Rapid response unit steps in to support retrenched workers

24 May 2009

The State Government has taken a major step forward to support Western Australians affected by the economic downturn by establishing a rapid response unit to provide immediate training and career alternatives for retrenched workers.

Training Minister Peter Collier today said the TAFE Response Unit (TRU) would use the expertise of training professionals, who could be mobilised quickly to assist employees and industries affected by workplace redundancies.

“The impact of the economic downturn on Western Australians has highlighted a need for the Government to support people at risk of losing their jobs or who have suddenly found themselves without a job,” Mr Collier said.

“Training and skills development is integral to this support and crucial to building workforce participation and productivity during times of economic uncertainty.

“I have asked the 10 TAFE colleges across the State to come together to address the job losses that are occurring and ensure retrenched employees are given all the support they need to find new employment.”

The Minister said the focal point of the TRU initiative was a free 1800 helpline manned by TAFE staff, who would provide information to employers and employees involved in workplace redundancies, on a case-by-case basis.

“The helpline will provide direction on how workers can gain new qualifications, upgrade existing qualifications and formalise workplace skills,” he said.

“Employers will be supported to assist their workers, and workers will be helped to increase their prospects of finding new jobs.

“While the 1800 number is the TRU point of contact, callers will be referred to their local TAFE college for more specific assistance, with the response unit ensuring each caller receives support at a local level within 24 hours.”

Mr Collier said TRU had already been working successfully behind the scenes to provide a direct and rapid response to workers from some of WA’s casualties of the global financial meltdown, including BHP Billiton, Pinetec, Iluka, Harvey Beef and Rio Tinto’s HIsmelt operation.

In Collie, the South West Regional College mobilised a team to provide support for up to 65 Pinetec timber mill workers who had been made redundant.

Challenger TAFE was helping former BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto workers boost their job prospects by gaining nationally accredited qualifications based on their workplace experience.

“These interventions have involved excellent co-ordination between TRU and local colleges, which have taken action by giving immediate assistance to the workplaces involved,” the Minister said.

“TRU has been a great source of reassurance and support to industry and workers going through difficult times and has also demonstrated the importance of training and skills development.”

The Minister said as part of the 2009-10 State Budget, the Government would allocate more than $47million to training over the next three years.

The free helpline number is 1800 303 319.