Message from the Institute Director

At The Bremer we have become accustomed to each year being more exciting and challenging than the previous one, and 2005 was no exception. 

As always our focus has been to provide the best training possible to help our students obtain work in their chosen area. This would not have been possible without the excellence and commitment of our staff, and the wonderful partnerships with schools, businesses and community groups.  We are very fortunate to have such committed teams of skilled professionals and support staff who make it all happen.

Each year we expand our business capabilities by forging new partnerships and increasing our responsiveness and flexibility; we reaffirm our commitment to quality training delivery by ensuring the skills we teach are industry relevant and by maintaining excellence in client service, and; we support and develop our staff by recognising and rewarding their achievements and developing their potential.  

We have gained a reputation as a leading TAFE Institute, receiving a number of awards across many service areas again in 2005.

·        Work Family Balance Award finalist  – National winner announced late November

·        Queensland Training Awards  – Finalist in the Large Training Provider of the Year

·        Staff awards at the Mayor’s Ipswich and Region Employee Awards

·        Staff success at the Department of Employment and Training Staff Recognition Awards

·        Australian Institute of Marketing Awards – National winner in the Education Sector

·        Power Play 2005 – our black tie corporate dinner was an outstanding success

·        First Place (Commercial Category) – Ipswich Garden Competition

Once again we achieved some of the best TAFE results in the staff and client surveys, and we have dedicated Institute teams working on ways to make our service even better. 

This year the Institute Council was appointed under the leadership of Mayor Paul Pisasale, and we now have strong representation from across the business and community sector to guide the Institute’s business direction.

The road to this year’s success has brought many challenges and changes.  As we wait for the release of the White Paper on Skills, Jobs and Growth, we are well positioned to adapt to the new directions for the vocational education and training sector. 

As we draw closer to Christmas and the end of 2005, I would like to thank all those who have supported The Bremer - our business partners, our staff and students.  Please drive safely over the holiday period, and I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas.

Kind regards

KAYLENE HARTH

Institute Director

The Bremer Institute of TAFE

Event management students deliver a good night out

Students from The Bremer TAFE’s Certificate III in Meetings and Events program put their newly-developed skills and knowledge into practice, organising the Toowoomba regional finals of the Queensland Training Awards.

Top hats, town criers, actors, acrobats and a spectacular jazz club setting were all part of the theme at the presentation ceremony and dinner held at the Empire Theatre.

In conjunction with the Toowoomba office of the Department of Employment and Training, six Bremer TAFE students were given the task of organising and managing the evening.  

The students were not only required to ensure everything ran smoothly and that the 350 guests had a good night; the event also formed a major part of their assessment in their course.

The students designed colour schemes, organised the elaborate decorations, briefed entertainers, and arranged food, gifts, music and staging. Their hands-on involvement meant they were involved in every aspect of the event  - even serviette folding and gift box ties.

Instead of traditional floral centrepieces on the dining tables the students used gigantic paper flowers.

The students ranged between 18 and 55 years of age, with some already working in the hospitality industry and others looking to broaden their current work prospects in the event management arena.

The Certificate III in Meetings and Events qualification teaches valuable skills for coordinating meetings, conferences and events in hotels, government or private companies. Graduates can also pursue a career as a professional conference organiser.

Institute Acting Director, Ms Kaylene Harth, said the course is designed to be industry relevant and “hands-on”. 

“To complete the course successfully, students are required to plan, manage and execute a major event,” she said.

“All students are taught skills that make them valuable employees in the event management arena.

“The Bremer has established a high benchmark with regards to the excellent standard of training it provides in the areas of hospitality and tourism.

“Many of our event management graduates have gone on to gain employment in leading resorts, hotels, fundraising organisations, art galleries, and city councils.

“Others have become wedding planners, organised military tattoos, arranged youth development programs and anniversary celebrations for service organisations such as Rotary.” 

Photos:

·          The Bremer TAFE events management teacher Jillien Lamprecht with some of the giant paper flowers used by her students to decorate the gala dinner setting at the south-west regional finals of the 2005 Queensland Training Awards.

·         
A jazz club setting set the mood for the awards dinner.

·          Teacher Jillien Lamprecht with the students who helped organise the dinner.

·       A town crier added to the festivitites.

Award-winning streak continues for 71-year-old literacy teacher

Seventy-one-year old Bremer TAFE literacy teacher Vione Jorgensen has been on a winning streak for the past two years.

Her latest successes have seen her honoured with a federal award for Outstanding Contribution to Improving Literacy and/or Numeracy from the Federal Minister for Education Science and Training, Dr Brendan Nelson, as well as The Mayor of Ipswich’s Employee of the Year Award for the Education sector.

