A West Coast Institute bulletin for industry, government, current and former students, and all supporters of training.

December 2013 Edition

Master Chef in the making

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS GET HEADSTART IN NURSING

Page 6

WEST COAST STUDENTS MAKE THEIR MARK AT WORLDSKILLS Page 8

ACADEMY CHOSEN AS CREAM OF THE CROP Page 11

LOCAL BUSINESS TO THE FOREFRONT Page 10

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Welcome to the December edition of West Coast Way.

As we approach the end of another year, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the last 12 months that has presented some challenges as well as an abundance of triumphs and successes which I look forward to sharing with you in the following pages.

It’s been a great year for student success at the Institute with several competing in the 2013 World Skills Competition (p4). I’m notably proud of our Apprentice Chef Chris Malone, who recently earned the title of “Best Apprentice Chef in Australia” by the Australian Culinary Federation.

In October, the Institute welcomed the Hon. Terry Redman MLA, Minister for Training and Workforce Development to our Joondalup campus to officially launch National Skills Week (p8). The event showcased the skills and talents of WA students while raising the profile of a training pathway.

It’s been a year of growth for the Institute with our expansion into the higher education sector. Thanks to a newly established partnership with Federation University, the Institute will be delivering the third and final year of the University’s Bachelor of Applied Management degree from February 2014.

The unique program will enable existing workers to participate in a flexible study framework specifically designed to fit in with their busy schedules (p12).

Additionally, as an approved higher education provider, the Institute is preparing to begin the delivery of Associate Degrees in the areas of Early Childhood Education and Security.

With the recent introduction of the Future Skills WA initiative, the Institute made it a priority to become an approved VET FEE-HELP training provider. From 2014 students who undertake a Diploma or Advanced Diploma will be eligible to apply for VET FEE-HELP enabling them to defer the cost of their tuition until they are working.

I would like to acknowledge all our staff for continuing to work the West Coast Way. By being Resourceful, Agile and Partnered the Institute continues to maximise existing opportunities, discover new ways of doing business and develop partnerships to provide industry led training solutions to students and enterprise.

I would also like to thank our industry partners, community members and stakeholders for their on-going contributions that enable us to continue to provide relevant skills training pathways throughout our community.

I wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy festive season!

Michelle Hoad Managing Director

From the Managing Director's Desk

National Skills Week goes off with a bangThis year the Institute’s Academy of Hospitality and Culinary Arts was proud to host the inaugural WA launch of SkillsOne National Skills Week. The purpose of the launch was to highlight the talents and skills of vocational students... (p4)

West Coast students make their mark at WorldSkillsWest Coast students have proved they’re at the top of their game after taking home medals at one of Australia’s biggest and most prestigious vocational training competitions, the WorldSkills Australia (WSA) regional competitions... (p8)

Delivering innovative higher education learning In partnership with Federation University Australia (formerly Ballarat University), West Coast Institute is set to deliver the third and final year of the Unversity’s Bachelor of Applied Management degree from March 2014... (p12)

"IT'S BEEN A YEAR OF GROWTH FOR THE INSTITUTE WITH OUR EXPANSION INTO THE HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR"

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Chris Malone is officially Australia’s number one Apprentice Chef,

having earned the title at this year’s Australian Culinary Federations (ACF) National Apprentice Competition.

As Chris approaches the end of his apprenticeship, the 18-year-old is ecstatic to have received one of the highest accolades achievable in his current position.

“I still can’t believe that I won. The competition was of an extremely high standard so it really is a huge honour to be named the best,” said Chris.

Chris realised his passion for cooking at the age of 15, and as an ‘A’ grade student was discouraged from leaving school by his teachers to start an apprenticeship. Against their advice, Chris left school to follow his dream and he has never looked back.

“Completing my apprenticeship at West Coast was the best decision I could have ever made. I’m given heaps of opportunities to enter competitions like this that have taken me around the world to pursue my dreams,” he said.

The Competition was held over four days and challenged five state winners in a head to head cook-off for the top title at the Royal Canberra Golf Club.

