Australian Local Government Training (ALGT) is the industry-owned Industry Training Advisory Board (ITAB) working with Local Government to identify its training needs. The national ITAB is fortunate to have the peak industry bodies (Local Government Managers Australia, the Australian Local Government Association and the Australian Services Union) underpinning this work through their representatives on its board.
The national ITAB has management responsibility for the development and maintenance of the Local Government Training Package (LGTP).
We know that some Councils and Shires view the cost of training as a major barrier to encouraging staff to participate in professional development. Other barriers can be geographical isolation, lack of time and the difficulty experienced in releasing staff for training.
These are obstacles common to many workplaces and industries. The challenge that they present can largely be addressed by Regional Training Organisations (RTOs), both public (eg: TAFE) and private, negotiating flexible and responsive delivery options.
To address the issue of flexibility in training delivery, while at the same time seizing a commercial opportunity, some Councils have sought and obtained RTO recognition and are now seen as leaders in training within their field. Smaller Councils have preferred to form a dynamic partnership with local Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers.
Crucial to the delivery of flexible training are the units of competence and the qualification framework in the Local Government Training Package. Since the endorsement of the Training Package in March 2000, the ITAB has been pleased to see that Councils around Australia have taken up the challenge to use the LGTP as a management tool that assists with training, skills assessment and the uptake of entry level employees.
Industry has also used the LGTP in the professional development of existing staff in diverse sectors such as planning and environmental health. The LGTP has also been used to map the endorsed units of competency against position descriptions. This exercise has assisted HR and Training Managers to identify and address skill gaps.
“The Australian Quality Training Framework is the key to assuring the quality of training and the credibility of assessment across the national vocational education and training system,” said Moira Scollay, Chief Executive Officer, Australian National Training Authority.
Training Packages are fundamental components of the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) and using the package as a basis for the delivery of any training program will provide your staff with a nationally recognised qualification outcome.
The Local Government Training Package (LGA00) was endorsed with three pathways: Governance and Administration, Planning and Management of the Physical Environment and Environmental Health and Regulation. ALGT has announced the recent endorsement of the fourth pathway within LGA00: Operational Works.
For advice on matters relating to training within the Local Government sector or to obtain a copy of the Local Government Training Package please contact us on (03) 9349 3911, email info@algt.com.au or visit our website: www.algt.com.au.
Alternatively, please contact your state and territory Local Government ITAB.
* Copy supplied by ALGT
