Manny has a big decision to make

Pondering . . . .

Whilst Manny has enjoyed himself on his stint up North, he is concerned that he is losing touch with the things happening in the office and finds himself out of all the loops and not having his say on how things should be done! So, he has taken himself off to his confined space to think a few things through.

Boss Karen has offered him an exciting opportunity doing drive-in-drive-out but is only short term so certainly not as lucurative! And he does enjoy racking up those frequent flyer points!

The best news of all is that he is here for the week of the SHREP course so will be able to assist Orlando whenever he needs it. So, every cloud does have a silver lining!

CTS - where your training matters

TAE Supervisor Skill Set now available

Manny is off doing his fly-in fly-out thing so he has left me to update you all on the latest training initiative at Combined Team Services.

The WA Department of Training and Workplace Development has released Supervisor Skill Set Funding for eligible employees to undertake training to improve the training skills of supervisors of indentured apprentices and trainees in any industry area.

To be eligible you must be a supervisor of a workplace trainee or apprentice and have a commitment towards making a difference in their training; have some basic computer skills in Word or Excel and the Internet; be able to bring along a copy of your trainee or apprentice's training plan and provide access to your workplace for a workplace visit by CTS trainers or have the ability to record yourself in the workplace so that we can see you in action after the course.

The training is FREE of charge and covers the units - TAEDEL301A Provide work skill instruction, TAEDEL404A Mentor in the workplace and TAEASS301B Contribute to assessment.

This training is conducted over two full days followed by some further work you will conduct in your workplace to complete your evidence portfolio. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided on the two days on site at CTS.

This is a terrific opportunity to upskill your training in this area so either contact us (9791 6611) or the Apprenticentre (13 19 54) and ask for more information.

CTS - where your training matters

Update - Manny's first FIFO stint

Whilst Manny is not able at this time to let us know where exactly he is working (confidentiality reasons), he has sent me a few pictures. I'm guessing that it is on the coast somewhere, probably WA, and possibly not all that far away as it didn't take him all that long to get there!!!

The plant

He says the days at the plant are long but that he is working with a great crew and one of them took him 20kms up the coast for some water sports last days off - I'm not liking the image of him in Speedos, what about you? Thank goodness he didn't send in one of those!


He seems to be having a great time and the novelty obviously hasn't worn off yet but I am wondering how much his family is missing him? We certainly are as he brightens up the office and loves to spring out from behind pillars at people - not a good workplace safety practice but it is one of Manny's!

He has promised to keep updating me on what he is doing and where he is going until he gets a long-term posting and then he will take over again once he has adjusted to his "swings". He seems pretty confident that he will be flying in and out for the rest of the year but we will just have to wait and see!

CTS - where your training matters

Manny's career takes an upward turn!

I've been helping out with the confined space and working safely at heights courses for a while now and have branched out a little with helping with our SHREP courses but have been searching for a challenge. What to do? What to do?

Had a meeting over the weekend and tossed a few ideas around. I am to have a trial period of representing the company on a fly-in fly-out basis. Really stoked!!! A real chance to get out and stay out of that dratted confined space!

Not sure where I am going first or for how long it will be but will keep you posted. In the meantime, my mate will post on the blog to let you know what everyone is up to.

 CTS - where your training matters

Employment opportunities at CTS

CTS is a Registered Training Organisation and Human Resources consultancy. Our first class operation delivers a variety of human resource and training solutions to business and individuals. Based in Bunbury Western Australia, we specialise in a range of competency based training programs and are experts in the delivery of flexible training into the workplace.

Due to an ever increasing workload we are looking for a full time Finance & Compliance Officer and Contract Trainers/Assessors. Applications are invited from suitably qualified and expereinced individuals and will be treated in confidence.

CTS - where your training matters

What a fun weekend!

I've had the best weekend ever!