West Coast Academy of Hospitality and Culinary Arts Executive Director Patrick O’Brien was proud to see Chris win.

“It would have been a real shame if the hospitality industry never got the chance to discover Chris’s talents as a chef. He is a classic example of someone who has a passion, and a drive to follow their dreams. Keep a close eye on Chris, I’m sure he will continue to take the industry by storm,” he said.

With a two hour deadline, a tight $60 ingredient budget and strict competition guidelines to follow, each competitor was tasked to cook up three individually plated portions of an entrée, main, and dessert of their choice.

Chris’s winning menu consisted of:

•An entrée of pan seared baby snapper with salted cashew crumb, shaved fennel with lemon lime coriander salad and lemon olive oil,

•A main of thyme smoked sous-vide eye fillet beef and beetroot puree, roasted beetroot, potato fondant, sautéed peas and confit leak with a red wine jus,

•A chocolate fondant dessert with salted pepper caramel and balsamic compressed pickled strawberry with pistachio praline.

Master Chef in the making

COVER STORY UTO SEE MORE ON CHRIS MALONE VISIT www.putmeinthepicture.com.au

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National Skills Week goes off with a bang

This year the Institute’s Academy of Hospitality and Culinary Arts was

proud to host the inaugural WA launch of SkillsOne National Skills Week.

The purpose of the launch was to highlight the talents and skills of vocational students, as well as the career pathways and the value of students participating in training programs across Australia.

The Hon. Terry Redman MLA, Minister for Training and Workforce Development officially launched the week amongst the 100 guests in attendance.

“National Skills Week provides the opportunity to learn about WA’s training system and the many career pathways on offer, it also recognises the importance of practical and vocational learning in Australia,” said Minister Redman.

Students from West Coast Institute, Central Institute of Technology, Polytechnic West, and Challenger Institute of Technology together with students from Hospitality Group Training coordinated the event and showcased their developing skills.

West Coast events management students decorated the room and coordinated the event, while hospitality students conducted live cooking demonstrations to kick-off the event before preparing and serving the evening’s food and beverages.

Students from Polytechnic West show-cased a range of fashion wear displayed on mannequins throughout the function room and Challenger Institute of Technology had the room looking classy with their floristry students decorating the tables with fresh flower arrangements.

National Skills Week provides the opportunity to learn about WA's national training system.

WATCH THE WA NATIONAL SKILLS WEEK LAUNCH Uhttp://www.nationalskillsweek.com.au/media/video-gallery/

L-R: Chris Malone (WCI Apprentice Rising Star of the Year), Patrick O'Brien (Academy Executive Director), Hon .Terry Redman MLA (Minister for Training and Workforce Development), Michelle Hoad (WCI Managing Director).

Central Institute of Technology's student guitarist Riley Pearce.

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Central Institute of Technology covered

the entertainment and multimedia as

student guitarist Riley Pearce took to

the stage to perform a few of his own

tracks and the whole event was caught

on film thanks to Central’s broadcasting

students.

“It’s fantastic to see so many training

providers coming together like this,

to put a strong focus on the value of

training in Western Australia,” said

West Coast Institute Managing Director,

Michelle Hoad.

"HOSPITALITY STUDENTS CONDUCTED LIVE COOKING DEMONSTRATION TO KICK-OFF THE EVENT"

"IT'S FANTASTIC TO SEE SO MANY TRAINING PROVIDERS COMING TOGETHER LIKE THIS, TO PUT A STRONG FOCUS ON THE VALUE OF TRAINING IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA"

U

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High school students get ahead of the

pack with West Coast

15 local high school students recently earned a head start in their nursing career after graduating with a

Certificate III in Health Services Assistance at the Institute’s Academy of Health Sciences.

The Academy graduates are now qualified to work alongside Enrolled and Registered nurses as Assistants in Nursing after spending one day a week throughout year and 11 and 12 to participate in the Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) program at the Academy.

“The beauty of having this qualification is that I can go straight into the industry I’m passionate about. I have a head start on my school friends, I’m getting work experience and earning money as I further my education,” said Mindarie Senior College student and Academy graduate Kate Nicholson.

