E-learning gets a boost to counter skill shortage

The Framework provides VET programs with e-learning solutions to make training and learning a more flexible and positive experience.

This year, for the first time, the Framework has provided the individual States with funding to select registered training organisations (RTO’s) within their area to develop new e-learning strategies.

The States choose the RTO’s specifically based on their ability to fulfil skill shortage problems in the given area.

The 145 projects who were chosen to participate in the program have until December to create their own unique e-learning solution, which can include anything from a website, to a case study, to an actual teaching product.

After the e-learning solutions are collected, they will be available at no cost to RTO’s throughout Australia.

The Framework believes the innovation program will be invaluable in helping companies to train efficiently even while in the midst of the skills shortage.

“We need to be conscious that when you have a skill shortage you can’t have people off the job for a long time to be trained, but they still need to be trained and do the job properly,” said Framework brand manager Lindy Smith.

“People get nervous about e-learning because they think it won’t be as effective because it’s not in a classroom.”

“It’s not true, though, it’s about getting instruction on the job, while still having the theory and skill and teacher, so workers can learn much quicker and easier, but still with as much quality.”

Smith says some of the e-learning tools that have been put in place so far include a virtual computer program to aid roofing apprentices in taking roof measurements, and binoculars that mechanics teachers can see through while students wear them while working on a car.

Further funding from Framework will go towards leadership and management development for the e-learning program.