On Saturday I went to the Balingup Small Farm Field Day with some of the staff from CTS. It was fantastic to leave my confined space and see chickens, ducks, peacocks, sheep and alpacas if not quite in the wild but pretty close to it! Lots to see and eat and enjoy. Found a really great tin llama, thought it would really brighten up my space - I've named him Gerald. However, on bringing him in to work this week John said there was not enough room for me and Gerald in my confined space so I am lending him out to my mate so I can see him now and then.

To add to my excitement, I also went to Garden Week 2012 at Perry Lakes in Perth. Met up with 3 friends and toured the show. One of them had fallen the day before so we hired a "gopher" and free-wheeled around the exhibits. Great fun, can get them fairly moving, am trying to convince John that we need one as a training aid. No guesses what the answer will be!

Gerald

Gopher Patrol

CTS - where your training matters

Safety Rep Course now scheduled in June 2012

Our 5 day safety representative course is proving as popular as ever!

With our May course now full to capacity and our July course almost full, we have scheduled a course from the 11th to 15th June 2012. We have started to let those people on our waiting list know so places are sure to fill fast.

This interactive five day course provides the essential knowledge and skills that elected Safety Representatives and other relevant supervisory or management personnel require to work within legislation. By completing the course and being found competent in the assessment set at the end of the week, participants will gain partial completion of the Certificate III in Occupational Health and Safety (BSB30707) and receive a Statement of Attainment for 6 of the 12 units along with their Statement of Attendance. If you decide not to undertake this assessemnt you will only receive a Statement of Attendance for completing the course.

Morning tea, a light lunch and afternoon tea are included in the cost of the course and you will also receive a comprehensive workbook.

If you wish to attend the course please contact our office as soon as possible to ensure yourself a place - 9791 6611.

CTS - where your training matters

Manny embraces the commercial aspect of Easter

As Manny did not see us all before he went on leave and didn't manage to catch up with all of us over the Easter break he decided to surprise us with chocolate. And, he couldn't miss out on the chance to dress up! What do you think? Could he win an Easter parade?

Thanks so much for the chocolate Manny, very much appreciated!

CTS - where your training matters

Manny visits Sydney, NSW

Just back from a short "break" in Sydney and then found I had 4 days off for Easter. How cool is that! More paid time off work - this job is unbelievable!!!

My mate on the girder on the Bridge

Not my fault!

If you have been following me on my facebook page you will have seen some of the places I checked in to whilst over there. I went with my mate (as you do) and together we checked out the Sydney Harbour Bridge - here's a photo showing him on a girder not wearing the correct safety gear, not even a hard hat! Sometimes I wonder about him . . . . .

We also took the ferry and sky train to Taronga Park Zoo and scoped out the animals - some of them are fairly ferocious - just check out the teeth on that lion! He was not a happy dude the day I saw him but maybe he is not always feeling that way. He did have 2 lionesses with him, possibly the strain of having two wives was just getting to be all too much?

As well as strolling up and down the shopping malls, I took in some culture at the Art Gallery of NSW. Fantastic art, interesting exhibits and careless patrons. I was nowhere near the sculpture when that happened, I really wasn't. Took the opportunity to check out the Archibald Prize entrants - not sure I can truly appreciate them all - and spent ages just looking at the winning entry. Not bad!

The hustle and bustle of Sydney is certainly not for me, I much prefer our laid back Bunbury lifestyle and spending training and chat time with those of you studying through Combined Team Services. I'm hoping there will be lots of classes in the next few months that I can help the trainers with so maybe I will see you there!

I had planned to spend time on the Holland Track with Directors Karen and John this weekend but they left before I got back to town. So disappointed but maybe I can convince them to take me on their next trip? Well, here's hoping!!

CTS - where your training matters

Manny lets you in on the secrets of why you must focus on Safety whilst you are in an interview

Whilst surfing the net recently I stumbled across this really interesting blog article about how important it is to focus in a positive way on safety when you attend an interview. Safety is a critical aspect of life on a mine site so you want to be sure that you convey how important this issue is to you.