This is just one of string of awards Vione has collected in recognition of her tireless contribution to literacy. Her previous triumphs include the Adult Learning Australia National Award (2003), while last year she was selected from 114 Queensland entrants to win a 2004 Department of Employment and Training Staff Recognition Award for Innovation.

She is also a recipient of a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow Award, which recognises tangible and significant assistance made towards furthering better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.

Vione has taught at The Bremer Institute of TAFE for 16 years. Her work in the fields of adult literacy and adult computer literacy has seen her assist diverse groups of students including migrants, people from disadvantaged and at-risk backgrounds, geographically or socially-isolated students, mature-aged women transitioning back into the workforce, and seniors’ groups.

Vione is also Liaison Development Officer for SeniorNet, which provides adult computer literacy programs. In recent years she has single-handedly secured over $75,000 in grants for equipment, training, research and IT support for SeniorNet to help local senior citizens gain computer and Internet skills and confidence.

Her most recent award was one of five given nationally and acknowledges her work to improve literacy and numeracy with students of all ages. The awards are presented annually as part of National Literacy and Numeracy Week.

The Outstanding Contribution to Improving Literacy and/or Numeracy Award included a $10,000 prize, which will be shared between The Bremer Institute's literacy unit and SeniorNet.

Director of The Bremer Institute, Ms Kaylene Harth, said Vione is an inspiration to teachers and students of all ages.

“She has an ability to convert innovative ideas into practical processes, develop innovative delivery strategies, encourage ideas and innovation, identify opportunities for improvement, and problem-solve.

“Adult literacy and numeracy classes enhance students’ life skills and their ability to go on to further study or gain employment. Vione has helped so many students articulate into other TAFE courses or find jobs with local businesses.”

Vione originally taught in kindergartens, primary schools and high schools but has become dedicated to adult literacy.

A strong advocate for lifelong learning, she obtained a degree in Adult and Vocational Teaching whilst in her sixties.

She has also been an active volunteer worker with Lifeline counselling and worked with numerous regional community organisations. Vione is also a marriage celebrant and a former president of Quota, a professional women’s group.

Local design student strikes gold twice

Laidley resident and graphic design student at The Bremer Institute of TAFE, Anthony Beggs, has picked up two gold awards in the prestigious national Southern Cross Package Design Awards.

Nineteen-year old Anthony entered and won two categories in the Awards in which he designed a retail paper bag and a new POSTpak product.

His retail paper bag design targeted the hardware industry and included three triangular shaped bags that transferred the weight to the sides of the bags, making them more suitable to carry heavier objects.

Anthony’s second winning entry was a POSTpak for transporting ink cartridges and other small objects, which can be used twice.

Design students from more than 30 training institutions throughout Australia contest the Awards each year. Anthony receives a $500 cash prize for each of his winning entires and will be flown to Melbourne for the presentation ceremony on October 6.

Anthony will complete his Diploma of Graphic Design at the end of this year and hopes to combine his skill with his love of motor racing.

“Perhaps I’ll be able to work in an advertising area where I can design marketing materials for the motor industry,” he said.

Director of The Bremer Institute of TAFE, Ms Kaylene Harth, said although its students had picked up silver, bronze and commendation awards in the competition in the past, Anthony was the first Bremer TAFE student to receive gold.

“To receive two gold awards in the one competition shows the exceptional talent of this student,” she said.

Gift of new plant propagation shed

The institute’s horticulture training area has a brand new plant propagation shed thanks to a generous donation from the Wivenhoe Alliance and SEQWater in gratitude for work done by the institute’s horticulture students as part of the Wivenhoe Dam upgrade project.

A partnership between the institute and the Wivenhoe Alliance was formed in June last year to deliver practical experience for students, positive outcomes for the environment and help the Alliance achieve its project objectives.

The partnership saw more than 30 horticulture students help grow native tree seedlings to plant around the dam as part of the project. An estimated 20,000 trees were planted on the Wivenhoe construction site and in other areas of the catchment.

Institute Director, Ms Kaylene Harth, said the project provided practical experience, which supported the theoretical topics covered in the Certificate II in Horticulture (General).

“The students’ involvement helped them gain practical experience in their chosen field by collecting native seeds then growing them into seedlings.

“It has had a strong environmental impact and has been a wonderful hands-on experience,” she said.