Since graduating, Kate has gained employment as a Nursing Assistant at St John of God Hospital.

Nursing lecturer and Health Services VETiS Coordinator Hazel Neale said the program is a fantastic way to engage students while they’re still at school providing them with industry-specific and employability skills and an understanding of what it’s like to work in a health setting.

“VETiS programs allows students to get a taste of the working world and it gets them a foot in the door within their chosen industry before they even finish their school studies,” she said.

“These students will be workplace ready and employable by the time their fellow school mates start their tertiary studies. It’s a massive advantage for these students in today’s competitive job market.”

“It’s amazing to see the personal growth and progression of these students over the two year program, they are going to pave fantastic careers for themselves,” she said.

More than half of the graduates plan to pursue further study in the area of nursing, including Kate, who has recently applied to complete a Diploma of Enrolled Nursing at the Institute. Some graduates have used their certificate as a pathway into University and many are portfolio ready for a variety of Bachelor degrees in health and social sciences.

Since graduating, Kate Nicholson (pictured) has gained employment as a Nursing Assistant at St John of God Hospital.

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No mountain high enough

Cale Battersby was diagnosed with Asperger’s disorder in 2011 and

told by medical professionals that he was likely to have trouble with learning, social skills and finding employment.

The 24-year-old single parent to Natalie (aged two) was determined to prove them all wrong and enrolled in a Certificate III in Education Support at West Coast.

“My daughter gave me the strength and determination to get a qualification; I want to be a good role model for her,” Cale said.

Cale’s personal experience as a school student fuelled his passion to pursue a career as an Education Assistant.

“The most valued support I received at school was from my classrooms Education Assistants. They played a

really important role in my ability to learn,” Cale said.

Cale thanks the Institute for helping him achieve his dreams.

“I’m really grateful that West Coast saw the potential in me, they gave me an opportunity to get a qualification. The lecturers were always happy to work around my learning needs and having to juggle study with being a full time father”.

Education Lecturer Janet Judd was quickly impressed with Cale’s enthusiasm and motivation to succeed.

“Cale knew that he had extra learning needs and used independent study time to seek the required support,” said Janet. I know he will be a positive role model for school students,” she said.

Cale recently graduated from his Certificate III in Education Support and now volunteers at Mindarie Primary School, assisting students in their computer classes.

Mindarie Primary School teacher Kerry Avery said that Cale has a natural ability to interact with students.

“He has an excellent rapport with the students and they love working with him,” said Kerry.

“He has a great way of helping children grasp new concepts, it has been an absolute pleasure having him in my classroom.”

Cale plans to study a Certificate IV in Education Support at the Institute in the future.

Cale thanks the Institute for helping him achieve his dreams.

FOR MORE INFO ABOUT CERTIFICATE III IN EDUCATION SUPPORT Uhttp://www.wcit.wa.edu.au/education

Education Support Graduate Cale Battersby assists children with computing at Mindarie Primary School.

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West Coast students prove they can deliver the goods

West Coast students have proved they’re at the top of their game

after taking home medals at one of Australia’s biggest and most prestigious vocational training competitions, the WorldSkills Australia (WSA) regional competitions.

WSA provides an opportunity for skilled Australians to gain recognition for their talents and abilities within skill based and trade careers. The competition encourages young Australians to achieve their full potential and in doing so unearths and fosters Australia’s best.

WA State and Regional Worldskills Manager Fiona Johnston, was thrilled to see Institute students showcase their high skill levels to be the best in their industry.

“Every year West Coast Institute students make their mark at WorldSkills,” she said.

Medal winning students who represented the Institute within Beauty, Automotive Electrical and Brick and Blocklaying categories spent an average of six weeks preparing to perfect their skills for the competition.

“The competitions aren’t easy. It’s a full day of working hard under time strict constraints to achieve results above and beyond the industry standard. Competitors spend weeks training in the lead up to the big day,” said Fiona.

Fiona explained that of all competitions, WSA provides one of the greatest opportunities for young people to excel in their chosen profession, and it can take them around the world.

