Funds secured for lean systems training
Workers across the Cradle Coast region will have access to 115 new training places in a Competitive Systems and Practices program, also known as lean systems, starting in March.
The boost to industry skills was made possible via the Skills Tasmania Skills Fund aimed at existing workers in industry associations, regional groups or small businesses. More than $424,000 in training funds was secured by the Australian Maritime College at the University of Tasmania in partnership with the Cradle Coast Authority.
The Skills Fund program covers up to 90 per cent of employee training costs, with employer contributions making up the remainder.
The application to increase skills in the region stemmed from a study conducted by UTAS and Enterprise Connect of 46 local businesses, in which 91 per cent expressed an interest in implementing lean principles.
UTAS Pro Vice-Chancellor (Regional Development) Professor Janelle Allison said the study highlighted the importance of providing lean training to support the needs of the local business sector.
“It was clear from our study that local businesses are looking for opportunities to gain access to lean training. The Skills Fund training program is an important catalyst, providing the local workforce with skills that are vital for businesses to remain internationally competitive,” Professor Allison explained.
Certificate III and IV courses in Competitive Systems and Practices will be offered over a six-to-12 month period by industry experts Productivity Improvers, and will cover topics including efficiency gains, waste reduction, customer service, employee morale and costs. Lean systems training extends beyond Certificate IV, with UTAS currently developing postgraduate units aimed at managers wanting to implement lean practices into their business. There is also the potential for further courses to be delivered in the future.
Lee Whiteley, the Managing Director of Southern Prospect, is planning to include his staff in the training program as part of a broader supply-chain improvement project.
“As a north-west based manufacturer we are sold on the need for an intentional continuous improvement program. Competitive Systems and Practices is an ideal accredited program delivered by local practitioners in the field of lean and Six Sigma,” Mr Whiteley said.
The Cradle Coast Regional Training Alliance is collaboration between Cradle Coast Authority, Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania and Productivity Improvers with the support of Skills Tasmania.