Commissioners Information Bulletin 206
Issued: 21 January 2003

Approval of an amended VTO for the recognised traineeship vocation of Asset Maintenance

At the request of the Property Services Training Company, the Commissioner for vocational training has approved the variation to the existing Vocational Training Order (VTO) in Asset Maintenance under section 6 of the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001.

The current VTO stipulates a nominal term of training of 12 months for the Certificate II in Asset Maintenance (Waste Management); 18 months for the Certificate III in Asset Maintenance (Waste Management); and thirty six months for the Certificate IV in Asset Maintenance (Waste Management). The Property Services Training Company has proposed an increase in the nominal term for Certificate III in Asset Maintenance (Waste Management) PRM30500 from 18 months to 24 months.

A copy of the revised VTO supporting the recognised traineeship vocation of Asset Maintenance is at Attachment A.

The demand by industry for a revised length of term for the Certificate III is based on industry feedback indicating that the increased term of two years will more accurately reflect current industry practices. In addition, it will broaden the traineeship base to include existing workers.

Industrial arrangements
Property Services ITAB NSW Ltd has advised that the following two Awards are relevant to the Waste Management sector:

Transport Industry – Waste Collection and Recycling (State) Award Serial B9927
Local Government (State) Award 2001

Transport Industry Waste Collection and Recycling (State) Award
This award applies to all drivers, loaders and extra hands employed on motor or other power propelled vehicles, carters, extra hands, grooms, stablemen, night soil depot hands and extra hands employed in sweeping gutters, employed on or in connection with the removal and disposal of night soil or garbage (including trade waste, sullage, and at transfer stations and other waste disposal sites, including land fill, incinerators, recycling depots) in the State of NSW, excluding the county of Yancowinna, within the jurisdiction of the Transport Industry – Waste Collection and Recycling (State) Industrial Committee. This award is effective from 8 November 2000 for a period of two years.

The award does not make provisions for Traineeship arrangements or part-time Traineeships.

Local Government (State) Award 2001
This is the main Award covering Municipal Employee Union members employed in Local Government. Other Awards for Local Government Employees that may need to be considered include:

• Wollongong City Council Enterprise Agreement
• Municipal Employees (Newcastle) Award
• South Sydney City Council Salaried Staff Award 1998
• City of Sydney Wages/Salary Award 1998

There are many additional Awards and Agreements in place for members of the MEU in Local Government. Members should ring the union on 9319 5911 or 1800451 604 for more information on their specific Award or Agreement.

Employers in Local Government should contact the Local Government & Shires Association on 9242 4000 for further advice in relation to the employment of trainees.

Industry has been consulted and it is proposed that:

• existing awards not be varied to accommodate payment of reduced wages for Trainees
• employers be advised to pay 100% of the base rate as provided in the award

Industry advice outside of local government indicates that most workers employed in the Waste Management industry are employed subject to various Enterprise Agreements, Certified Agreement or Australian Workplace Agreements.

Note: Applications under the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 to establish any sport and recreation traineeship will not be approved unless the Commissioner is satisfied that appropriate industrial arrangements are in place.

For any enquiries regarding this CIB, please contact the Vocational Training Tribunal Unit on (02) 9266 8579.

PAM CHRISTIE
Commissioner of Vocational Training