During May 2003, ATA’s
Skills Recognition Services introduced the Certificate III
in Bicycle (Sales) and the Certificate III in Bicycle (Mechanics)
Qualifications to employers and existing employees within
the Victorian Bicycle Sector. In the six months following,
in excess of 150 people have achieved a national qualification
to recognise their skills.
SHM Bikes, located within the heart of the Melbourne CBD,
is an absolute dream for bicycling enthusiasts and casual
riders alike. The store in Bourke Street caters towards road
cyclists, whilst the mountain bike lovers can enjoy a speciality
store located on Lonsdale Street. Considered to stock amongst
the highest quality products available, SHM Bikes is viewed
as a premium bicycle store. However with this aura of quality,
part owner and manager, Peter Barnett, knew he needed to dignify
this position by rising to the upper echelon of customer service
and assistance in both sales and mechanics.
“Cycling is in my blood.
Not only is it my profession, it is also my passion. Because
of this I know the expectations of my customers,” Peter
Barnett explained. “The general blend of our clientele
are extremely passionate about their cycling, consequently
they expect the best and wouldn’t allow for anything
less. I knew members of my staff were competent, however I
needed to provide physical evidence that our employees are
considered ‘experts’. ATA’s Skills Recognition
Services provided this tangible link.”
Since June 2003, SHM Bikes has enrolled six employees to
undertake training in either the Certificate III in Bicycle
(Sales) and the Certificate III in Bicycle (Mechanics).
Rob Regester was one of five registered ATA Skills Assessors
involved in assessment and training. Having been involved
in racing and bicycle retail for well over ten years, Rob
was able to assess and train the applicants to a competent
standard. An initial interview with each employee was arranged
to discuss his or her work history and level of competency.
Following this, an assessment plan was developed which included
activities needed to develop new skills or knowledge where
required.
Over a period of several weeks, Rob monitored and assessed
each of the candidates. The trainee was required to display
an understanding through discussion, questioning or observing
that they can carry out required tasks. The recognition process
credits them with the skills and knowledge they have already
achieved, so they will not need to undertake further training
for these competency units. On-going assessment and monitoring
visits was programmed over different periods depending on
the levels of skills and knowledge of each participant.
Peter Bracka, who acts as the Workshop Manager at the Bourke
Street store, was assessed for the Certificate III in Bicycle
(Mechanics). Mr. Bracka emphasised, ”Competency-based
training is the only training that will work for us considering
the traffic flow of customers. Curriculum-based training just
wouldn’t suit our environment due to the strict guidelines
and paper-based requirements. The on-the-job assessment allowed
each of us to display our capabilities whilst ensuring the
business ran smoothly and efficiently. The degree of flexibility
was sensational.”
Rob Regester supported Mr. Bracka’s sentiments, commenting,
“The assessment involved a considerable degree of observation
of the trainee in his natural working environment. Being able
to assess the candidate’s ability to work through various
service and repair jobs whilst monitoring the interaction
between customer and candidate was immensely advantageous.
Thus the attractiveness of the assessment process –
the busier the work place the more efficient and detailed
the assessment becomes.”
ATA Skills Recognition Services Manager, Terry Bowden, emphasised,
“The Skills Recognition Services introduced a system
based on acquired knowledge and skills, leaving the candidate
with little or if any extra work to do. In short ATA has bought
about a quick and efficient means of awarding those deserved
of the qualifications.”
Peter Barnett noted, “Following
the attainment of certification, I immediately noticed the
professionalism and enthusiasm the staff injected into their
work with clients and repairs. Often the proficiency of the
bicycling industry can be questioned, however the introduction
of this certification centring on an existing workforce provides
a prosperous outlook for the future of the industry.”
Mr. Barnett concluded, “ATA’s Services are really
projecting the bicycling industry into the future. The Training
Package ensures the qualifications can be nationally benchmarked
and formally recognised. This national accreditation and portability
also allows industry professionals to establish pathways for
their careers in the bicycle sector of the automotive industry.”
Terry Bowden indicated encouraging sentiments for the program,
believing, “The future of this program is boundless.
Approximately 58% of employees involved in the automotive
industry, including the bicycle sector, currently hold either
no qualifications or qualifications inadequately described.
That equates to 204,922 prospective trainees looking to be
rewarded for simply doing what they do best. It cannot get
any better than that!”
Mr. Bowden finished by stating, "The program has enormous
potential judging on the response of those involved within
Victoria. The program will be implemented shortly into New
South Wales, then progressively spreading nationally. It certainly
is an exciting time for the bicycle industry.”
Case
Study: PartsPeek Pty. Ltd.
The
Automotive Aftermarket Qualifications are setting the benchmark
for skilled personnel within the industry sector. Providing
a range of specific qualifications from Certificate I to Diploma,
The Aftermarket Training Package covers: Management &
Selling; Marketing Skills; Team Skills; Stock Management;
Merchandise; Security Skills; and General Core Units.
