6. The CFMEU's training agenda for construction workers

The delivery of training in the Australian construction industry has been undergoing a process of reform for the last decade. This recognises the skills base of the industry was being seriously depleted, posing a threat to the future quality of construction projects.

The response of the union and the industry to these difficulties has involved a number of strategies including:

• the development of an industry training framework (or plan) by the tri-partite industry training body, Construction Training Australia
• the development and delivery of courses for non-trade areas, which have traditionally never had access to formal training, for example, plant and machinery operators
• the reform and streamlining of existing trade training
• the introduction of training levies and other revenue raising initiatives aimed at training
• the active promotion of group training schemes, traineeships and other ideas designed to speed up the access of young people to the industry
• the formation of union training companies (sometimes in partnership with employers) to supplement State training provision.

Victoria

The CFMEU is a registered provider of Training Vocational Education and with the State Training Board of Victoria. The Education and Training Unit was first registered in 1993.

Since registration, more than 7000 workers have completed nationally accredited certificate and short courses. In 1999, more than 2,000 workers will complete courses with the Unit. In 2000 the Unit expects to increase participation by an additional 20%. Retention rates for courses are currently 92% (ie 92% of workers who commence courses, successfully complete them).

The Unit is accessed by employed and unemployed building and construction workers, trainees and apprentices. In addition, the Unit provides training for Victorian Workcover Authority Inspectors, the Department of Human Services and the Victorian Department of Education secondary colleges.

The Unit has steadily increased the scope of training that if offers to the industry and currently ahs 49 courses on its scope of registration.

NSW

The CFMEU, in conjunction with the Master Builders Association NSW have formed Comet Training Pty Ltd. Comet is an Accredited Training Provider, offering a range of courses. Comet has a well equipped Skills Centre based in Lidcombe.

Under the auspice of the Olympic Co-ordinating Authority, Comet was the successful tenderer to manage, co-ordinate and deliver training for the New Sydney Showground Project. Training was delivered to 1224 participants and this led to an ongoing role for Comet in other Olympic Construction projects.

Western Australia

The CFMEU has established a training centre in Welshpool, representing an investment of up to $3 million in construction industry training in the West. The CFMEU operates the Construction Skills Training Centre, established in 1992. The Centre has trained over 12,000 workers. More information can be found on the CSTC Website: www.cstc.com.au The site includes an on-line application service.

Queensland

The CFMEU established an apprenticeship scholarship scheme that received a Special Recognition Award at Construction Training Queensland’s 1997 Building and Construction Industry Training and Excellence Awards.

The CFMEU also operates the Construction Skills Training Centre, which is recognised for its quality training in the non-trades area.

Australian Capital Territory

The CFMEU established the Construction Industry Training and Employment Association which operates a group training scheme from a modern facility. In addition to traditional construction industry apprenticeships, the Association also supplied trainees in areas such as hospitality and business services.

South Australia

The CFMEU has established and continues to operate the Construction Industry Training Centre. The Centre organises its own courses as well as arranging for other registered training organisation to provide vocational education and training to our members and is the largest private provider of training in the State.

United we bargain - Divided we beg.

Contact the National Office, Construction Division at:
Level 12, 276 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Ph: 02 8524 5800
Fax: 02 8524 5801
Email: queries@fed.cfmeu.asn.au

Postal address: PO Box Q235, Queen Victoria Building Post Office, Sydney NSW 1230.