Executive+Summary+015

This project will augment work currently underway within business units across Country Energy that has a focus on using technology to support learning and communication. Powerful Skills Powerful Learning project will leverage the experiences of VET providers and other organisations that are moving to gain competitive advantages by using communication and learning technologies and Web2 tools scaffolded by existing systems to optimise current learning methodologies.

The benefits and outputs will be realised in both the Powerful Skills Project and provide opportunity for technologies to reduce the geographical and demographic challenges across Country Energy’s footprint.

Team Members will benefit from this project by being able to share their ideas, experiences and knowledge. With coaching and support they will identify specific communication and learning issues and commencing implementing and embedding solutions that will work toward meeting their needs and the needs of the wider Country Energy community.

Technologies and tools that will be implemented, wiki spaces, moblogs, Connect and e-portfolios will;

• Reduced time away from the workplace • Reduce travel and accommodation costs • Improved communication between workplace assessor and candidate • Development of e portfolios to expedite RPL and cost benefit in terms of dollars and the environment • Identifying tools suitable for capturing workplace evidence to assist workplace assessors • Improving processes for consistency and transparency • Provide improved networking opportunities between workplace assessors and the RTO • Enhance connectivity of business units • Provide examples of opportunities for improvements in communication and learning across distances

This is a collaborative action research project that will test both the participants and the business. Success will be determined by the identification of suggested ways forward. This project will support the change management strategy and innovation that is the result of the Country Energy/TAFE NSW Training Partnership and the ground breaking Powerful Skills Project.

The availability of the Australian Flexible Learning Framework funding is demonstrating the federal government’s commitment to supporting the shift of focus for organisations to adopt and adapt, with a sense of urgency, to ensure Australia’s competitiveness in the marketplace. This project will add to the Country Energy’s suite of initiatives to ensure the organisation remains competitive in its own marketplace.

This project will create new and enhanced opportunities for the Country Energy / TAFE NSW Training Partnership by providing a range of opportunities for the project team to explore and research TAFE and other Australian Flexible Learning Framework partners’ experiences in accessing, adopting and adapting technologies to their own specific needs.