A joint collaboration between TAFE, the National Association of Steel Framed Housing (NASH) and major industry players created a week-long training initiative (January 27-30) that saw TAFE lecturers from around the state converge on Swan TAFE's Balga campus.

Seventeen lecturers from TAFEs as far afield as the Pilbara, Geraldton, Bunbury and Albany, attended the Balga campus to learn the ins and outs of steel framing on a full-size replica home donated by industry.

Leading Australian steel manufacturer BlueScope Steel, together with customers Stratco and Roofmart, donated wall framing and roof trusses made from ZINCALUME® steel to Balga TAFE to conduct the training on campus.

Balga TAFE carpentry and joinery lecturer Ross Williams ran the four-day course on steel framing.

"Steel framing is increasingly being offered as a full elective, rather than a minor part of the overall course, and this program is designed to bring lecturers up to speed with the latest techniques and trends in the industry," Mr Williams said.

"The response from all the lecturers has been very positive. They have been given the opportunity to hone their skills and knowledge on a full-size model as well as the chance to make a number of contacts in the industry.

"The initiative has seen TAFE and industry work together and the benefit is going to be to the students, who will have lecturers who know the industry and the latest trends."

NASH, an industry association formed to promote the growth of the steel building frame sector, initiated the concept and was a major backer in making the course a reality.

"This course is the first of its kind in Australia," NASH (W.A) Chairman Jim Kenny said.
"It creates a knowledgeable and skilled labour pool for the steel framing industry into the future."

The donated steel-framed house will now be used by Balga TAFE for a range of apprenticeship training.

"Steel framing apprentices will get the chance to pull it down and put it up again," TAFE's Ross Williams said.

"Electricians and plumbers can also practice installing electrical cables and pipes into a full-size steel framed home."

For more Information contact:
Ross Williams TAFE Lecturer Carpentry and Joinery - Balga Tel: Mob 0423129902 or ph (08) 9235 7846.

Jim Kenny National Association of Steel Framed Housing Chairman (W.A.)
Tel: 08 9351 8888 Fax: 08 9458 926