Felix Ellis MP visits SMT
In October, SMT welcomed the new Minister for Skills and Workforce Development, Felix Ellis, on a tour of the SMT vessels and facilities.
He was very interested to hear our story and better understand how SMT has become the largest training provider for the Australian seafood and maritime sector.
SMT CEO, Jame Garde and SMT Chair, Ian Miles, gave the Minister a deep insight into our role in the local industry and our directions for the future. During the visit, the Minister also got to see students learning in the classrooms, as well as tour vessels Navigator and Mariner.
This was a great opportunity to welcome Minister Ellis to the wider seafood and maritime community and we would like to thank him for taking the time to visit SMT.
From left to right – James Garde and Ian Miles, welcome Felix Ellis MP as they visit the SMT training vessels with Shane Gille.
SMT team up-skill in 2022
Several of our staff and trainers have continued their own professional development with training and knowledge growth in 2022.
Over this past year, our Course Administrators have been busy participating in a “Team Leader Essentials” workshop and an MYOB “Setup and Operation” training. Most of our trainers have also completed various other courses, which will help them deliver more effective and efficient training to students in the future.
This is part of our core objective to continue to provide modern and innovative training.
By keeping our own team up-to-date, SMT also demonstrates the value of learning and professional growth to all levels of the workforce in our community.
Helping school students identify career pathways
SMT has been supporting the TSIC Working on the Water Program, providing tours to Year 9 and 10 students from Rosny College recently.
The “Career Pathway Program” is designed to introduce students to different career pathways in the seafood industry. And by bringing students on a tour through the SMT classrooms and facilities, we have been able to show them what it might be like to enter the sector and work on a real fishing vessel.
By providing an interesting overview of our courses, we hope that these tours will help school students consider a career pathway in the seafood and maritime industry.
Rosny High School students visit Mariner with SMT trainer, Chadd Mumme.
Regional Training Programs Continue
SMT is very pleased to continue supporting the Northwest with several training opportunities in 2022.
Earlier in November SMT Trainer, Chadd Mumme visited students from Yolla District High School. They have been participating in a Certificate II in Aquaculture. The visit included their final assessment and completion of the qualification.
The course has been delivered by Yolla District High School Teacher, Leigh Atkinson in partnership with SMT.
This was also an opportunity to check in on trainees from Tasmanian Oyster Co. in Smithton and Three Friends Abalone farm in Stanley.
In Launceston, in November, we also commenced the Certificate III in Aquaculture (Abalone). The course provides additional opportunities for trainees located the Northern Tasmania who might otherwise have had to travel to Hobart for similar training in the past.
Yolla District High School students performing Hatchery Husbandry training
Yolla District High School students helping with the harvest
Tasmanian Oyster Co. Trainee, Jarrod Jackson grading oysters.
New year, new courses
Looking forward to 2023
SMT recently recruited a new trainer Rod Page. Coming from TAFE, Rod brings over 20 years of experience in the training sector.
Rod has delivered our first very Rigging and Dogging Course to employees at Tassal and we are delighted to welcome Rod into the SMT team.
As we look forward to 2023, Seafood and Maritime Training would like to wish all of our students, clients and everyone in the community, a Merry Christmas and New Year.
We are looking forward to an exciting and even busier year in 2023.
