TAFE Gippsland is playing an important role in the post bushfire recovery program in Far East Gippsland delivering vital training in the fire-ravaged community of Mallacoota.
Construction Induction Card (CIC) training sessions are taking place in the seaside hamlet and, according to TAFE Gippsland’s Interim Project Manager, Construction & Safety, Mr Stuart Cooper, they have been, “a big hit with local students”.
“With eight students enrolled today and another eight tomorrow, the student enrolments may be modest but they represent a huge boost for the Mallacoota community post the summer bushfires,” Mr Cooper said.
The CIC training allows the participant to register with Grocon, who have the contract for clean-up work on properties lost during the fires and for some local students to access construction sites as part of their school-based work experience.
Mr Cooper said the training course staff and students – many of whom are senior students from Mallacoota P-12 College - are observing all important hygiene and social distancing measures required under the current COVID-19 restrictions.
“It is also a strict requirement from Worksafe Victoria that this CIC course can only be delivered face-to-face in our state,” Mr Cooper said.
“This is truly an excellent example of TAFE Gippsland assisting the small community of Mallacoota with their bushfire and community recovery.”
TAFE Gippsland would like to acknowledge the assistance and support of Ms Anne Mwagiru, CEO of Mallacoota District Health and Support Service for allowing access to such a great training venue.
“Anne is also part of the Mallacoota Community Recovery Committee and the CIC training course was facilitated with timely assistance from our local Skills and Jobs Centre’s Partnership Broker, Mr Joe Rettino,” Mr Cooper said.
For all media-related enquiries, call;
Neil Lawson - Communications Coordinator, TAFE Gippsland
Phone - 0419 425 804
Email - nlawson@tafegippsland.edu.au or news@tafegippsland.edu.au