Rural Fire Service makes a smart investment

30-Mar-2007

More than 80 TAFE NSW Riverina Institute graduates celebrated completing their studies at a special ceremony the NSW Rural Fire Service headquarters in Sydney recently.

The graduates are all full time employees of the NSW Rural Fire Service and undertook their training by distance education of prior learning, block release training and on-line training with Riverina Institute’s Cootamundra and Young Campuses.

82 men and women graduated in studies ranging from Certificate III in Business Administration to Diploma of Business - Frontline Management.

“This is the largest group of graduates we have had so far from the RFS,” said Head of Cootamundra and Young Campuses Kerry Penton of the program which is now in its fourth phase.

“Our staff really love to work with the NSW Rural Fire Service, they’re such an enthusiastic and committed group of people, and we’re really pleased with the results this group has achieved.”

The graduates too have been extremely happy the course.

“This initiative has proven to be a great success and the feedback from participants is always positive,” commented Trevor Anderson, Rural Fire Service’s Executive Director of Administration and Finance. “The RFS will continue to support and fund this strong learning and development environment."

One part of the training forms part of the Rural Fire Service’s initiative to support their administrative staff in gaining new skills and knowledge through gap training and recognising the skills and knowledge they already possess.

The other significant area of training is in the Management field, this training is focused on developing the Service’s current and future managers.

“We’re pleased to be involved with such a progressive organisation. The NSW RFS is very supportive and flexible in providing opportunities for employees to update their skills. This means that Riverina Institute has also able to provide recognition for skills that some staff already have,” added Ms Penton.