Gold stars given for quality training

Victorian training company Victec, the North Coast Institute of TAFE’s Port Macquarie campus and Queensland’s Electro Group Training Skills Centre have all been recognised as leading registered training organisations with a Two Gold Star rating for their electrical courses.

The Star Rating Scheme is administered by The Institute for Trade Skills Excellence and recognises excellence in trade skills training among TAFE and registered training organisations.

The scheme identifies the very best training providers — industry by industry — to enable employers, career counsellors, potential students and parents to distinguish excellence in trade training by evaluating training providers.

Industries which apply receive either a one, two or three Gold Star rating to indicate that they have achieved excellent results for their students.

The Star Rating Scheme focuses on the following eight areas of skill shortage:

• Automotive
• Building and Construction
• Electrical
• Hospitality and Personal Services
• Manufacturing
• Metals and Engineering
• Mineral Resources
• Rural and Farming.

The evaluation process includes an initial self-assessment by the relevant faculty or school, followed by a site visit.

Brian Wexham, CEO of the institute, said that the scheme reassures students that they are selecting the most appropriate course.

“One of the biggest concerns when choosing a course is whether or not it will get people the job they want when they complete the course. Thanks to the Star Ratings Scheme, prospective students and employers now have a credible source to validate a course.

“The scheme aims to recognise high-performing registered training providers and help individual schools and faculties understand exactly what their clients want from their training.”