Most of you are probably very happy in the role that you currently hold but in the interests of your future job prospects, take the time and follow the link!

       CTS - where your training matters

Introductory Safety and Health Representative Course Running This Week

Our latest group of Safety Representatives commenced their five days of training today in the Introductory Safety and Health Representatives course.

Our interactive five day course provides the essential knowledge and skills that elected Safety Representatives and other relevant supervisory or management personnel require to work within legislation. By completing the course and being found competent in the assessment set at the end of the week, these students will gain partial completion of the Certificate III in Occupational Health and Safety (BSB30707) and receive a Statement of Attainment for 6 of the 12 units along with their Statement of Attendance. If they decide not to undertake this assessemnt they will only receive a Statement of Attendance for completing the course.

The cost of this course includes five days of training, a comprehensive workbook, free assessment against six nationally recognised units of the Certificate III in Occupational Health and Safety and morning tea, a light lunch and afternoon tea on all days of the course. Some participants may also be eligible to receive a subsidy through the Construction Training Funding.

For those of you who missed out on a place this week, there are still vacancies in the courses being held from 14th to 18th May 2012 and 2nd to 6th July 2012. Book soon though as places are limited!

CTS - where your training matters

Critical Job Roles needed by the Resource Industry

Whilst searching the net today I found this very interesting blog article that I thought might be of interest. It talks about the 16 skill sets that will be in short supply in the near future and while most of them are for people trained in areas and educational levels other than we train in, Training Co-ordinators are listed as an area of need. To enter this field you would need a minimum of the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment so why not contact our admin staff and TAE trainers today and be ready for the skills shortage - 9791 6611 or training@ctsconsult.com.au.

CTS - where your training matters

Combined Team Services embraces Facebook

Directors John and Karen Williams

CTS has now created our Facebook Business Page where you can like us, share items on our timeline and message us if you require up-to-the-minute information. Of course, if you prefer to phone, email or visit us in person we are more than happy to help you so if you don't "do" facebook you will still be able to contact us!

As we regularly update the blog and send out electronic newsletters we thought facebook would be the next most natural progression - however, there are lots more exciting social mediums for us to explore so who knows what you will see next!

Please visit our page and if you "like" what you see, click the icon and leave us a message. Till next time . . . . . . .

CTS - where your training matters

Manny updates us on the Williams' recent holiday

Pacific Dawn

 Last week the owners of the business had a well deserved break and took to the high seas. I asked if I could tag along as I had the perfect costume for the occasion but they said NO - something about me striking terror in to the hearts of the other passengers. What? My cutlass is only made of plastic!

They had a really relaxing time and came back refreshed for the rest of the year and Karen even caught a couple of fish! (John was not so lucky - his strike rate on fish catching is pretty impressive!).

The cabin "towel family"

I thought they might bring their most hard working employee back a pressie but it was not to be. I guess I am doomed for disappointment as everyone seems to forget me when it comes to handing out the "free stuff".

I have posted a couple of photos from their trip - these are just a sample of the 1000's taken - isn't the digital age a marvellous thing!

I am hoping to get away for a break myself soon, so be sure to come back to the blog as soon as you can and see where I end up!

CTS - where your training matters

The orange one

The white one

Quality Auditing Skill Set class March 2012

Quality Auditing Class March 2012

Our first Quality Auditing skill set class for the year ran for 3 days this week - these are our students hard at work focussing on what their trainer, Orlando Fazzolari, is telling them.

The course is pretty intense with lots of information being discussed - not surprising as they do cover four of the eight units of the Diploma of Quality Auditing during the 3 days. Once they have their out of class assessments completed they will have the recognised skills to be part of an auditing team.

Having nationally recognised auditing skills has become more and more relevant these days as more and more businesses have to conform to contractual requirements and obligations.

We have another classroom based course running in June this year so if you need these skills for your job then enrol today - we are already receiving enrolments from students who couldn't attend the March class - 9791 6611.

