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ARCIA Awards First Sir Angus Tait Memorial Scholarship for 2010

Congratulations to Ben Woods on being selected as the first recipient of the Sir Angus Tait Memorial Scholarship in 2010. Ben is an apprentice with Adelaide-based Tait Authorised Dealer Tetracom. This award is administered by the Australian Radio Communications Industry Association (ARCIA) on behalf of contributors Tait and Westwick Farrow. It is intended to provide encouragement to a student actively pursuing study leading to a career in radio communications engineering at an Advanced Diploma level or higher.

Ben started with Tetracom on the 3^rd of September, 2008 and completed his traineeship at the end of 2009, with the results of four Distinctions, two Credits and two Passes.

After discussing Ben’s career path with Tetracom’s owner, Jeff Perry, it was agreed that he would progress to a full apprenticeship which he commenced at the beginning of 2010.

"He is continuing to receive good grades and has become an integral member of our service workshop team. He has adopted a keen interest in radio communications beyond his role at Tetracom," Jeff Perry said.

It is excellent to see the widespread investment in industry skills occuring around the country, and for the first time this scholarship has been awarded outside of Melbourne. There are three scholarships available around the nation annually, thanks to contributions from RadioComms Connect 2010 and Tait Radio Communications.

 

 

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Government Supports Communication Apprentices

The Queensland Department of Community Safety has seen enormous growth in it Information & Communications Technology infrastructure over recent years. With this growth comes the need for increased support coverage to help ensure that optimum performance of the Departments critical ICT services are maintained.

As part of its ongoing support program, Information & Communications Systems (ICS) has recently recruited three Apprentice Communication Technicians. A further two Apprentices will be recruited in July 2011. 

The Apprenticeship is a four-year program where each individual receives the Certificate III in Electronics & Communications on successful completion. Certificate III holders will qualify to apply for Senior Communications Technician positions in the Department. The certificate provides the pathway to further a career in the satellite and broadcast industries, and ICT engineering professions.

The apprentice positions were advertised earlier this year and over 60 quality applications were received. Following a lengthy selection process that included aptitude tests and panel interviews, the Department is pleased to announce the successful appointments of Ashley Edwards, Josh Wicks, and Nick Wilkinson to the positions. 

Ashley, Josh and Nick commenced with DCS in July 2010. Under the guidance of skilled ICS staff, the young men will receive specific training on the technologies associated with the Departments emergency triple zero call-taking and dispatch systems. These technologies include Alarm telemetry systems, radio & mobile data networks and infrastructure, paging equipment, station turnout systems, the triple zero telephone service and communications centre voice-logging & recording equipment.

Ashley, Josh and Nick are based at the DCS facility in Hamilton, Brisbane. Primarily, they will assist in service and support, and project activities at locations within the South East QLD sector with opportunities to undertake periodic and short-term assignments around the State.

The Apprentice's will also participate in new ICT equipment installation, commissioning, and support programs for the Departments new state of the art QLD Emergency Operations Centre (QEOC) facility.

Photo: Apprentice Communications Technicians Ashley Edwards, Josh Wicks, and Nick Wilkinson pictured with QFRS Commissioner Lee Johnson and QAS Commissioner David Melville.

 

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Training and Education Survey Results

Earlier this year, ARCIA developed a survey to capture the training and education needs of the Australian radio communications industry. It came after discussions were held on the shortage of skilled technical people in the industry.

The survey results are now available for viewing.

The survey was commissioned by ARCIA's Training and Education sub-committee, particularly Martin McLeod (Gencom) and Bob Rogers (JRD). 

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Sir Angus Tait Memorial Scholarships

The Australian Radio Communications Industry Association is actively involved in awarding scholarships to provide encouragement to students actively pursuing study leading to a career in radio communications engineering.

ARCIA recognises that students, with a passion for radio communications, are the future of the Australian radio communications industry and is proud to support and promote technical education. 

SIR ANGUS TAIT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS - SUBMISSIONS OPEN   Inaugurated in 2009, the Sir Angus Tait Memorial Scholarship is intended to provide encouragement to students actively pursuing study, which will lead to a career in radio communications engineering at Advanced Diploma level or higher. The award is administered by ARCIA, on behalf of Tait Radio Communications, and this year had been increased to three scholarships through the combined generous support of RadioComms Connect 2010, Tait Radio Communications and ARCIA. Sir Angus Tait had an unbridled passion for radio, commencing in his schoolboy days and culminating in the formation of Tait Electronics Ltd, a company that now has products in over 160 countries. His philosophy was clear – "Our technology is our sword - we keep it sharp and bright". Sir Angus Tait recognised that those students of today, with a true passion for communication, are our future and took pride in promoting and supporting technical education in New Zealand. In his memory, this scholarship seeks to provide some inspiration to those pursuing a career in radio communications who have the opportunity in their future to develop technology that is both sharp and bright. The scholarship is open to radio communications students across Australia who are ARCIA Members.  Students interested in applying for the scholarship should submit a letter outlining their personal and academic background, current course of study, interests and achievements along with any applicable work experience. Student membership is normally $15 per annum, but this is waived until June 2011.   Successful applicants will be notified. All submissions should be mailed to: ARCIA Committee C/O Training and Education Sub-committee PO Box 1151 Hartwell, VIC 3124

The scholarships are proudly funded and supported by ARCIA, Tait Radio Communications and RadioComms Connect 2010.