New training program produces a stronger workforce faster!
New Laba Alliance employees will undergo a revamped formalised training program which will better prepare them for work. The two week program is conducted full time and includes classroom education and some ‘on the job’ work experience, before the commencement of employment.
The course is based on 6 of the main modules from the Australian Hospitality Training Package taught by most TAFE Colleges in Australia. Students complete theory and assessment in workplace hygiene procedures, workplace health, safety & security procedures, clean & maintain premises, receive & store goods, organise & prepare food and basic methods of cookery.
The training delivered is a mixture of traditional classroom–style learning with text books, handouts and overheads. This is mixed with new technologies, videos via the internet and PowerPoint presentations.
Students will also put into practise the safety and procedures introduced in the classroom – with hands on practical time.
The training is conducted at the new Port Moresby Technical College Construction Training Facility (POMTECHCTF). This purpose built new facility was built by LNG PNG (Exxon) to train local people in basic work and construction skills for employment at the LNG Plant construction site.
This new training program structure will consolidate training time – and offer participants a solid foundation for then practising and improving their skills while they work. The previous program combined twice weekly training sessions with on the job training – yet took much longer for participants to become familiar with the concepts of rules, regulations, procedures and safety that are required to undertake work on at our Site, to do it well and do it safely.
First Food Handling Course – first graduates
In the first course intake in late July, 5 candidates from the four local impact villages were selected by LABA to participate in the Food Handling Course. They will be formally training in all aspects of food safety, handling & procedures.
20 females, a mixture of young and older women, both single & married, were selected to help bring equilibrium to the current gender mix employed at the site.
Training Supervisor Leanne Broadbent said “At the moment, many are very quiet, keen and attentive learners. When witnessing the buzz and commotion of a meal service, they are excited and keen to become part of that working environment.” She said. “All of these women are hoping to learn and have new experiences and ultimately be employed at the project.”
Facts and Figures – 1/8/2010 – 1/8/2011
• Training deliveries – 158
• Session hours delivered – 2133 hrs
• Attendees taught – 3384 man
• Manhours by training session – 4257.5 hrs
When they finish their course, they start work the following week on site in the kitchen and dining room. Their progress is monitored and it is considered that they are “on the job training”, to reinforce the principles learned at college.
The new graduates will also attend twiceweekly training sessions with their new colleagues. This program will be conducted each month, therefore generating 20 fully trained employees per month!
HGDC Chairman Tuguyawini Libe Parindali recognises the mammoth task ahead as the projects gain momentum and employee numbers increase. It is most important to demonstrate our role as a major employer of people, ensuring that we fulfil our responsibilities and ensure they continue to be happy where they are working.
Also during this period, construction was under way at the Port Moresby Construction Training Facility at Idubada. Thirty three (33) of first round of graduates from the training program of were part of the team that completed the construction of POMCTF, which was completed and officially opened on November 30, 2010.
Combined, TAG and NCS feed some of the world’s biggest mining and gas developments utilising supply chain relationships with local businesses as well as importing goods from overseas. The related logistics issues are a major challenge and one humungous headache for the TAG’s Logistics team.
There is much effort required by all to ensure our continued success. The repeated issues that we experience on the project with work stoppages, camp closures and disruptions of the like reduce our ability to move towards success and ensuring sustainability of the business. As partners in this business, TAG, HGDC and Laba must continue to support each other and the projects to ensure minimal disruption to operations.
Safety is priority
Establishing safety procedures and ensuring that training is maintained at our projects sites is our highest priorities.
On occasions when incidences occur, highlighted are areas that need addressing, and our immediate attention and focus is on taking the right actions to ensure our staff are trained and aware of the correct procedures for maintaining safety.
One such accident has led to a review of hand safety education – which has been applied across the organisation.
The scenario: Knife accident in the kitchen
An employee working in the kitchen had been using the correct PPE protective gloves. He had been doing this job before, and decided to remove his gloves thinking it would be quicker to do the task. As a result – he sustained a cut to his hand which required stitches. This incident was assessed by Senior Management from both TAG and our client and the actions implemented as a result of this will benefit all members of the team with improved education and training.
Learning from our mistakes
John Buckley, TAG’s QA/QC Manager managed this incident by taking action to ensure training happened. His approach was to incorporate a ‘touch of humour’ to help communicate this very important issue of safety.
John’s message is that when mistakes are made – it highlights where we need to improve and actions that must be taken immediately.
Ensuring better steps toward hand safety
1. The individual who suffered the cut underwent further training and will return to site as a “safety champion”.
2. John conducted training sessions for staff as well as re-briefing safety officers.
3. Emphasis was provided to all about not only awareness of self care – but care of others. A statement signed by the Group General Manager was circulated with an “intent to care” encouraging everyone to intervene when they see a colleague acting in a way that is harmful to themselves or others.
4. Three innovative posters focused on hand safety and safe work practice messages featuring Good Idea/ Bad Idea theme with photographs to illustrate the correct methods for knife use. The aim is to reduce hand injuries by demonstrating the correct methods of use of PPE and equipment.