- TechTrain 2003 – TechNet hosted
this annual Australia wide conference for technical staff. This was
a great opportunity to network with technical staff from other Universities,
share ideas and showcase UNSW and its technical staff working in a wide
range of disciplines. 180 attendees gathered for a very successful conference
staged at The Scientia.
- Representation of staff at TechTrain 2001 (Brisbane) and TechTrain
2002 (UWS). A series of seminars and workshops held over several
days and attended by technicians from all the major universities to
learn about new developments and technologies relevant to all aspects
of laboratory work. This was considered to be extremely valuable with
a subsequent decision to hold TechTrain 2003 here at UNSW for the benefit
of all technical staff.
- Mid-year meetings and workshops have
been held to assist in the networking of Technical staff, to help put
a face to emails, to identify areas of concern and future goals. A number
of issues have been raised including a Database of Skills, Solutions
Groups for OHS, Training & Development
and Workplace Satisifaction among
others.
- Organizing the TechNet Safety Expo in September 2001. A total of 28
companies attended and displayed a variety of safety tools and equipment
to bring technicians up to date with current practices and technologies.
Exhibitors were delighted with the results as were the 300 plus staff
who attended.
- Setting up the TechNet email forum has been
a major success enabling technical staff to network many problem solving
and resource sharing issues. The uptake has been extraordinary and it
is difficult to quantify the number of emails but there would be many
hundreds to date. The vast majority of these were to do with resource
sharing, both chemicals and equipment, required for specific purposes
which would have otherwise required the unit to purchase their own supplies.
In nearly all cases only small amounts were needed and successfully
located within the TechNet Forum. No longer needed chemicals, equipment
and resources were also redistributed saving additional purchases and
costs associated with waste disposal. Conservatively, this has saved
many thousands of dollars to UNSW.
- Establishment of the TechNet Website as a focal point for all Technical
Staff within UNSW. Included are links to major OHS sites and regulatory
bodies, Chemical Companies and their Material Safety Data Sheets, Staff
Development, online training courses and other issues relevant to all
technical staff within UNSW.
- Implementation of the TechNet Awards as
a recognition for the dedicated efforts and meritorius performance by
technical staff at UNSW.
- Lunchtime Video and Training sessions have been initiated on a regular
basis to promote staff and individual development.
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