Simulated Work Environment Opens its Doors to Training Opportunities

The Australian Advanced Manufacturing sector welcomed the arrival of the country’s first Simulated Work Environment (SWE) when Burnie’s Manufacturing Centre of Excellence opened its Lean training facility in March 2017.

One of only three in the Southern hemisphere, the SWE provides interactive and practical training for groups of at least 17 participants. The training is based on Elphinstone Production Systems methods and is designed to increase productivity, cost-effectiveness and quality while reducing safety-related issues in any industry.

Drawing on Lean Principles including Chase Waste, Make it Visual, Go See Act, and Put Safety First, the training encourages continuous improvement with an emphasis on collaboration and team communication as the participants to work within a simulated production-line environment.

Given the unique nature of the training facility, it is expected to attract participants from across Australia and internationally as well as provide an exceptional local resource for Tasmanian businesses. The courses are delivered by Productivity Improvers and by the Elphinstone Group.

An opening event for the SWE was held at Wellington Street on 3 March where The Deputy Premier, Hon. Jeremy Rockliff MP officially launched the facility. The event was well attended by the manufacturing industry and representatives of all levels of Government.

“The SWE provides a solid home base for advanced training opportunities in the North-West to ensure the practical skills our advanced manufacturing industries need are available to them through the right people with the right know-how,” Mr Rockliff said.

Lee Whiteley of Elphinstone Group and Clynton Jaffray of Productivity Improvers shared details of the course content and delivery methods before attendees toured the facility’s simulated production area and classrooms.

Discounted one or three-day training courses are available to all TMEC Advanced Manufacturing Association Members, with the three-day course including subjects accredited via The Australian Maritime College. Further information on the SWE can be found at www.elphinstone.com or by contacting swe@elphinstone.com.

The installation of the SWE would not have been possible without the efforts and contributions of many individuals and businesses. Thank you to:

Allan Johnson, Jayben

Clynton Jaffray and Michael Bonney, Productivity Improvers

Dave Olden, DSG

Jack Birrell, Birrelli Architecture

Nathan King, Southern Prospect

Nigel Robotham, Marcus Bourn and Steven Townsend, Elphinstone Group

Paul Sturzaker, TMEC

Rod Neville, Engineering Edge; and

Wayne Licht, Stubbs Construction.