teachers play a role in advising students in the subject selection process. Teachers across all disciplines are eligible to apply for funding including industrial technology and design, maths, english and science teachers.
How do I apply?
Visit the Manufacturing Skills Queensland website - complete and submit the online application form.
Mackay Schools Lean Manufacturing Workshop - 12 June 2009
"Lean" is a business practice characterised by the endless pursuit of waste elimination and delivery of value to customers. A manufacturer that is Lean uses the minimum amount of manpower, materials, money, machines, space to get the job done on time and to achieve maximum customer satisfaction.
To date, QMI Solutions has helped many companies implement Lean. By implementing Lean initiatives, Cairns Steel Fabricators doubled its production capacity, Niagara Therapies made productivity savings worth $400,000 and Hardchrome increased sales by $120,000 for one month.
The Lean Manufacturing Workshop will provide you with a snapshot on how businesses increase and sustain their performance. You will be immersed in activities to develop your knowledge and practical application of some of these World's Best practices for your classroom and in teaching and learning activities for students, including:
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Teamwork
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Waste Reduction
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Set-up Time Reduction
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Visual Performance Measurement
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5S
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Focused Improvement (Problem Solving)
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Standardised Work
This event is open to all Mackay Whitsunday Region Schools.
For enquiries contact Bob Baker at robert.baker@deta.qld.gov.au or Alana Thornber at a.thornber@msq.org.au