Or, possibly, you already conduct audits for your employer? The great news is that we now have an on-line Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) course for this skill set.

Call us if you would like to know more or read about it on the Blog next month - 9791 6611.

CTS - where your training matters

Manny's take on Learning and Development Consultant Jeanette Denham

Jeanette Denham

Jeanette started with CTS full time in January 2008 and has filled many positions but is now working part time as a Learning and Development Consultant. Prior to going on Parental Leave in September last year she was the 2IC of CTS as the Operations and Training Manager.

Between looking after her five month old son, Henry, and undertaking the classroom training and case management of our Certificate IV in Training and Assessment students, Jeanette is kept pretty busy. But, due to her naval background, she can handle just about anything we throw at her, so we also have her building our online learning platform and being a trainer and mentor for some of our flexible Certificate IV in Human Resources and Diploma of Management students. When she finally comes back to us fulltime it will be just like taking a holiday!

In the first half of last year 19 students completed their qualifications under Jeanette's guidance - three in the Certificate IV in Human Resources, three in the Diploma of Management and 13 in the Certificate IV in Front Line Management.

Jeanette's qualifications include the Certificate IV in Human Resources, the Diploma of Management, the Diploma in Training and Assessment and a Graduate Diploma of Education. However, she would like to think that her most important recent qualification is graduation in to Motherhood!

When not busy on CTS's behalf, Jeanette likes to spend time with her horses, pottering in her garden, spending time with her family or reading a good book (preferably all at once!).

A testimonal from one of her students:

"Hello John, 

As I have just completed my Diploma of Management, through CTS, I’d like to provide you some feedback.From my initial introduction, through to the completion of my studies, I have dealt (primarily) with Jeanette Denham and have found her to be the consummate professional.

There were times where I lost focus on my studies, under estimated my existing skills, experiences and knowledge or simply just lost confidence in my ability to complete modules and in each instance Jeanette provided me with encouragement, direction, guidance and (more importantly) a challenge to get myself in to the mind set to do what I needed to do.

I found Jeanette to be firm yet fair in her dealing and appreciate very much the fact that she did not give credits towards modules (just for the sake of credits) but rather ensured that the required evidence and knowledge was provided to justify the result by questioning and re-questioning if needed.

With the additional knowledge I have gained through my Diploma of Management studies I feel confident that I am better equipped to provide front-line and senior management direction to my employer and future employers (and employees).

It shall be without hesitation that I recommend CTS to people within the mining industry who are looking for well deserved qualifications to better themselves or the organisations they represent.

I appreciate the opportunity to have dealt with Jeanette and undertaken my studies through CTS - it has been a rewarding experience for me.

Thanks and regards" - Jules - FLM Student Feb 2011

CTS - where your training matters

Safety Representative Course 26th to 30th March 2012

Enrolments for our upcoming 5 day Safety and Health Representative course this month are now being taken. As one of our most popular training courses it is advisable for people to let us know as soon as possible if they wish to attend by completing an enrolment form.

Places are limited and we have almost reached our quota for this date.

This interactive course provides the essential knowledge and skills that elected Safety Representatives and other relevant supervisory/management personnel require to work within legislation. By completing the course and being found competent in the assessment set at the end of the week, you will gain partial completion of the Certificate III in Occupational Health and Safety (BSB30707) and receive a Statement of Attainment for 6 of the 12 units with your Certificate of Attendance - the majority of our students usually complete this task, however, if you decide not to undertake the assessment you will still receive your Certificate of Attendance for completing the course.

The cost of the course includes 5 days of training, a comprehensive workbook, free assessment against six nationally recognised units of the Certificate III in Occupational Health and Safety and morning tea, a light lunch and afternoon tea on all 5 days of the course. CTS will also give each participant a useful BONUS gift at the completion of the course.

So, if you are the Safety Representative at your company and you have yet to receive your training, talk to your HR Department to get the ball rolling and attend the course this March. The next scheduled date for this training is the 14th to 18th May 2012.

