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Gold Stars for GippsTAFE in Industry Review

In the current climate of skills shortages, trade qualifications are in high demand. A new Star Rating Scheme from the Institute for Trade Skills Excellence has been introduced to recognise excellence among training providers in the trade sector and highlight their performance as rated by industry.

The initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the standard of education that is provided to trade students, by encouraging the organisations to improve their teaching strategies and learning outcomes.  

According to Brian Wexham, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Trade Skills Excellence, this move is important for both students and the industries in which they will work.

“The scheme will make it easier for students and their parents to ascertain which registered training providers have been recognised at an industry level,” Mr Wexham said.

“Employers will also be able to assess the quality pf trade skills training that graduates hold from each registered training organisation rated within the scheme.”

Local provider GippsTAFE has been among the first training providers in Victoria to participate in the scheme, by offering their Building Department up for review.

Following an extensive analysis of their equipment, facilities, enrolment procedures, assessment processes, flexibility of learning and integration with industry, GippsTAFE was awarded an impressive result of two gold stars, at the official presentation on Wednesday (February 20).

The award was presented by Minister Jacinta Allan, who congratulated GippsTAFE on their achievement.

The department was commended for providing excellent trainers and assessors; contemporary equipment; training and assessment which focuses on enterprise and learner needs; and support to enable learners to get the most out of their training.

Ross McDermott, Manger of Industry Programs at the Yallourn Campus of GippsTAFE, said that undergoing the Star Rating Scheme testing has been a heartening experience for the Building Studies department.

“Our feedback from the Institute for Trade Skills Excellence has identified GippsTAFE as one of Australia’s premier training providers,” he said. “We are thrilled with the result!”

For more information about the Building courses on offer at GippsTAFE, please visit www.gippstafe.vic.edu.au