Keeping
up to date and learning new skills is vital in an industry subject to rapid
change and the development of new technologies and processes. Continuing professional development is also
essential for water industry personnel to ensure that they are abreast of new
processes that their employer is bringing to their workplace.
Yet
many AWA members live in regional areas where it is not easy or cost effective
for them to attend training programs delivered in major urban centres. In the cities, others are time poor with work,
travel and family commitments making engagement in skills upgrading an ongoing challenge.
AWA
has sought to meet the needs of these two groups by developing a series of online (internet based) training programs that can be undertaken at any time of
the day, in the home or workplace delivered by leading industry
professionals.
How Does Online Training
‘Work'?
Each
of the AWA Online Training Programs has a formal course structure with topics
and presenters chosen for their expertise in a specific topic. The processes works this way: AWA approaches and requests involvement of an
experienced industry professional with both a theoretical and practical
understanding of a particular topic area.
An agreement is made for that individual to prepare and deliver a
PowerPoint presentation on the subject with subsequent recording of their voice
as they deliver the presentation. AWA uses special software to then assemble
and link the slides with the voice: then arranges for hosting of the course on
the AWA website.
An
individual wishing to undertake a course enrolls in a chosen program via the
website. As soon as a prospective
student enrolls, an email is sent with details for checking compatibility of
student’s equipment with the course website delivery. An ACCESS key is provided that gives the
student exclusive access 24/7 to the course lectures from home or work for a
period of three months. If there are any
problems with access or a student has been unable to complete his course within
the three month period, then an email to AWAA can rectify the problem and
restore permissions.
On
completion of all the lectures in any course, each student can test his/her
knowledge with a series of questions prepared by the course director. Once satisfied with the responses, he/she may
then apply for a Certificate of Completion provided by AWA certifying to their
successful engagement in the training in that particular topic area.
Payment
for undertaking a particular course is determined by the number of lectures in
the program and their length. Each
course is reviewed regularly to ensure that it is up to date with current
practice and regulatory requirements.
Available Courses
·
Integrated Water Recycling
·
Risk Assessment for the Water Industry
·
Solving
Leaks and Smells (in development)