New stream for trainers
Volume 11, No. 50, August 24, 2006
By Lt-Col Trevor Bettison

TRAINING Command-Army (TC-A) is raising training development as a new trade stream to overcome a shortage of training developers (TDs) in the Army.

SCMA and DOCM-A have agreed to form the new stream, which is expected to take two to three years. However, in the short term, there are many employment options for warrant officers to be qualified as TDs within TC-A. Ranks other than warrant officer might also be considered.

What do TDs do?
TDs are in high demand within Army and in corporate industry because they are a key component to effective capability.

TDs analyse workplace problems or shortfalls, identify solutions and make appropriate recommendations to management. They determine the training skills and knowledge required, design courses and evaluate the outcomes. In some instances, they assist the training establishment to develop the courses that they have designed.

Career management
Promotional prospects within the TD stream should be quite good, however TDs would be unlikely to remain competitive for promotion if they returned to their regimental/corps stream.

In the TD stream, soldiers’ careers will continue to be managed by SCMA and they will remain in their current corps, wearing current corps insignia. Potential exists for TD warrant officers to be considered for commissioning to captain within this stream, but this proposal has yet to be fully developed and endorsed.

Posting locations
TC-A has 14 major training establishments, each of which requires TDs. Postings will be determined in concert with the individual, the Training Command Establishment and SCMA.

Geographic stability
There is a strong likelihood of back-to-back postings in one area if it suits the individual and the Service – at no detriment to promotional prospects.

Training
TD training will be essential for warrant officers who apply for transfer and are not yet TD trained.

While no ROSO will be imposed, it is expected that members will remain in their TD posting for a minimum of two years and they will remain in the stream for the remainder of their career.
Training is conducted at the Training Development Centre at Watsonia, Victoria.

TD qualifications will be nationally recognised by all employers and training organisations. This means that members will obtain an industry qualification or statement of attainment.
To take advantage of this opportunity or for more details, contact Maj David Hartley at HQ TC-A on (02) 9339 2508.