“WSA winners from regional competitions have the opportunity to compete on a national level against the best in the country. Winners from national competitions then go on to become a Skillaroo, representing Australia on a global scale, competing against the world’s best,” said Fiona.

Beauty student and silver medal winner Kirsty Sopp will compete in the National Worldskills competition for Beauty Therapy in Sydney next year.

“I spent a lot of my time training on campus after class. The time set aside by my lecturers outside of training hours to help me out really shows dedication. To be given the opportunity to now compete on a national scale in Sydney next year is a once in a life time opportunity,” she said.

KIRSTY SOPP, AGE 18Cert IV Beauty TherapySilver Medal Kirsty's love of pampering lead her to study Beauty Therapy. She hopes to work at a day spa in the near future."To be recognised for my skills as a beauty student is really exciting. I didn't know these opportunities even existed and now I'm a part of it."

SIMON RIPEPI, AGE 20Cert III Brick and BlocklayingBronze MedalSimon always wanted a career that was physical and hands-on. Simon is completing his Apprenticeship through APG Homes."The skills I have learnt at Trades North have given me the confidence to know that I can achieve anything."

"WORLDSKILLS AUSTRALIA PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SKILLED AUSTRALIANS TO GAIN RECOGNITION FOR THEIR TALENTS "

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Every year West Coast Institute students make their mark at WorldSkills.

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ANDREA HAHN, AGE 19Cert III in Automotive Electrical TechnologySilver MedalAndrea's love for cars at a young age drove her to pursue her dream of working in the Automotive Industry."This is proof that the hands on training I received throughout my apprenticeship at West Coast has given me the right skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the real world."

NICHOLAS COCI, AGE 18Cert III in Brick and BlocklayingSilver MedalNicholas is pursuing a career in Brick and Blocklaying because he loves working with his hands and working outdoors. Nicholas is completing his apprenticeship through Celebration homes. "I trained really hard for the event and my lecturers at Trades North put aside a lot of their time leading up to the competition to help me practice. It made a huge difference to my final product on the day."

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Institute brings local businesses to the forefrontWith a range of specialist training solutions to equip local businesses.

As the business world evolves faster than ever, the Institute’s Workforce Solutions team has recently launched a range of

specialist training solutions to equip local businesses with the right tools to develop their workforce.

Director of International and Business Development, Ian Martinus says the new skills acquisition workshops have been created specifically to maximise staff productivity and efficiency which will assist in growing business profitability.

“We realise that employers in all industry sectors are faced with the challenge of attracting and retaining quality staff. The process of recruitment, induction, training and continued development takes both time and money, two critical elements that impact on any business’s bottom line.”

“Our skills acquisition workshops will help business owners and managers develop their employees to work optimally for their business,” he said.

Across four key areas the half and full day workshops will provide employees an opportunity to develop their conceptual thinking and analytical skills (Intelligence Series), become more operationally efficient by application of best practice techniques (Applied Series), acquire new skills to lead and mentor teams (Performance Series) and to enhance their computer literacy (BizTech Series).

Required training will be assessed prior to employees attending a workshop, this ensures they only receive the training they need to succeed.

Workshops can be delivered on-site or at the Institute’s Joondalup Campus.

To find out more about our range of Skills Acquisition Workshops please visit wcit.wa.edu.au/wfs or contact Ian Martinus on 9233 1026 or at Ian.Martinus@wcit.wa.edu.au.

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POSITION U Director of International and Business Development

What’s your background?

I have worked in a variety of roles around the world within economic and urban development, eGovernance, trade and investment and financial management.

Much of my work has been in the innovation and new technology space either as a consultant or as part of a dedicated project team. Throughout my career I’ve been lucky to work in some pretty amazing places around the world in Iraq, the U.S., Afghanistan, Japan, and Pakistan.

What are you passionate about?

Social equity and community engagement. Being able to be a part of local community prosperity and looking to maximise opportunities for others is really important to me. I enjoy seeing the growth in others and their happiness when they succeed.

What are some of the exciting projects you’re working on now?

Where do I begin, we have just launched our Skills Acquisition Workshops which are tailored half and full day workshops specifically created to address workforce development.

