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Recognised as one of the best programs in the industry and endorsed by the Victorian State Government, blogger Aaron Lord explains why TIV is now one of the few organisations in Victoria providing Government subsidised (CPC30211) Certificate III in Carpentry training in 2017.
You can fight City Hall
Twelve months ago I undertook a new professional challenge at the Trade Institute of Victoria. Let me pause right there and put that into perspective. Building and Construction experience? Zero. Education and Training experience? Nil. Basic, general, DIY common sense industry experience? Non-existent.
In fact if there was ever a role that would compromise my credentials and appear as nothing more than a sick and twisted contradiction, it would be the position I accepted at TIV.
But almost as if something supernatural decided it felt like waking from its slumber and getting involved on this journey, certain events over the last year at TIV – and the industry in general – have inadvertently changed the nature of my role significantly – and the outcomes have been unbelievable.
Anyone and everyone in this industry knows that TIV’s Carpentry program is the best in the business. Developed, implemented and delivered with precision and expertise, the program is innovative in structure and efficient in method and has a near flawless record with respect to completion rates and employment outcomes when compared to the rest of the industry.
In simple terms, TIV’s Carpentry course is the unequivocal favourite son, the teacher’s pet, a non-negotiable fundamental of the business and in many respects the reason why TIV staff get out of bed and go to work in the morning.
In September last year the Victorian State Government, with respect, removed Carpentry from its list of Government funded courses – not specific to TIV, but across the board in general. No warning, no alternative – just removed overnight. Vanished.
Again, I call on some perspective here. That’s like the AFL removing Auskick funding or Cricket Australia pulling the pin on the Big Bash – you simply wouldn’t make such a monumental call on a product that just works.
Not to dis-credit the Victorian Government however, who I’m sure had genuine reasons for their decision in some cases, but this was an all encompassing decision that unfortunately, in my opinion, didn’t separate the good from the bad and penalised good organisations for the incompetence of others.
In real terms, the removal of Carpentry meant that anyone wanting to become a Carpenter in Victoria would now be required to pay full-fee (in TIV’s case roughly $15,500), a monumental ask for any young school leaver or middle aged person supporting a family.
As a matter of principal, but also thinking strategically, I swiftly submitted a comprehensive report to the State Government appealing the decision on behalf of TIV.
Knowing the bureaucratic intricacies of Government having worked as the Senior Adviser to two State Sports Ministers previously, I was fortunately better versed than most to take on such a Herculean sized challenged.
Seven weeks of uncertainty would pass, but in November 2016 the Trade Institute of Victoria received a formal exemption from the Victorian State Government to deliver Certificate III in Carpentry as a Government funded course in 2017.
Insiders with more than 20 years experience in the industry say they have never seen such a decision reversal. An amazing result for TIV, and thoroughly deserved given its record and the professionalism of its Carpentry program.
TIV thanks the State Government of Victoria for the opportunity to deliver such an important training program to its students, and looks forward to an exciting year in 2017.
Who said you can’t fight City Hall?
Auhtor: Aaron Lord