PartsPeek Pty. Ltd., a relatively small company with a head
office in Sydney, and a branch office located in northwest
Melbourne, is involved in the distribution of aftermarket
parts in the truck sector of the automotive industry. With
only a limited number of employees involved in the retail
and warehousing operations of the company, their commitment
to training and rewarding of their competent staff was truly
inspiring.
Leigh Martin was the first
individual involved in training and assessment for the Certificate
III in Automotive Aftermarket Retail Operations under New
Apprenticeship arrangements. Leigh had been with PartsPeek
for twelve months when he commenced his training.
Peter Dennehy, a registered ATA Skills Assessor, monitored
and assessed Leigh’s progress. Beginning in February
2003, an initial interview identified Leigh’s current
skill level, as well as special skill development needs. From
this, a training plan was agreed upon to meet deficiencies.
Periodically, Peter monitored Leigh’s progress and
provided learning aides including publications and multimedia
relevant to the area of competency. Through observation, interview
and written questioning, Peter was able to steadily supervise
and gauge Leigh’s development.
Wal Foley, Supervisor at PartsPeek, displayed a level of
infectious enthusiasm in adopting the Services, indicating,
“We saw the advantages to be gained from providing our
employees with nationally recognised accreditation. The opportunity
to skill our staff to a uniform level with a flexible program
gives us that competitive edge without affecting productivity.
Our staff really enjoy growing and learning, so increased
staff retention is a bonus.”
Mr. Foley continued, “The real benefits in the training
and assessment are the extra insight gained into the automotive
aftermarket, together with the ability to put new skills into
practice during a normal work day.”
Leigh Martin commented, “The on-the-job training suited
me perfectly. The training recognised that work in-house is
learning and doesn’t make the experience any less valuable.
Instead of having to write a report to demonstrate evidence,
the workplace provided the opportunity to indicate my capabilities.
This lead to a very comfortable and enjoyable learning environment”
“It’s very rewarding
to achieve a nationally recognised qualification. The process
is amazingly beneficial for people starting out fresh in the
automotive industry, and really provides a strong competitive
edge.”
Terry Bowden, ATA Skills Recognition Services Manager, provided
an insight into the process, “a lot has been learnt
regarding the assessment methodology. The entire process has
been streamlined to reduce an employee’s down time.
Flexibility is the key to delivering training.”
Eleven months since the beginning of training and assessment
with ATA, Leigh received the Certificate III in Automotive
Aftermarket Retail Operations in December 2003. This initial
success has since sparked PartsPeek to enrol three additional
employees to undertake training. Mr. Foley emphasised, “The
training and assessment provides the opportunity for our employees
to further their knowledge and gain some invaluable experience…
Since commencing our involvement with ATA, I have noticed
the different view our employees hold towards customer relations…”
Mr. Foley concluded by highlighting
the advantages of implementing the Skills Recognition Services,
“The program has advanced the level of knowledge amongst
PartsPeek employees with minimal disruption to the workplace.
Trainees are enjoying the challenge, giving them diversity
in their careers. It’s obvious that our investment in
the development of our staff is returning positives.”
“It certainly is an exciting time for the Skills Recognition
Services,“ Mr. Bowden believes, “The focus ATA
has directed towards the Aftermarket Sector in the five months
following July 2003 has resulted in 150 candidates seeking
recognition and certification. The demand for training has
simply increased exponentially. Mature aged workers can now
be rewarded for their knowledge and expertise and we’re
expecting this trend to continue as we all know it feels good
to be rewarded for what we do…”
“Cycling is in my blood.
Not only is it my profession, it is also my passion. Because
of this I know the expectations of my customers,” Peter
Barnett explained. “The general blend of our clientele
are extremely passionate about their cycling, consequently
they expect the best and wouldn’t allow for anything
less. I knew members of my staff were competent, however I
needed to provide physical evidence that our employees are
considered ‘experts’. ATA’s Skills Recognition
Services provided this tangible link.” 
system
based on acquired knowledge and skills, leaving the candidate
with little or if any extra work to do. In short ATA has bought
about a quick and efficient means of awarding those deserved
of the qualifications.” 
Leigh Martin was the first
individual involved in training and assessment for the Certificate
III in Automotive Aftermarket Retail Operations under New
Apprenticeship arrangements. Leigh had been with PartsPeek
for twelve months when he commenced his training.
“We saw the advantages to be gained from providing our
employees with nationally recognised accreditation. The opportunity
to skill our staff to a uniform level with a flexible program
gives us that competitive edge without affecting productivity.
Our staff really enjoy growing and learning, so increased
staff retention is a bonus.”
enrol three additional
employees to undertake training. Mr. Foley emphasised, “The
training and assessment provides the opportunity for our employees
to further their knowledge and gain some invaluable experience…
Since commencing our involvement with ATA, I have noticed
the different view our employees hold towards customer relations…”
