Exploiting the potential of electronic publishing on the Internet, the TRAIN World Wide Web site was established as a first point of call for the millions of players, nationally and internationally, who needed information that was current and relevant to their concerns, when they needed it. It is a just-in-time, rather than a just-in-case service.
It provides a starting point for clients seeking relevant information and reference points and sign posts for further information and services.
Lack of reliable and relevant information is a fundamental problem for the VET sector. Lack of information limits the ability of clients to make informed decisions about training and training services and reduces the ability of clients to make effective choices about training services. TRAIN addresses this problem and meets clients requirements by providing :
TRAIN commenced operations as a FAX to FAX service in November 1994 in NSW. It extended to the WWW six months later and is currently being made available on CD Rom as a subscription service.
The use of a range of delivery mechanisms ensures that TRAIN users can access TRAIN in the most suitable way.
The information on TRAIN is provided by the relevant agencies. It is written in ‘plain English’ and presented in a consistent format. There is always a contact number given for further information and contributions are updated regularly.
TRAIN now operates on two levels. The first level provides succinct information on the selected topic. The second level provides users with more detailed information.
The system has been designed by users, and that is reflected in the user-friendliness of TRAIN. And whilst designed in the first place to service the information needs of the VET industry, the audience has now expanded to include public and private providers of training; students; people seeking information on training opportunities; consultants, etc.
Graphics have been kept to a minimum to ensure speedy access and use has been made of file download facilities for large documents and on line registration and order forms. The site is expanding and improving daily.
The success of the site in New South Wales has meant that TRAIN has gone national. Each State Training Agency is now the Managing Agent for TRAIN within their State/Territory and now has a TRAIN Project Officer who is currently collecting and publishing State/Territory specific information. NSW will continue to manage TRAIN at a national level.
Also available is an interactive multimedia disk which outlines TRAIN services:
If you want a copy, or are interested in the CD Rom subscription, let us know.
Interest and feedback to date has been very positive. One of our most accessed papers is 'Acronyms Explained'. Others include: who are DTEC; ANTA; BVET; S&CC; what is CBT, RPL, AVTS and AQF; Competency Standards; Flexible Delivery; Accreditation; The National Strategy; and Assessment. No wonder TRAIN is so popular!
We have also had a lot of interest from overseas including a delightful email from 'the country of the mountains' Nepal, inquiring about training courses offered to international students and another from Russia inquiring about recognition of overseas qualifications. Many other countries have shown interest including USA, Canada, UK, Aeotearoa (NZ), Sweden, Germany, Israel, Singapore, Japan, South Africa, India, Ireland and even Iceland.
We are also working towards including information of international interest and information on research and national projects.
The TRAIN team is working together to improve and further develop this exciting project on a daily basis.
The TRAIN Team, handling both TRAIN NSW and TRAIN National are:
The state/territory contacts are:
Further details of state/territory contacts can be obtained from the TRAIN home page.
Still in its infancy, it is easy to see the enormous potential of TRAIN. Work is continuing by the TRAIN team on developing and expanding this valuable service.
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