Last week, the ARA represented the rail industry on the South Australian Skills Commission’s Industry Skills Council – Transport and Logistics.   

Fiona Love, General Manager Workforce Development, attended the first meeting with Commissioner Cameron Baker chairing the committee. ARA membership provides the rail industry in South Australia with an opportunity to advise and advocate on behalf of the ARA’s members matters relating to apprenticeships, traineeships and other training needs rail requires. 

The Council is also in a position to innovate in the VET sector. A great example of this is the piloting of dual trades, as well as the establishment of a degree apprenticeship leading to a Bachelor of Software Engineering (Hons) at the University of South Australia. As part of it being a declared apprenticeship, students are remunerated for the 10-month placement that they are required to complete in an industry setting. The demand for the 13 places available was strong with over 130 applicants, and there has been good female representation in the cohort. Industry organisations are paying their university fees.  

For more information or to discuss a training need that could be considered by the Committee, contact ARA General Manager – Workforce Development, Fiona Love.