Client

  • National Electrical Communications Association
  • Funded through the Department of Education and Training
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Timeframe:

November 2014 to October 2015

Project Overview:

The National Electrical Communications Association (NECA) engaged BGA to support their work in examining the strengths of the Apprenticeship system, and identifying areas where the system could be improved for employers and apprentices in training for the Certificate III in Electrotechnology. BGA assisted with the consultation process, providing independent analysis, to determine employer and industry’s view on future training arrangements, and to review the Energy Skills Australia (E-OZ) Energy Industry Apprentice Progress Management System (EIAPMS).

The project comprised of three elements:

  • An employer engagement exercise to test employers’ views on the EIAPMS
  • A review of the EIAPMS project features to examine what should be taken forward after the completion of the E-OZ EIAPMS Pilot Project in June 2015
  • Development of information kits on competency based progress and relevant support arrangements.
  • The review of the EIAPMS Pilot Project included the examination of stakeholder understanding and potential effectiveness of the Pilot and identified tools/strategies for managing apprentice’s progression; and identifying assistance and support needed by employers to apply pilot strategies in workplace settings to improve the performance of apprentices post project.

Project Outcomes:

BGA developed a comprehensive stakeholder engagement plan, which included a series of consultations targeting employers, apprentice masters, team leaders and supervisors. In addition to one-on-one and small group sessions with the target audience, there was also a number of seminars conducted with companies and contractors across Australia.

The findings from the consultation process assisted NECA in developing a policy position across the key project elements and in determining a formal view for government.

The final report provides a detailed analysis of the findings from the consultation process in each of the following areas:

  • Apprentice Readiness, Recruitment Processes and other Employer Support Arrangements
  • National Apprenticeship Register and Job Matching Processes
  • E-Profiling and Profiling Tools
  • Competency-based training, competency-based progression, and competency-based wage progression
  • Competency Based Progression Information Kit – identifying where there are information gaps existed
  • Issues with Up-Front Training and Ongoing Training Arrangements
  • Makeup of the current Electrotechnology Qualification
  • Blended Learning
  • Provisions and Support for Apprentices and Employers – post June 2015
  • Other Project Issues and Outcomes that impact on Employers

Contact:

For further information about this project, contact Steve Balzary on 0418 215 732