Australian Skills Training (AST) has recently completed a scaffolding training program for BW Offshore onboard the FPSO Berge Helene (pictured right - stationed offshore Mauritania), FPSO Sendje Berge & Berge Okoloba Toru (stationed offshore Nigeria), and BW Peace (anchored offshore Malaysia).

The training was aimed at developing the scaffolding skills of the crew onboard, and achieving certification to an internationally recognised standard.

For new arrival to AST, Laurie Wine, this was his first overseas deployment with AST, spending three weeks in Mauritania, and one week in Malaysia. The feedback from BW was very positive, with Laurie able to assist the crew in designing scaffolds for routine tasks onboard, and
providing recommendations on how to improve scaffolding practices.

Ken Beanland a long serving trainer with AST, made the journey to Nigeria for the training onboard FPSO’s Sendje Berge and Berge Okoloba Toru. Ken is a veteran to Nigeria, and has also trained with AST in Indonesia, Philippines, and throughout Australia.

The training onboard had the usual difficulties that exist on an operational vessel, with day and night shifts, and daily work routines to coordinate with. However, Ken managed to get everyone through the training by splitting the courses into day and night shifts.

Once again this project demonstrated AST flexibility to deliver training onsite, on demand, and anywhere in the world.

Big Bazza Wheals has been on almost permanent assignment in Area C in Western Australia’s north east conducting Validation of Competencies (VOC’s) for HWE. Bazza has been ensuring competency in many of the larger mobile equipment and keeping the hardworking men and women of Area C entertained with his enthusiastic impersonations of Mark Holden and Fantasy Island's Tattoo. It is not uncommon to hear the cries of “TOUCH DOWN” & “DE PLANE DE PLANE” echoing across the desert. All at AST are very happy with his professional approach to training and assessing and his pleasant nature with the candidates. Keep up the good work Bazza!

As Mae West once said: “A man can be short and dumpy and getting bald but if he has fire, women will like him.”

This course is designed to provide participants with formalized training in Telehandler operation. Telehandlers are becoming increasingly popular on construction and mine sites due to their flexibility and usefulness. Many operators have gained experience by just “having a go”. Completion of this course will provide a recognized qualification with participants being able to conduct pre-start and pre-operational checks; recognize danger areas; understand load charts; use attachments and how to maneouver a Telehandler correctly and safely through all areas of operation.

As part of the new National Licensing System which commences on 1 October 2007, Telehandlers or Multi-purpose Tool Carriers do not fall under the forklift truck classification.

High Risk Licenses are required if:

a) The Telehandler is used with a boom and/or jib and is greater than 3 tonnes. A CN license is required.

b) An elevated work platform with controls in the basket is attached on a boom of over 11 m in length. An WP license is required.

The person who employs operators of multipurpose machines, or has control of the workplace where multipurpose machines are operated, has duties under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984. These duties include providing information, instruction, training and supervision of Telehandler operators so they are not exposed to hazards. This course fulfills that duty both as an employee and employer.

Click here for more details >>

Australian Skills Training (AST) now offers a short course in Basic Hydraulics. The training package developed by Parker Hannifin Corporation, a leading international supplier of hydraulic systems and motion control technology is aimed at those responsible for the operation and maintenance of hydraulic systems.

The course uses detailed graphics and animations to explain the working of hydraulics systems, including pumps (vane, piston, gear, variable volume), linear and rotary motion components, and control valves (pressure, directional, flow).

The course also covers maintenance and housekeeping (oil cleanliness) requirements for reliable hydraulic system operation.

A comprehensive manual is provided to candidates for the training which provides a valuable reference for operators and maintainers in the field.

Click here for more details >>

Australian Skills Training (AST) has recently developed and delivered training for a Telescopic Personnel Bridge (Walkway) for the Bayu Undan Gas Project (ConocoPhillips Australia). The equipment consists of an electro-hydraulically operated telescoping gangway, which is designed to transfer personnel from a supply vessel at sea to a fixed platform offshore (Bayu Undan Module).

The ‘Walkway’ shown below has been installed
onboard the supply vessel Lewek Champion,
which has been mobilised for the Bayu Undan
Shutdown in September 2007.

AST provided training for seven operators, which consisted of initial training as a Tower Crane/Pedestal Operator. This training was conducted in accordance with the National Standard in Australia (NOHSC 1006), and was aimed at providing the candidates with the fundamentals of operating an offshore crane.

Trainees for Cape East under training at AST’s training centre in Batam, Indonesia

On completion of the initial training the candidates received further training on the specifics of the ‘Walkway’ followed by practical training and assessment.

