FIAPS Bulletin May 2010

Updated FIAPS Tools
 A reminder to all subscribers that feedback is sought in relation to the new template. In particular, please provide comment on the cross-referencing of assessment questions with the Performance Criteria before Monday, 31 May. The work has already been completed for all COR and some COT units.

·      Could you please provide suggestions for priority areas for the update of assessment tools.

·      Planning is underway for the moderation of assessment tools at the July ATTA/FIAPs conference in Hobart in July.  Due to the updated Machine Operator units and the soon to be finalised Chainsaw and Tree Felling units, we would like to suggest that some of these units be chosen for moderation – please let us know your priority for these units.

The four Chainsaw units are now in their Final Draft format and are available for comment on the ForestWorks website.  The Tree Felling units have been reduced from 6 to 5 and the first draft of these units has also been uploaded to the ForestWorks website, for comment.   These units are the most frequently used in the FPI05 Training Package and it is expected that the updated versions will be submitted to the NQC for endorsement and insertion into the package in June. To see the updated versions go to http://www.forestworks.com.au/topics/5998.html

A working group has been established to provide advice for the fire salvage operation units to be incorporated in the National Training Package. These national units have been based on current units from the Victorian-accredited Fire Salvage Operations course. It is expected that the two units (environment and OHS procedures for fire salvage operations) will comprise a Skill Set within FPI05.  A First Draft of these units will be uploaded to the ForestWorks’ website in May for your feedback.

Skills for Sustainability
The Gap Analysis Report for sustainability skills gaps in training packages was submitted to DEEWR on 7th April.  This report identified the need to undertake an industry consultation in order to develop units and qualifications to reflect current, emerging and future work requirements in relation to the following environmental sustainability themes:

• Maximising carbon capture and storage
• Wood for renewable energy
• Environmental resource management and services
• Energy and material efficiency

FPI05 Version 1.2
Version 1.2 of FPI05 has gone ‘live’ on NTIS.  Changes to the package include: 

• The addition of 10 Machine Operator Skill Sets to cover the operation of:  crawler/dozer, skidder, loader, forwarder, fellbuncher, boom delimber, excavator, mechanical processor, single grip harvester, heavy production mobile chipper.  Each skill set incorporates an operator unit, an environmental unit and an OHS unit. This was seen as the minimum requirement to enable new entrants to operate machinery and is a map to licences in several states. Codes for each of the operator units now end in B reflecting that minor changes were made but they remain equivalent to the prior units ending in A.
•  The development of a specialist qualification for log truck drivers - Certificate III in Harvesting and Haulage (Log Truck Driver). This qualification can be achieved by selecting specialist electives and imported units. The imported units were added to the elective bank in the updated version of the training package.

Revised Continuous Improvement Plan
The Continuous Improvement Plan contains priority areas for changes to the Training Packages from now until 2011.The updated Continuous Improvement Plan submitted to DEEWR is available for viewing on the ForestWorks website at http://www.forestworks.com.au/multiversions/6675/FileName/CIPMar2010.pdf    ForestWorks welcomes comments and recommendations for improvement to the Training Packages. Suggestions can be entered directly onto the Issues Register housed on the ForestWorks website http://www.forestworks.com.au/formmetadata/5382.html 

 Designing and Developing Assessment Tools – Workshop The Voc Ed Learning Group will be conducting a 2-day workshop in most states.   Visit www.velg.com.au for details and registration.