ASA is Working for Industry Training Opportunities

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• Last Updated on Monday, 22 August 2011 13:22
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The ASA Seed Industry Training Advisory Group (SITAG) is working for improved and funded training opportunities specifically for our industry.

What is SITAG?
Established by the Australian Seeds Authority (ASA), SITAG is tasked to work with Agrifood Skills Australia (the national agriculture Industry Skills Council covering the seed industry) to develop a structured approach to providing funded and targeted training and education opportunities.  SITAG membership includes representation from ASA, the Australian Seed Federation (ASF) and the Grains Council of Australia Seeds Committee (GCA), and a range of members specifically selected because of their knowledge, experience and skills in our industry.

What is SITAG trying to achieve? 

The Objective is to identify and/or develop a set of Units of Competency (Units) that cover key industry activities and can be combined into courses that will deliver the necessary skills to industry, and certificate or diploma level qualifications to individuals.  Some (existing) Units may already be defined because they are broadly applicable to a wide range of industries – for example, Warehousing.  Other specific industry Units need to be developed.

What is the process? 

With significant support from Agrifood Skills Australia, SITAG is now identifying relevant existing Units and drafting a set of specific seed industry related Units, based on key industry activities, processes and skill requirements.

Commencing in July 2009, and through August, SITAG needs to consult broadly with seed industry stakeholders to ensure the draft Units are comprehensive and supported by industry.  Once industry support is confirmed a number of further steps will secure useful training outcomes.   
Step 1 – The Units and a broad structure of proposed courses will be submitted to Agrifood Skills Australia’s Council for approval (National approval);   
Step 2 – Registered Training Authorities (RTO's), which are organisations approved and funded to deliver training, register their interest in providing the training and develop deliverable training courses based on the approved Unit structures (course design);  
Step 3 – State skills authorities endorse the courses for funding, taking into account their priorities, and have this approved through State processes (State approval); and 
Step 4 – RTO's negotiate with industry participants to deliver funded training as and where 
agreed (practical delivery).

The outcome will not necessarily provide support for all training undertaken.  Funding will vary depending on which other government priorities are met (youth training, new employee training etc) but the potential benefits to our industry can be considerable.  In some instances, for successful candidates, funding can cover the full course cost and also reimburse employers for some staff participation costs.

How is this project being funded?
When the Australian Seed Technology Education Centre (ASTEC) wound up its affairs, its liquid assets were transferred to ASA to be used specifically for seed industry training and education purposes.  These funds are being used for this project.

As a seed industry stakeholder, how can you help this initiative move forward?
Before progressing much further, we will need your support for the process and feedback on the draft Units.  You can provide this via the ASF, GCA or directly on the new ASA web site once draft Units are released for comment.

email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone (02) 9869 1674.

Hugh Roberts 
Chairman 
Australian Seeds Authority Ltd. 
June 2009