Generic Induction Program

The Generic Induction Program is a training program that eliminates duplication by inducting contractors in common skills industry wide.

What is the Generic Induction Program?

Until recently, the mining industry financed significant duplication in the induction training to industry contractors as they moved from one site to another.

In collaboration with the mining industry, the Mining Industry Skills Centre in it’s original structure as the Queensland Mining Industry Training Advisory Body developed the Generic Induction (GI) training program to standardise the training to non-permanent mine-site workers.  Launched in 1997 it is now being delivered across Queensland and has recently been launched in New South Wales.

In 2006 the University of Queensland reviewed the Program and a revitalised GI and GI Refresh Program was launched in 2007.

In 2008 a further refinement of the product and delivery methodology is underway.

Five Generic Induction Programs have been designed to cater for the specific needs of the individual industry sectors.  These include:

1. Metalliferous Core: A  one-day program which covers an Introduction to the Mining Industry, Legislation, Rules and Regulations, General Safety, Managing Work Hazards, Tagging, Isolation and Permits, Traffic Rules, and Emergency Procedures. Fire fighting and first aid are offered as optional electives.
2. Metalliferous Elective (Underground):A half-day program which requires the successful completion and currency of the Metalliferous certification and covers Introduction to Underground Mining, General Safety, Controlling Hazards in an Underground Environment, Mobile Equipment, Introduction to Ground Support and Control, and Emergency Procedures.  
3. Coal Core: A two-day program which covers an Introduction to the Mining Industry, Legislation, General Safety, Managing Hazards, Risk Management, Isolation and Tagging, Traffic and Mobile Equipment Procedures, Emergency Procedures, Life Saving First Aid, Fire Fighting and Prevention, and The Environment.  
4. Coal Elective (Underground): A one-day program which requires the successful completion and currency of the Coal Core certification and covers Underground Mining Techniques, Obligations Under the Law, General Underground Safety, Managing Underground Work Hazards, Spontaneous Combustion, Introduction to Strata Support, and Emergency Underground Procedures. 
5. Heavy Industry: A one-day program which covers an Introduction to the Mining Industry, Legislation, Rules and Regulations, General Safety, Managing Work Hazards, Tagging, Isolation and Permits, Traffic Rules, and Emergency Procedures.

The programs are delivered via Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) who are licensed by the Mining Industry Skills Centre.  Click here to find the details about the RTOs licensed to deliver this training.

Competencies: 

Benefits:

• Significant increase in safe work behaviour by graduates
  
• Within the first year, $18 million was saved in training costs.  Now an estimated $27 million is saved and over 25,000 participants complete the training every year
  
• GI provides a centralised, quality-assured and standardised training program giving mine-sites peace of mind
  
• Once completed the worker is able to move between sites and have a large portion of their induction training recognised without compromising the site’s legislative requirements
  
• Information is kept in a central database for easy reference
  
• Credit card sized ‘passports’ are issued to graduates and when presented at a site, the worker only needs to complete site-specific induction training
  
• The GI Refresh program, completed every 2 years, provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on current work practices and refocus on safe work behaviour.   The Refresh program also allows participants to be updated on  key safety messages and changes to legislation or industry standards; and
  
• The quality of program delivery is stringently regulated by the Mining Industry Skills Centre, ensuring world class training  

Uptake and success:

• The GI program is  the recognised induction standard for  80% of coal mine sites in the Bowen Basin in Queensland 
  
• The GI program is being used by 20% of metalliferous sites in Queensland 
  
• The use of the GI program has grown by 160% since 2003
  
• A pilot GI program focussed on Heavy Industry has recently been completed and is currently being evaluated for use in the following sectors:
  
• Mineral processing and refining
  
• Port operations
  
• Power generation
  
• Local Government
  
• There are over 70,000 active Passport holders within the Program.  This makes up approximately 75% of the contractor population
  
• There are 130,000 entries in the centralised database

Next Steps:

Due to the skills shortage being shared nationally and internationally within the resources sector, the Mining Industry Skills Centre is developing a national GI program.

In addition to this, by July 2009 the Mining Industry Skills Centre will:

• Modify the  focus of the GI program to the application of basic risk assessment principles, in order to stay safe at work
  
• Launch the GI Program in New South Wales, Western Australia and undertake  feasibility studies to deliver in Northern Territory and South Australia
  
• Launch a GI program suitable for port operations, power generation, processing and refining practises in Queensland-based organisations
  
• Develop a ‘blended’ delivery GI program, with the introduction of online and simulation applications to enhance participant learning
  
• Increase penetration and uptake within the resource and heavy industries sector; and
  
• Ensure GI is recognised as the benchmark for  standard induction delivery

GI Refresh Program:

The GI Refresh Program is an online training tool designed for permanent onsite employees and was launched in 2003.  GI graduates are required to undertake the Refresh program every two years.

The program gives permanent workers the ability to undertake GI training in a self-paced learning environment and offers convenience to both the employer and employee.

More information:

For more information on the Generic Induction Program please contact the Skills Centre by telephone 07 3872 8500.