Wivenhoe Dam is South East Queensland’s major water supply and was originally built in 1985. Research by the Bureau of Meteorology showed maximum rainfall in the Wivenhoe catchment was higher than first thought so the dam needed to be upgraded to cater for the increased flood estimates.

The renovation included a 165-metre-wide embankment controlled spillway built on the right abutment opposite the entrance to the Wivenhoe Dam Information Centre.

The Wivenhoe Alliance consisted of five companies – dam owner and operator SEQWater, constructor Leighton Contractors, geotechnical experts Coffey Geosciences, dam design consultants Department of Commerce (NSW) and environmental specialists MWH Australia Limited – who investigated and constructed the additional spillway and associated works.

Alliance spokesman Stuart Macnish said the works would ensure the dam could safely manage a one-in-100,000-year flood event.

Mr Macnish said The Wivenhoe Alliance charter included leaving a positive legacy in the local community.

“Engaging the services of the local TAFE institute was one way to fulfil this,” he said.

“The Alliance wanted to work with The Bremer Institute to pass on some of the learnings of the project to its students.

“We also made a commitment to help restore the land surrounding the dam and the additional spillway to native bushland.

“The Alliance has been able to bring both of these goals together by getting The Bremer’s horticulture students in our revegetation project.

“While we didn’t have to clear many trees to build the new spillway we wanted to restore the natural bushland of the area so that we actually improved the environs of the dam.”

Mr Macnish said the Alliance was impressed by the willingness of students and staff from The Bremer to get involved in the project.

“The management, students and staff at the institute have worked with The Alliance to ensure our goals of creating a positive legacy for the community have been met while ensuring valuable hands-on experience for students,” he said.

Photo (from left): Operations Manager SEQ Water, Rob Drury, and Wivenhoe Alliance Stakeholder and Environment Manager, Stuart Macnish, visited The Bremer Institute of TAFE to present a  new propagation shed to say “thank you” for work done by the institute’s horticulture students growing native plants for a vegetation upgrade project around the Wivenhoe Dam. The head of the institute’s horticulture training facility, Arthur Ryan, and Institute Director, Kaylene Harth, were there to inspect the new acquisition.

Bremer TAFE wins two national marketing awards

The Bremer Institute of TAFE has been recognised for the innovative marketing of its indigenous training programs by winning two awards at the Australian Marketing Institute’s National Awards for Marketing Excellence.

The Bremer beat finalists from all states to win both the Marketing Excellence Award for Education, together with an Industry Sector Award.

Both awards acknowledged The Bremer’s use of a 40,000 year-old indigenous tradition, known as ‘The Calling’, to encourage and increase participation by indigenous people in vocational education and training programs.

Institute Director Kaylene Harth said that in the early 1900s, it was customary for indigenous tribes all over Australia to gather together at large feasts to discuss issues relating to their community – such as tribal matters or marriages.

“The tribe hosting the event would send out invitations, or a ‘calling’, to surrounding clans to invite them to the event. However, as tribes were broken up and their members dispersed to various missions, this practice was largely lost in the mists of time.

“Until The Bremer revived this ancient custom, ‘callings’ had not occurred in the region for over 100 years.

“By reintroducing this age-old tradition, the institute was able to bring together a number of local clans with the aim of establishing a joint strategic vision for indigenous training in the area,” Ms Harth said.

The program helped the institute to increase indigenous student enrolments by 50 per cent from 630 in 2003 to 938 in 2005.

In presenting the awards, the judges said the approach of using a 40,000 year-old aboriginal tradition to market indigenous programs was a significant initiative.

“According to the judges, The Bremer displayed impressive consumer insights and cultural understanding of its target market,” Ms Harth said.

“Overall, the judges described our entry a ‘stand-out’ winner – congratulating us for our customer-focussed approach to meeting the challenges of tailoring services to meet the needs of our local indigenous clients.

“We also rated a special mention for our capabilities in the areas of product modification, branding and repositioning, together with our unique and successful approach to communication.”

“The judges also commended The Bremer on the success of the project in achieving both economic and cultural outcomes.

“The real success of the campaign is the fact that we now have more skilled indigenous people in our region. This, in turn, has enhanced their employment opportunities and brought benefits to their communities.”

The Bremer partners with local poultry products giant

A partnership between The Bremer Institute of TAFE and Bartter Enterprises, producers of Steggles brand poultry products, will see hundreds of staff at its Wulkuraka processing facility west of Ipswich achieve formal qualifications in a wide range of fields.

The partnership is part of an extended training program by Bartter to recognise staff skills and provide additional training to achieve formal qualifications.

Bartter chose The Bremer as its training partner because it wanted alocal training provider who could offer a wide range of relevant courses.