Digital enterprise workshops have just kicked off to help local business make the most of technology at their workplaces and I’ve also been pretty busy exploring the international market training partnerships, and delivering our courses off-shore.

What does the West Coast Way mean to you?

The team culture, the innovative approach to doing business and the community focus at the Institute amazes me, I think that’s the West Coast Way.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully doing something within the community development space. I love the idea of social enterprise; I want to help local businesses seize good opportunity to reach their full potential.

Five minutes with... Ian Martinus

Academy chosen as cream of the crop

As the only World Association of Chef Societies accredited culinary

training provider in Australia, the Institute’s Academy of Hospitality and Culinary Arts will be the training ground for select Japanese Kagawa College students next year.

“After visiting the Academy and viewing the facilities on offer, I have full confidence that my students will gain many benefits studying here,” said Kagawa College of Culinary and Confectionary Arts Vice President Mr Furukawa.

The Kagawa College students will complete a four-week hospitality course at the Academy to learn how to prepare, cook and serve a variety of Australian fresh produce.

They will also participate in an intense English language course and a week of work placement at a local Perth restaurant.

The Institute’s Director of International and Business Development, Ian Martinus is humbled by Mr Furukawa’s decision to have his students study at West Coast.

“The Academy has been chosen by the Kagawa College as their preferred culinary arts training provider, that’s one of the greatest compliments we can get. It demonstrates that the training delivered at the Academy is world class,” said Ian.

FOR MORE INFO ABOUT

U

FOR MORE INFO ABOUT THE ACADEMY VISIT Uhttp://www.wcit.wa.edu.au/ahca

(L-R) Yasuko Timmings, Ian Martinus, Mr Furukawa, Andrew Doran.

In partnership with Federation University Australia (formerly Ballarat

University), West Coast Institute is set to deliver the third and final year of the Unversity’s Bachelor of Applied Management degree from March 2014.

The BAM is designed to enable participants to apply theoretical concepts to their everyday working environment. It includes units such as accounting for managers, strategic human resource management and project management.

West Coast Institute’s Director of Higher Education, Kevin Batty, said that since announcing the partnership and the commencement of the program in 2014, the Institute has received enthusiastic interest from individuals who are looking to further their education while working full time.

“There’s many people who have the desire to further their education, but

haven’t because of the limited number training programs available to suit their work and personal schedule,” he said.

The BAM is ideal for people who have supervisory or management experience and have already completed a diploma or advanced diploma.

Alan Labas, BAM Program Coordinator at Federation University said that many participants are eligible to go straight into the third and final year of the program.

“We recognise people’s previous work and life experience as well as prior education, providing credit towards entry into the BAM. This reduces the time and cost to obtain the Bachelor’s degree, as most people will complete the program part-time within two years,” he said.

Learning in an environment similar to traditional post-graduate studies, the program is delivered through weekly workshops and online modules that are prepared by the University’s academic

staff and facilitated by West Coast lecturers. Like any under-graduate degree, participants who complete the program are eligible to apply for further education, including a Master’s degree in their field.

“As an applied learning program participants can take what they learn to work and immediately apply it in a practical setting” said Alan. An important feature of the program is the interactive workshops, where participants can link their work experience to the theoretical information and learn from lecturers and professional experts.

There are limited places still available for the first intake of the program, commencing in March 2014.

Delivering an innovative higher education learning experienceBAM is designed to enable participants to apply theoretical concepts to their everyday working environment.

TO DISCUSS YOUR ELIGIBILITY U Contact the Institute's Higher Education team on 9233 1821 or visit wcit.wa.edu.au/bam

To advise of a change of address please telephone (08) 9233 1080. All other enquiries should be directed to the editor, West Coast Way on (08) 9233 1182 or Jackie.Kallen@wcit.wa.edu.au

West Coast Way articles may be reproduced with acknowledgement.

To find out about previous editions of West Coast Way, please visit our website.

wcit.wa.edu.au

HealTH, eDuCaTION &

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Cover Image: Chris Malone working at Fraser’s Restaurant

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