Fire Protection Industry Skills Centre is progressing

The Queensland Plumbers Union, Hydraulic Contractors Association and National Fire Industry Association Queensland are working with JIST to establish the Fire Protection Industry Skills Centre.

JIST has commenced leasing space in Shed 3 and 4 of the Construction Training Centre complex at 460-492 Beaudesert Road, Salisbury.

The space will accommodate the Fire Protection Industry Skills Centre.

The Skills Centre will include a state-of-the-art, simulated fire protection industry work environment and provide local training for Sprinkler Pipe Fitter apprentices and other trade and post-trade training in fire protection.

Construction and fit out of the Skills Centre will be funded by industry and State Government contributions that will be matched by funds from the Australian Government’s VET Infrastructure Program.  The application for Australian Government funding is being prepared by JIST and the Department of Education, Training and the Arts.

Construction is planned to commence in April 2007, with first-year Sprinkler Pipe Fitting Apprentices commencing training on July 1 2007.

When complete, the Skills Centre will include two dedicated training rooms, a computer-based learning facility focusing on design, two workshop areas, pump room, two sprinkler demonstration modules, special hazards training module and a multi-level simulated fire protection industry work environment.

Currently, JIST is finalising looking to develop a pool of potential industry-based trainers and working with industry to develop a training strategy that meets the needs of apprentices and their employers and satisfies the requirements of the Australian National Training Authority.

JIST is moving its office and will commence operations from the Skills Centre site on February 23 2007.