Training sector and industry partnership wins Government grant

6/4/00
A joint project between Central Metropolitan College of TAFE and the Fluid Power Society of Western Australia to identify causes of hydraulic system failures has won a $73,000 State Government award.
Announcing the Science and Technology Innovation Fund award today, Employment and Training Minister Mike Board said the project contained many potential advances for the industry.
"As well as looking at causes of hydraulic system failures, the project will facilitate the development of methods to re-engineer components rather than just replace them - a big potential cost saving for industry," Mr Board said.
"The $1-million Innovation Fund is designed to strengthen partnerships between the training sector and industry and encourage the development of a culture of innovation and commitment to science and technology within the training sector.
"The aim of the Science and Technology Innovation Fund is to enable training providers to work in industry to develop new technology in the workplace and spread it to industry.
"The Innovation Fund will help the vocational education and training sector to take a leadership role in positioning the State at the forefront of science and technology."
A total of 10 projects State-wide, worth almost $1-million, have been awarded Innovation Fund grants.
Mr Board said the Central Metro TAFE-Fluid Power Society project was a prime example of the sort of initiative the State Government was supporting through the fund.
"Fluid power technicians had traditionally been trained as fitters, which had led the industry to develop a culture of replacing rather than repairing broken components," Mr Board said.
"By developing technical analysis systems and procedures for the re-engineering of components, the project could result in enormous productivity gains and significant cost reductions for industry."
As analysis systems and procedures are developed, programs to diffuse the new technology will be held in relevant industries.
The knowledge will be incorporated into mainstream vocational education and training courses to provide on-line flexible learning systems for students throughout Western Australia.

Media contacts:
Tamatha Smith 9222 9211
Shaun Moriarty, Department of Training and Employment: 9235 6091