ForestWorks presents at National Furnishing Teachers Conference
3 July 2009, 2:49pm
Patricia Hughes, the Victorian ITAB Manager for Forestry and Furnishing, recently presented at the biennial National Furnishing Teachers Conference in Albury, NSW.
Pat gave a presentation on ‘Lean Manufacturing’ in one of many diverse and well-attended break-out sessions. Her presentation focused on the impact of lean manufacturing electives on the delivery of furnishing apprenticeship programmes.
“Training delivery in the furnishing industry is comprehensive, cohesive, valid and well-moderated - our furnishing workers and apprentices are in good hands,” said Pat.
Pat also conducted an industry forum with representatives from local business enterprises, in conjunction with the NSW office of ForestWorks. Sharmily Mukherjee, Manager ForestWorks New South Wales, gave a presentation on a new project to develop a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) tool, a project jointly funded by the Australian Government and the NSW Government.
Pat enthused about the conference which included an opening keynote address by Professor David Parkin from Deakin University. David is also an author and ex-AFL coach and he challenged the conference attendees with an inspirational address, entitled, ‘Cooperation, cohesion and teamwork’.
As well as the Lean Manufacturing break out session, other sessions included, ‘Tools for Training Plans’, ‘e-learning’, ‘The Future of the Furnishing Industry’, ‘Sustainability’, and ‘Preparing Candidates for Furnishing Awards’.
“I am pleased that the organisers are going to arrange for a smaller event in the alternate, non-conference, years – starting in 2010. Training and skills development are integral to our industry. Associations such as the Furnishing Teachers Advisory Group (FurnTAG), which organises the conference and other events, ensure that those responsible for training and skills development are well-supported and encouraged,” said Pat.
