CFMEU Education & Training News

The CFMEU Education and Training Unit started 2018 with a flurry of activity. In addition to our regular courses:

• Demand for Verification of Occupancy (VOC) has been very strong;
• A new carpentry pre-apprenticeship group has started;
• Our new Alimak is in operation; and
• We have purchased a new Elevated Work Platform (EWP).

VOC

Major construction companies are requiring workers to produce VOCs for all high-risk work before starting.

The Education and Training Unit has established standards for VOCs linked to national competency standards and assessment instruments. VOC systems need to reflect the skills and knowledge of construction workers and protect them.

Contact the unit if you are being asked to verify competency.

Pre-Apps and Apprentices

The 15 young people who joined the new carpentry pre-apprenticeship, will, over 22 weeks learn the fundamentals of carpentry at our Sabre Drive facility. Liam O’Hearn (CFMEU Apprenticeship Officer) is overseeing the course.

Meanwhile, three groups of star apprentices are doing their off-the-job apprenticeship training with us. As the CFMEU pushes to have trades licensed it is essential we play a leading role in apprenticeship training.

Our new Alimak

Our new Alimak Scando 65/32 has arrived, and members who have completed courses with it reckon it’s a great addition.

A new EWP

Our new Genie Z33/18 Electric Boom Lift used in our EWP course meets the competency standard requirements for booms under 11 metres.

A High-Risk Work licence is required for boom type EWPs over 11 metres. This licence does not cover scissors or booms under 11 metres, so a national standard is used to show operating competency, though many yellow cards have been issued without proper training or assessment standards. If in doubt, contact the Education and Training Unit.

Health and Safety courses

Don’t forget to keep your OHS and First Aid tickets up to date. Health and Safety Representatives are entitled to do a refresher every year.

Download the application form from our webpage if you want to upskill in OHS.

Contact the unit on 9341 3444 or check our website at vic.cfmeu.org.au/training for more information.

Article written by John Setka, Secretary - CFMEU