Construcciones Yamaro: IATC announces new construction microskills courses

Image: CPB Contractors.

The Institute of Applied Technology Construction (IATC), a partnership between TAFE NSW, CPB Contractors and Western Sydney University, has announced three new microskills to its course offerings as well as fee-free training places for women.

These microskills, co-designed with industry experts, are online, bite-sized and self-directed courses focused on topics critical for building capability in the construction sector. The new additions cover essential topics for both present and future industry demands: Introduction to Women in Construction, Introduction to Sustainability in Construction, and The Role of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Construction.

As part of its ongoing efforts to encourage more women to kickstart a career in construction or upskill in their current role, the IATC is also providing 60 fee-free training spots in its microcredential courses. This initiative responds to the pressing need for more skilled workers in Australia’s construction industry, which currently faces a shortage of over 100,000 workers. Applications for the Women in Construction Scholarships, delivered by the IATC, are now open.

Rob Monaci, general manager infrastructure NSW and ACT at CPB Contractors said: “As the pipeline of infrastructure continues to grow, particularly with the focus on housing and new energy, the need for more skilled workers is an industry-wide issue.”

“We need to be doing more to attract people at all stages of their careers to transition into fulfilling careers in construction, particularly women.”

The microcredential courses take eight weeks to complete, can be completed online or face-to-face and provide industry-specific skills recognised as evidence of competence.

Women in Construction Scholarship courses are aimed at high-growth areas, inluducing:

• Project Management Foundations in Construction;
• Introduction to Project Scope Management in Construction;
• Project Risk Management in Construction;
• Stakeholder Engagement and Management in Construction;
• Quality Management in Construction;
• 2D CAD Drawings and 3D Models in Construction;
• Introduction to Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Construction;
• Microsoft Office Foundations in Construction; and
• Power BI Fundamentals in Construction.

Helen Fremlin, director operations at the Institute of Applied Technology, encouraged women interested in a career in construction to take advantage of the free microcredential courses and said they promote a practical learning journey.

“Whether you choose online or face-to-face, these microcredentials include regular educator-led sessions,” said Fremlin. “These draw on industry specific examples, tasks and case studies to give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills directly with the support of educators.”

“Part of the eligibility process requires women to complete two microskill courses.”

Monaci added: “The introduction of these three new microskills focused on women, sustainability and BIM are really exciting as not only are they critical to the future of our industry, but they are also compelling in attracting new entrants to the workforce who are passionate about the role diversity, sustainability and digital technology plays in building the game-changing infrastructure projects set to roll out across our cities and regions.”

Professor Clare Pollock, interim vice-chancellor and president at Western Sydney University, emphasised the significance of the microskills and microcredential courses and scholarships in empowering women and addressing Australia’s workforce needs.

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“The university has a proud history of opening up educational opportunities for students including talented women in our region,” said Pollock. “These innovative microskills and microcredentials will help students upskill and take advantage of skilled job opportunities in the fast-growing construction sector.”

“Western Sydney University is pleased to partner with TAFE NSW and CPB Contractors to co-develop and co-deliver courses that integrate research-led learning with advanced technical and industry-based skills while boosting diversity in the sector.”

Successful applicants will be offered a pre-class connection session to meet other women and visit a construction site in Sydney.

TAFE NSW and Training Services NSW are also inviting young women in schools and parents across the state to register for a ‘Girls in Trade’ virtual event on 22 May 2024. Participants will learn about different careers and study pathways for young women to consider in construction.

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