The first 22 participants in the SEQ Water Industry Worker Pilot Program graduated with their Certificate II Water Industry Operations (Civil) on 17 December 2009. The event was hosted by the Queensland Water Directorate (qldwater) with presentations by senior management of each of the new SEQ water businesses.  All 10 SEQ councils have participated in the process.

Many of the program participants had many years experience in civil construction in the industry; and these skills were recognised through a Recognition of Prior Learning process to streamline access to the qualification.  The program is being delivered through a partnership with the Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE, SkillsTech Australia and Wide Bay Institute of TAFE – the first time three TAFE institutes have collaborated to deliver training for the water industry. 

Around 100 new participants from South-East Queensland will be enrolled shortly in the next phase of the program, along with 20 staff from regional Queensland.  The coverage is being expanded to include both Certificate II and Certificate III qualifications, and where possible will use a blended learning approach incorporating e-learning, classroom-style delivery and on-the-job training.  qldwater continues to negotiate with a number of training providers and aims to continue developing this brokering role to provide a co-ordinated industry front to be able to negotiate delivery of consistent materials and the best value for money.