North Coast TAFE presented Star Rating Plaque for primary industry courses
Wednesday 5th March 2008
TAFE NSW-North Coast Institute’s Aquaculture section located at Trenayr was today presented with a plaque in recognition of receiving a Three Gold Star Rating for their Primary Industries courses.
Brian Wexham, CEO of The Institute for Trade Skills Excellence presented the plaque to North Coast TAFE at a ceremony at the North Coast Institute’s National Fishing Industry Education Centre (known nationally as Natfish) at Trenayr TAFE campus, just north of Grafton, NSW.
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.
North Coast TAFE Institute Director, Elizabeth McGregor said “The Institute was awarded the highest possible ranking by The Institute for Trade Skills Excellence in January this year and we are delighted to officially receive the plaque from the CEO of the Institute at today’s ceremony.”
Ms McGregor said that receiving the Three Gold Star Rating was recognition of the high quality of industry-focussed teaching delivered at the Trenayr campus.
“The recognition we have received confirms North Coast TAFE as a leading choice in training for the aquaculture industry both in NSW and nationally,” said Ms McGregor.
Brian Wexham, Chief Executive Officer of The Institute for Trade Skills Excellence said that the North Coast Institute had been recognised as being amongst the very best primary industry training bodies in the country.
“A Three Gold Star Rating is the highest rating a registered trade organisation can receive.
“I am delighted to present this plaque to the North Coast Institute as recognition of them being a leading choice in aquaculture and seafood industry training on the New South Wales North Coast” said Mr Wexham.
Mr Wexham said that the Star Rating Scheme was an important initiative for students and employers alike.
“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 such as North Coast TAFE, and help individual schools and faculties understand exactly what their clients want from their training.
“The Star Rating Scheme is an industry driven initiative and has been developed by The Institute and industry to provide a platform that will deliver the vocational training outcomes required to meet industry needs” said Mr Wexham.
Elizabeth McGregor from TAFE NSW North Coast Institute said that the organisation views the Star Rating Scheme as one effective way of addressing Australia’s skills shortage.
“We found the process to be a valuable addition to the inspections that occur as part of our quality certification processes, to our regular internal self-assessment work, and to our other student and employer satisfaction mechanisms that tell us how well we are providing excellence for our customers.”
“During this critical skills shortage period, we welcome initiatives that seek to identify and meet specific industry needs - such as the Star Rating Scheme. They help us ensure that our apprentices and trainees have the right skills to contribute to industry and the region’s economy,” said Ms McGregor.
