EnergySafe Magazine Spring 2015, issue 41 | Page 14

14 Advertorial ETU and Holmesglen Institute create new industry training centre For the past 100 years the ETU has been working for the electrical industry and during that time has seen many changes. The pace of change is increasing and emerging technologies constantly place new demands on the electrical industry. To ensure the ETU keeps up with this change, they have collaborated with Holmesglen Institute to create Futuretech, a training facility focused on the needs of the industry. Located on Arden Street in North Melbourne, the ETU has invested over $3 million into the new training centre. The new facility will be the centre of excellence for the industry; ensuring electrical workers are trained to meet the current technical and future demands of the industry. The collaboration between Holmesglen and the ETU follows a number of important training initiatives partnered over the past 10 years, including the Global Green Electricians and Electrical Photovoltaic Systems programs. Holmesglen Chief Executive, Mary Faraone said: “The establishment of our new training facility, Futuretech, consolidates and extends our strong relationship in building capability within the electrical and energy sectors together with the opportunity to extend our course offerings to the wider community”. ETU Victorian State Secretary, Troy Gray, said, “The establishment of Futuretech is the fulfilment of a 20-year dream on the part of the ETU. It will boost the union’s role in delivering electrical trades training and expand the range of services we can offer our members and their families. “Holmesglen Institute are the obvious partner due to their previous work in developing training programs for ETU members. We are thrilled that they have come on-board to manage the centre and deliver top-class electrical training for ETU members,” added Troy. Development hub Futuretech will play a leading role in the development of new training courses and programs for the electrical family of industries. Industry stakeholders will be invited to collaborate in the development and design of training programs that address skills shortages and workforce capability requirements. Displaced Workers Program The ETU’s Displaced Workers Program, which works to re-skill and transition electrical workers who face redundancy to alternative employment, will operate from within Futuretech. Workers facing redundancy can access outplacement services and advice on training and transitioning to new industries. Futuretech opened its doors in late October and offers pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, post-trade training and a range of short courses.   F  or enquiries and enrolments: [email protected] 03 9564 4700 www.futuretech.edu.au