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The APPEA Journal The APPEA Journal Society
Journal of Australian Energy Producers
RESEARCH ARTICLE (Non peer reviewed)

Gladstone Energy Training Centre—building technical excellence for the Australasian region

Suzie Lane A and Anne Kitchen B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Central Queensland University.

B AMEC Australia Pty Ltd.

The APPEA Journal 55(2) 493-493 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ14128
Published: 2015

Abstract

The Australian resource sector makes significant investment in its people and also places the highest priority on safe practices. To be competitive globally, the sector needs to focus on and invest in education, training and competence to the highest of standards.

The ongoing development of major CSG to LNG projects in Queensland has created an opportunity for an energy industry operations and maintenance training facility of world class respond to the regional demand for a skilled workforce.

Central Queensland University (CQU) is establishing such a training facility through the recent merger of CQU and Central Queensland Institute of TAFE. The proposed training facility will create pathways from trade to professional streams to support workforce development, quality and adaptive capacity.

The authors describe the collaborative approach between CQU and industry sectors to contextualise units of competency in selected industry-required qualifications, as well as mapping the training for the Australian Qualifications Framework. The key to the success of the CQU-industry partnership will be a holistic, blended-learning approach that incorporates leading industry practices and processes.

The methodologies will include in-class, onsite, online, project-based simulations, and coaching and mentoring. This blended-learning approach will ensure direct application of the learning conducted through CQU to the workplace of industry. In addition, it will be able to deliver the latest insights from cutting-edge research available through the university, opening a new avenue for the partnership to grow and deliver on industry-led initiatives.

Suzie Lane holds a diploma in management and project management and she has held directorships on innovative businesses, which have sought and successfully found business opportunities.

She is the training business manager for the School of Vocational Engineering and Trades, TAFE Directorate, Industry Vocational Training and Access Education Division, CQ University, Gladstone City Campus and Gladstone Queensland.

Anne is an international experienced training and competency (T&C) specialist leading Amec Foster Wheeler’s T&C portfolio in the Asia Pacific region. She has significant experience designing competency assurance programs aligned to both Australian and international frameworks and standards, including developing training and assessment plans, related training material, and managing and coordinating training delivery for oil and gas majors such as BP, ExxonMobil, QGC and Chevron. Anne has 15 years’ experience at Amec Foster Wheeler Training & Development Services in Canada, where her roles included competence and training program design and business development in process operator and maintenance training. Her experience is in conducting needs analysis, and designing and developing competence and training solutions at local and international levels, involving cooperation with local, private and public sector adult education institutions.


References

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