As it seems I forgot this blog exists or at least not given any time to catch up with it

So much has happened since the last post with MEM.  Who would have thought that a long waited upgrade could be stretched out for sooo long.

Well eventually we got there and now all battling with the same issues of compliance while producing training and assessment materials as best we can.  After all this time we still don't have a standardised set of documents to meet these needs.  It seems that just about every practitioner is flat out re-creating the wheel yet again.

What next?

Release 3 out late last year covering the Technical streams so there won't be any gap filling for the Trade streams for some time, quickly followed by Release 4 in Feb of this year. In particular the MEM20105 - Certificate II in Engineering will be superseded.  In the West, the Industry Training Council  (Utilities, Engineering, Electrical and Automotive (UEEA) Training Council ) is applying to have an Accredited Course approved to me the shortfall of loosing this qualification.  Unbelievable that after over 20 years of Nationally Recognised Training we are back to creating "more wheels".  At least once this qualification has been approved, it will be available to all with the approval of UEEA.

Another 2 years

Phew! Is it another 2 years since a post?

Well I suppose that's because a fair bit has been happening since then.  To name a few in this industry:

1. MSA has been taken over by IBSA
2. EATC has been taken over by UEEA
3. Challenger Institute has been re-jigged as South Metropolitan TAFE
4. MEM05 is just about to be taken over by MEMv2.0

Well how's that for starters?

1. The good news is that Mr Fraser Nelson has also moved to IBSA to assist with the transition & further development to the new training package style of presentation.  I doubt there is anyone in the country who would have MORE knowledge than Fraser with regard to the MEM package, its history & development.
2. At UEEA, Mr Mark Harper has transitioned from EATC to the new outfit with much depth in automotive as well as metals training package.  He is always eager to assist & advise on matters from school classes to advanced diploma requirements.
3. WA state government decided to amalgamate several colleges & campuses to form a more cohesive statewide network for training.  At this time the TAFE naming was reintroduced & a common look & feel to all of TAFE in WA.
4. While it has been many years in the making, I am reliably informed that the new TP - MEMv2.0 in now imminent.  Expected to be endorsed before the end of the year, like so many other TPs have done over the years.

On a lighter note, I have been endorsed to fly the Sling 2, light aircraft

A nice 2 seater that flys along smooth as you like. It has a joystick control, electronic screens, low wing & bubble hatch roof.

Nice, neat & manoeuvrable 

Easy on fuel & cheap to hire

Seen flying over Mandurah coast line recently

Ian

Try LAYAR for the latest in AR

There are dinosaurs around the country see what iiNet & Science week are up to: blog.iinet.net.au/walk-dinosaurs-national-science-week also at www.scienceweek.gov.au/National/JurassicScienceWeek/Pages/default.aspx

Australian Fluid Power Society (AFPS)

Hi again

Don't time fly.  Seems like only 2 years since my last post.

This year has been one of burning up long standing leave as directed by management so not a lot happening professionally.  The flagship item of my involvement has been the establishment and first meetings of the Australian Fluid Power Society (AFPS).  This has been a wish on the magical horizon since the society was first formed back in the 1970s.  Late last year, after several false starts all of the paperwork was arranged, approved and passed.  Both the Western Australian Society & the Fluid Power Society of Victoria agreed with the structure and the AFPS was born.  In January of this year the first meeting was held where office bearers were elected  to form the executive of the AFPS.  More detail of both societies & the national body may be found here: www.fluidpowersociety.com.au  This site also hosts information relating to both of the states sites including membership details.

An excellent newsletter is available for anyone interested:
www.fluidpowersociety.com.au/downloads/Newsletters/FLUID%20TALK%20201512%20Dec%202015.pdf

Part of wave pump - carnegiewave.com

Interest has also been forthcoming with both NSW & QLD looking at re-establishing their respective societies and joining forces on the national society.  So watch this space (or that of the AFPS) for further developments


On the Australian Fluid Power Society vein, I have now run a number of the International Fluid Power Society (IFPS.ORG) certification courses as these are most likely to be recognised by multi national companies and suitable for those seeking such an international flavour.

Best wishes to all for the Christmas holiday time also for the New Year

Ian

About time

IFPS.org

Hello Again

About time I returned to celebrate 10 years of this blog.  I have been doing a bit since the last post.  Personal level I have completed my private pilot license (PPL), phew that was  load!

Back from the USA now running a few of the International Fluid Power Society certification courses, they are not easy but worth the status of this internationally recognised award.

Just been through a fairly busy audit, that's always a lot of fun ;-)

A couple of hydraulics courses coming up in the next few weeks, a bit of a mixed bag but due to requests we will run them anyway.

Had an interesting meeting with Richard J from MSA who was telling us about the changes coming up for the training package review, always good to hear what is happening

Best wishes
Ian

Travel Grant Summary

What an experience

It has taken sooo long to get back to this blog but at last I can post a few items

The trip was terrific, with the chance to visit so many interesting places.  While they are all doing amazing things out there, it helps to confirm that we are also on track with a lot of quality activity right here in Australia

For more information MSA have a link to the report

VET Professional Study Award 2011 report

I would encourage everyone to apply for one of the awards offered by MSA, if not this time keep it in mind for any further awards that may be offered

MSA awards 2013

Good luck

What a great thrill to be awarded the MSA VET Professional 2011 Winner!!

I couldn't believe the chance to travel to the USA to see the world leaders in Fluid Power at the Chicago annual  meeting of the Fluid Power Society, amongst other highlights to follow.


For more information click here:
www.mskills.com.au/Info.aspx?TAG=MSA.Info.Conf11.PostConf

Ian

Got an iPhone or similar?

Try LAYAR for the latest in AR (mobile augmented reality platform)

There are dinosaurs around the country see what iiNet & Science week are up to: blog.iinet.net.au/walk-dinosaurs-national-science-week

also at www.scienceweek.gov.au/National/JurassicScienceWeek/Pages/default.aspx