This training was part of larger training program required by ConocoPhillips in preparation for the 2007 Bayu Undan Shutdown. AST has also provided six weeks of Basic Rigger training at Cape East’s training centre in Manilla, Philippines.

AST has become an approved training provider for Western Power courses: Emergency Escape from EWP (EDD) and Use of Forklift Attachments for Handling Transformers.

Emergency Escape from EWP (EDD)
This course is designed to give participants the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out an Emergency Escape from a cherry picker style elevated work platform. Participants will be able to correctly fit and inspect fall arrest harnesses and attachments (lanyards) and descend safely via emergency descent ropes attached to the EWP bucket (EDD). This course adds an extra level of safety to operating an EWP and is used in conjunction with relevant WorkSafe WA regulations and safety requirements.

Staff and contractors working aloft in an EWP for Western Power must undertake this training followed by re-qualification on a yearly basis.

Use of Forklift Attachments for Handling Transformers
This course is a requirement of all Western Power personnel and contractors who look after the shipment and handling of aerial, ground mount transformers and meters from storage delivery to storage returns. On completion of this course participants will be able to safely lift and shift transformers in accordance with Western Power Work Practice Procedures. Western Powers unique lifting slipper attachments and lifting beam allow forklift operators to lift and shift transformers safely and efficiently. The training is based on the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 1996, the Commissioner Occupational Safety and Health Notes – Working Safely with Forklifts and relevant Australian Standards.

Klayton Robb and Jeremy Gittens from AST Darwin and AST Perth respectively have set up an information stall at the annual Balikpapan Expo. The Trade expo is primarily targeting the mining industry in Indonesia and the surrounding neighbors. The expo brings together a wide variety of services ranging from lightening protection to plant and machinery sales. AST are present for the obvious business potential that could benefit buy flying the flag and talking with prospective cliental.

Many challenges face Klayton and Jeremy who are also tied in an official capacity with a delegation from the Northern Territory Government. As such they are manning a stall and keeping official engagements made by the Northern Territory Government. Other hurdles include the language barriers and dealing with the weather
which has continued late with it’s wet season.

The Expo brings many and a varied audience, however Klayton reports a new problem which in fact is good for the business. Already people want training so Jeremy and Klayton are both in consult with their wives and Immigration. Visas need to be extended and wives and families also need to be consulted as to the potential in an extended stay.

All this is good news for AST in building relationships and getting our name into the market place. The word from both Jeremy and Klayton is that there is a lot of potential and an increasing need for a company such as AST to be part of the growth that is currently occurring through South East Asia.

Sampai Jumpa Lagi

On the 17 Feb 2007 the Batam Training Centre was officially opened. In attendance at the opening ceremony was the Deputy Mayor of the Batam Central Government (Pak Syamsul Bahrum), and a number of representatives from local business.

Speaking at the ceremony Pak Syamsul Bahrum told of the local governments supports for training, and the importance of outside expertise to improve the skills of the local workforce. There were also speakers from the Polytechnic Training Centre, PT McDermott, Australian Skills Training, and TWI who all provided there encouragement and support for the new facility.

Chris Gittens (Managing Director – AST) presenting a
gift to the Deputy Mayor of Batam Central Government
(Pak Syamsul Bahrum)

Training has already commenced at the premises with a total of 16 courses provided to PT McDermotts in basic rigging and scaffolding. The interest from other companies has also been overwhelming, with welder training and testing expected to commence in coming months.

Traditional dancers perform at ceremony	Welcome sign for guests
Key speakers at the opening ceremony	From Left to Right, AST staff and Managing Director of PT Dua Utama Jaya (Ric Thompson, Ray Gittens, Chris Gittens, Iskak Tabri, Keith Gittens, Ron Myers, Ken Beanland, Melinda Mead)

AST has recently signed a 5 year contract with PT McDermott Indonesia for the provision of Industrial skills training. This represents a significant increase in business for AST in SE Asia, and is further recognition our international appeal as a quality training provider.

The contract is also significant for AST as it is the first training program to be conducted at its new training centre in Batam, Indonesia.

AST is currently providing 16 basic rigging and scaffolds classes, and also has two onsite trainers providing ongoing training in the field.

J Ray McDermott is a large Engineering/Fabrication company supporting the oil and gas industry worldwide. PT McDermotts (the Indonesian branch) have several major projects in progress which includes constructing modules for Woodside LNG 5 on the Burrup Pennisula, Western Australia.

At present PT McDermott has a workforce of 7800 personnel in Indonesia and operates from a modern well equipped facility covering 242 acres.

Below are photos of scaffold training in progress and the fabrication yard at PT McDermott.

Click here to return to news headlines >>