CTS - where your training matters

Manny's take on Finance and Payroll Manager Sally Wright

Sally started with CTS as the Administration Officer in March 2008 and since then has worked in all areas of office and student administration - she is currently the Finance and Payroll Manager.

Prior to working at Combined Team Services she was employed in various HR, payroll and administrative positions within private enterprise and government departments and was the Student Services Supervisor at Curtin University of Technology Kalgoorlie - VTEC.

Doing payroll and accounts keeps Sally fairly busy but she can always find time to catch a coffee and a chat with me. She also helps Karen, Monique and Angela with their student enrolments and reporting. Other than that I am not quite sure what it is that she does!

She recently completed her Certificate IV in Human Resources and the Quality Auditing Skill Set and would like to complete further study but is not quite sure what she wants to tackle next. Hopefully it will be something that we will find useful!

When not busy at work, Sally likes to spend time gardening,talking to her chooks, renovating and socialising with her friends. She also spends time surfing the internet for "useful" bits of information and playing Plants vs Zombies.

CTS - where your training matters

Manny looks forward to the Labour Day Holiday - 5 March 2012

John B updates Manny on the latest news

Manny can hardly believe his luck - yet another Public Holiday!! He said it seems like only last week that he had Australia Day off but I did remind him it was over a month ago but I guess as he has had a trip to Kalgoorlie-Boulder recently that it just seems like he has days off all the time!

Whilst he has not yet made plans for the day, I am sure that someone from the office will take pity on him and invite him over for a weekend BBQ but time is running out for an invitation to be issued.

Although we all enjoy a paid break, we should remember that we have this day off to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers. This day has its origins in the labour union movement which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation and eight hours for rest.

Want to find out more? Then follow the link to Wikipedia.

CTS - where your training matters

Manny's take on Resource Developer Erica Childs

Erica Childs

Erica started at CTS on a casual basis in September 2009 after completing her Certificate IV in Training and Assessment with us. At that point she was mainly involved in the creation of our RPL assessment tools.

In 2010 she worked as a Learning and Development Consultant and co-delivered the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment course. She was also our student liaison officer, did coaching, mentoring and assessing and continued with the creation of resource development tools and manuals.

THEN, she decided she would prefer to work from home so she could spend more time with her young family and is now working solely on resource development for us.

Erica tells me that some of her best moments at work have been:

" -  working with fantastic students who all had amazing skills to offer - many wonderful topics and discussion through students training delivery sessions (many big laughs as well)

  - involvement with coaching and mentoring of students to the end of their qualification - very fulfilling to finally present them with their certificate! (ie to tell them it was all over!!!)

  - working with students who had 'given up' and working intensively with them to help complete their qualification

  - seeing students have a 'light bulb' or an 'ah-ha' moment, when they suddenly grasped an idea or concept - it was like they were moving to a new level

  - as for resource development - its a bit like putting together a jigsaw puzzle!! You have to take it apart before you can put it back together! Love the detail!!"

Before coming to us here at CTS Erica was an investigator with the Commonwealth Government, a travel consultant and an HR Officer with BHP.

Her qualifications include the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Diploma in Frontline Management, Bachelor of Economics (Political Science Major) and a Graduate Certificate in Management. She also has a Certificate II in Sport and Recreation, Coaching Principles 1 and is an AUSTSWIM Teacher of Water Swimming Safety. As you can see she is a life long learner and we certainly can't wait to see what she tackles next!!

When Erica is not busy developing resources for us or burying her head in a text book, she enjoys travel and spending time with her young family whilst she tries to keep up with their ever increasingly busy social, music, dance and sports schedules. You can also find her paddling in a Dragon Boat and swimming at the Bunbury AUSSI Swimming Club. Her aim is to participate in the Busselton Jetty Swim in 2013 and I will certainly be there to cheer her on!

CTS - where your training matters