NSPI closes: NSW to provide Qld training
SPASA Queensland has announced the closure of its loss-making training arm, the National Swimming Pool Institute Australia Ltd (NSPI), and the commencement of an arrangement with SPASA NSW to supply training to Queensland members.
Earlier this year, NSPI was mothballed following the discovery that significant funds from the SPASA Benefits Trust had been used in an unsuccessful attempt to keep the training organisation operating.
It was not possible to revitalise NSPI as a viable training organisation under the current model without considerable financial backing. Additionally, other organisations including inter-state associations had been approached to see if they would support NSPI, but no interest was shown.
SPASA Queensland does not wish to prop up NSPI and the business including course materials has been put up for sale. Following the sale, the organisation will be de-registered as an RTO and as a company, enabling SPASA to recover some funds due for professional services and fees.
Cross border arrangement
Meanwhile, SPASA Queensland has joined forces with SPASA NSW to make available a range of accredited training programs for delivery in Queensland, focussing on the delivery of nationally accredited training.
SPASA Queensland CEO Adrian Hart says that it is essential in any industry that its participants are well trained, especially when offering high value services like pool construction and essential health-related services such as pool water quality and pool safety barriers.
“Our primary focus is making certain our members are able to provide consumers with healthy, properly maintained swimming spa and pool environments. This can best be achieved through formal training,” he says.
“We are calling for all industry participants to ensure they and their employees have undertaken entry level training and have made a commitment to ongoing professional development.
“As a registered training organisation, SPASA NSW is a leader in the development of industry specific training programs and our partnership with them will see continual growth and development within our industry state to state.”
SPASA NSW has been formally recognised by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) for the following courses:
• 91520NSW - Certificate III in Swimming Pool Repairs, Servicing and Interior Finishes
• 91519NSW - Certificate III in Swimming Pool Building and Installation
• CPC40808 - Certificate IV in Swimming Pool and Spa Building
Options include blended delivery, self-paced and RPL.
“The formal training provides industry participants with a pathway to obtaining a contractor’s licence with the Queensland Building Services Authority, which again only furthers the development of our industry,” says Hart.
New training manager
In related news, Jeffrey Lehrer has been appointed as the new training manager by SPASA NSW, following the departure of Richard Gedz who had been responsible for educating hundreds of industry members over the past 12 years.
Lehrer is an experienced vocational education and development specialist with 10 years experience in the outdoor living industry, community organisations and the NSW Business Chamber of Commerce. He will oversee the entire SPASA NSW Training Division and will have responsibility for the current suite of courses, the new Certificate III and IV Pool Service courses when released, and the new national online training platform.
Lehrer has a Bachelor of Adult Education, Diploma of Quality Auditing and TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Recently, Dassakis also completed a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to add to his Certificate III in Swimming Pool, Spa and Interior Finishes. He is now also a licensed pool and spa technician.
