E-Learning for Industry ASSDA – SkillsTech Australia

Maurits GustavssonBusiness Manager

(Education Development Research Modelling)

7/11/2007

Background

• Currently Queensland is experiencing a significant resource boom resulting in pressure being applied to all aspects of industry. Particularly the heavy industrial sector.

• Consequently the demand for skilled labour is at a 10 year high.

• The stainless steel industry is a niche market that, until recently has been limited to highly skilled and experienced practitioners.

Resource boom and training

• The increased demand on labour in Queensland has placed excessive demand on training institutions for the development of qualified and skilled workers.

• These include both apprentices and existing tradespersons expanding their portfolio.

• Multi-skilling the existing workforce is also being sought as a possible solution to human resource shortages.

Capacity of RTO’s

• Apprenticeship numbers in QLD on average are increasing by approximately 24% per annum.

• Some trade areas are increasing by as much as 36% per annum.

• Therefore total apprentice intake numbers are doubling every 3 to 4 years.

• With this growth, the capacity for training organisations such as SkillsTech Australia to accommodate student number growth, using current delivery strategies, is challenged.

Delivery alternatives

• SkillsTech Australia is seeking to expand the delivery options available to students by embracing contemporary techniques and technology.

• Establishing partnerships with enterprises and other private and public RTO’s is essential in the struggle to accommodate demand.

• Access to “best practice” delivery and assessment resources is equally as important.

E-Learning for Industry

• This project allows for the development of contemporary learning materials utilising technologies that enhance the educational experience of the learner.

• Additionally, the platform for delivery (can be delivered via the internet) allows for learning to occur external to a formal training facility for students that are capable of self directed learning.

The role of SkillsTech Australia in the project

• ASSDA have been the leader in development of this project in all aspects.

• SkillsTech Australia have supplied support where required by ASSDA including:– Access to facilities– Supply of resources– Performing mapping to endorsed components of

Training Packages

Outcomes

• Learning resources to support the activity of performing a butt weld on stainless steel using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding.

• Resources are able to be utilised in many ways including via the internet or within a teacher lead classroom.

• The resource includes:– Text– Video– Annimations– Interactive components– Photographs and images– Etc.

Videos

Animations

Interactive components

Difficulties encountered

• Industry variations in welding practices made it hard to determine which of the industry practices to include.

• Being able to adequately capture the welding process with a video camera. The radiation and the light intensity of the “arc” proved challenging.

• Animations were developed to supplement video footage demonstrating aspects of the welding process that proved too difficult to capture with adequate clarity.

Benefits to the learners

• The ability to supply an additional resource that capitalises on alternative learning styles.

• Learners can access materials such as this that provides both an introduction to the stainless seel welding process and a reference for more experienced welders to call upon.

• The resource allows the learner to examine the welding process with a greater clarity than is possible in “real life” and in “real time”

Future plans

• SkillsTech Australia remains passionate in developing relationships and partnerships with Industry.

• Future activities with partnered organisations such as ASSDA are both desirable and essential in meeting the demands on the VET sector in QLD.

Questions