After conducting a training needs analysis, The Bremer has developed training programs for staff working in food processing, horticulture, warehousing, transport and distribution, office administration and workplace training and assessment.

Mr David Greaves, Regional Director Northern Region for Bartter, said he believed the enhanced training program would benefit both the staff and the business.

“The company welcomes ideas and contributions from the staff and we believe a highly skilled staff in the right environment will give the company a competitive edge in the long term,” he said.

All training will be conducted at Bartter facilities ensuring the training complements work hours and incorporates site facilities where possible to increase the value and relevance of the training.

Mr Greaves said current staff would be provided with the training and there are plans in place to offer the program to new staff as they join the Bartter team. The first staff to participate in the new training program have commenced a Certificate III in Food Processing. 

Director of The Bremer Institute of TAFE, Kaylene Harth, said the institute works with many local businesses to provide formal training to their staff.

“We use recognition of prior learning (RPL) to evaluate current staff skills and through this process, credit is achieved towards much of the qualification. This in itself gives credibility to their on-the-job skills and helps instill confidence and pride,” she said.  

“Gap training is put in place to address any shortcomings in the skill of the employee.

“We also place their skills in perspective by teaching relevant legislative issues and also by providing training in how important their tasks are in relation to food safety, occupational health and safety and other legislative requirements.”

Ms Harth said The Bremer plans to use its experienced teaching staff to train hundreds of Bartter employees without any of them having to attend a TAFE campus.

“Our relationship with employers is about providing what they need in the most convenient delivery method possible, without compromising on our high education standards.

“Staff time is very valuable to the bottom line and we provide the training with as little disruption to everyday business as possible.”

Bremer's water wise garden wins award

A water wise garden has won The Bremer Institute of TAFE first prize in the commercial section of the 2005 Ipswich Garden Competition for its Bundamba campus garden.

Respecting the need to save water, the institute this year redesigned its gardens favouring water friendly plants, removing gardens that required a lot of watering and overall reducing its water usage.

In addition to being water wise, the garden was also recognised for its content, colour and strong visual impression.

Bremer TAFE groundsman, Peter Clem, also won first prize in the large garden section of the competition for his home garden at Coalfalls.

“This year because of the drought conditions, the competition included some very strict water-wise criteria which we were keen to support to conserve water.

“We removed the thirsty gardens and chose more drought tolerant plants which still look good and provide lots of colour. Choice of ground covers, irrigation methods and mulching also help manage water use,” he said.

The Bremer TAFE has five full-time groundspeople and two trainees, who manage all campus grounds.

Institute Director, Ms Kaylene Harth, congratulated the team for their skill and dedication, which has maintained the gardens to a high standard during very dry conditions.

“They help provide a wonderful environment in which to study and work,” she said.

The Ipswich Garden Competition has been operating since 1979 and is organised by the Beautification Council under the sponsorship of the Ipswich City Council and local businesses.

Ipswich Mayor chairs Bremer TAFE council

Business leaders, employment groups and community representatives are amongst 12 members appointed to the new Bremer Institute of TAFE Council.

The Council, which is chaired by Councillor Paul Pisasale, Mayor of the City of Ipswich, plays a vital role providing advice and support to the institute with regards to its business needs. 

Institute Director Kaylene Harth said that Institute Councils were established under the Vocational Education, Training and Employment Act 2000.

“These councils have a strong role in identifying emerging needs in vocational education and training in the community, and form a consultative network throughout the State.

“Ipswich is the hub of a region on the verge of rapid growth in industrial, commercial and residential development.

“This growth means more jobs and greater opportunities for training to meet the changing needs of business and the community.  

“The new council members will collectively bring a wealth of skills and experience to support the institute as it responds to the region's changing profile and training demands.”  

The new institute council members include:

·           Paul Pisasale (Chair)    Mayor of Ipswich

·           Dr Allan Andersen       Claypave Pty Ltd

·           James Sturges            Ross Llewellyn Motors

·           Keith Hynes                Education Queensland

·           Gary Reid                   Redbank Railway Workshops

·           Jim Ralph                   Jim Ralph Employment Consultancy

·           Geoff Rowbotham       Bremer Institute staff representative

·           Marcelle Mitting           RAAF Amberley

·           Warren Kerswill           University of Queensland Ipswich

·           Craig Thomas             Bendigo Bank

·           Barry Burton               Community interests

·           Daniel Sankey             Queensland Times Newspaper

Local literacy student shines at Brisbane Writers' Festival

Fifty-seven year old Bremer TAFE literacy student Martin Parfitt was among two dozen writers whose work was chosen for inclusion in a book of essays, poetry and song lyrics launched on 2 October at the 2005 Brisbane Writers’ Festival at South Bank.

