Page 14 - ETU Journal Autumn 2017

poLITIcS > LICENSING – E-OZ ABOLISHED
cHanges tO tHe deVeLOPment Of eLectricaL training Packages wiLL imPact OUr trade and Licensing: wHat dOes it aLL mean?
Recent changes in the training sector have seen the introduction of a new structure and system
for making amendments
to Electrotechnology
national training packages. This directly impacts on apprenticeships, training standards and your electrical licence. The training package is made up of units of competency that make up Eyour qualification.
-Oz Energy Skills Australia (E-Oz) previously managed this work. The ETU provided input and feedback at the
State and National levels via technical advisory committees that we sat on. The ETU supported E-Oz continuing to be the organisation to manage this important work.
The Turnbull government has introduced a new body to manage the Energy Sector’s training packages
However, on 28 January 2016, the Turnbull Government announced
a new body — Industry Standards Australia (formally the Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council) — to manage the Energy Sector’s training packages, including those
in Electrotechnology, the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) and the Traction Sector.
There is now a new process underpinning any
changes to training packages for Electrotechnology qualifications and
licensing.
Industry Standards Australia
are required to work with the Electrotechnology, Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) and the Traction Industry Reference Committees (IRC) to develop four-year work plans, submit business cases, undertake training package development
work, and finally, submit cases
for endorsement. Additionally,
the Commonwealth Department (currently the Liberal/National government) are assessing all cases.
previously, the ETU was guaranteed a seat at the table in developing our industry’s training pages — not so now
This new model has effectively torn up and gutted the previous industry skills councils that operated under
a framework of co-operation with unions and training organisations. Prior to 2015, skilled workers, unions, and other representatives
in the vocational sector worked harmoniously in reflecting national training needs and the protection of your trade and apprenticeship system.
this new model has effectively torn up and gutted the previous industry skills councils that operated under a framework of co-operation with unions and training organisations.
Under the new model, the ETU must fight and seek endorsement to sit on any committees that require representation for, and on behalf
of, ETU members in the electrical trade. The IRCs are in the process of being formed. However, as it stands, the ETU’s representation may be restricted, potentially leading to a tearing up of the current electrical and ESI qualifications and delivery structures.
If the ETU doesn’t sit on any committees to oversee new training standards, do you trust employer groups, or the Liberal government, to fight for the protection of your trade?
As it stands, the ETU has been protecting the rights of workers, including apprentices, from the funding cuts to the national training system. We have seen off and fought the deregulation of standards
and vocational licensing by the Commonwealth Government for over 100 years, and we’re not about to stop fighting now.
It is imperative that the ETU has industry input and a voice in the development of any new training packages. Our training packages are fundamental to the future of our industry and we will not allow their management to be placed in the hands of short-sighted employers, anti-union governments and dodgy training providers. n
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