Called “Chance to Grow,” the book showcases works by TAFE language and literacy students, teachers and tutors from all over the state.

The Bremer Institute of TAFE Director Kaylene Harth said that Martin was amongst 130 budding writers who vied for the opportunity to have their work published in the new book.

The release of the book was celebrated with a book reading at Coaldrake’s Book Mania Marquee.

Martin was one of seven authors and songwriters chosen to present their work at the launch.

For Martin, who was hampered by learning difficulties for more than 45 years after suffering a head injury as a youngster, this event marks an enormous milestone in his life.

“I spent most of my life hiding the fact that I could not read or write from both colleagues and friends,” Martin said. 

All this changed, however, when Martin was persuaded to enrol in a literacy course with The Bremer TAFE Institute. In only a year, he has made giant strides – as evidenced by becoming a published author.

Thanks to the positive learning experience he has had with The Bremer, he now plans to continue his study. His ultimate goal is to become an English teacher.

Institute Director Kaylene Harth said that TAFE Queensland’s relationship with the Brisbane Writers’ Festival provides a valuable learning experience for our literacy students.

“It provides an opportunity for them to be exposed to a wider community of writers, and to expand their literary horizons.”

Springfield has its say on TAFE training

The Bremer Institute of TAFE is conducting a survey of all Springfield homes to identify emerging vocational education and training needs for the local community.

Institute Marketing Manager Wendy Hornsby said that residents who participate in the survey will be in the running to win a Plasma TV valued at almost $1,500.

“It is the first time The Bremer has conducted the survey. The feedback we receive will help the institute to develop new programs for the Springfield area,” Ms Hornsby said.

The confidential survey covers relevant demographic information, such as age and existing education and training levels, and will gather information on local resident’s training and education plans, and areas of study and employment interest.

Institute Director, Ms Kaylene Harth, said the institute is committed to the continued improvement of the quality of services offered to both businesses and students in the area.

“The survey will help us better understand local needs and develop relevant programs which provide the skills for employment,” she said.

“We hope the Springfield community will support our research so that we are able to serve them better.”

Copies of the survey will be delivered through letterbox drops early next month.

Any residents who do not receive their survey by mid-December can contact The Bremer Institute of TAFE on 3817 3000 for a copy.

Photo:  Marketing Manager for The Bremer Institute of TAFE analyses the Springfield survey

Hop on the express train to TAFE qualifications

The Bremer Institute of TAFE is helping workers all over the state turn their on-the-job skills and know-how into accredited qualifications thanks to a number of training initiatives that enable workers to take the express route to formal TAFE qualifications.

Known as recognition of prior learning, gap training and accelerated learning,

these programs enable employees to use their existing work experience and knowledge to fast-track through certificate and diploma-level courses.

Institute Director Kaylene Harth said that as a result of these innovative training options, many mature-aged workers who previously had no accredited qualifications are now enjoying enhanced employment prospects – all because they have been able to gain recognised tertiary credentials.

These programs are also helping Queensland businesses and industry by alleviating the shortage of qualified workers.

Ms Harth said that if you have worked in the same field for years without ever obtaining qualifications, teachers or training consultants from The Bremer can conduct workplace assessments and interviews to ascertain your level of skills and experience.

“This allows our staff to identify areas where you can be awarded credits for your existing skills which then enable you to move more quickly towards a TAFE qualification. As a result of this process, some people are achieving full qualification, whilst for others, “gap training” has been identified to help them gain a qualification.

“When the need for gap training is identified, a learning plan is developed and tailored to include any study that may be needed to acquire an accredited professional qualification.”

Recognition of Prior Learning (which is referred to in the vocational education sector as RPL) allows employees to use their current skills and experience, regardless of where and when the learning occurred, to gain qualifications. Students can base their application on any combination of formal or informal training and education, work experience or general life experience.

RPL is available across nearly all areas of study at The Bremer - with community services, hospitality and engineering amongst some of the key assessment areas.

If finding the money to pay for these programs is a concern, financial assistance to help you gain a qualification may also be available. 

Due to a severe shortage of skilled staff across a number of trade sectors, special government funding is being provided to some study areas to assist people achieve a nationally recognised qualification by simply demonstrating the skills they have been using for years. 

Students' dinner builds relationships with local business

A black tie dinner organised and hosted by students of The Bremer Institute of TAFE has strengthened