May 14th 2009

TAFE training goes bush

Ricky, Beth, Colin

Students at Roebourne Campus of Pilbara TAFE are literally going bush thanks to a fantastic hands-on program delivered by Indigenous lecturer Evelyn Kroczek and supported by CDEP and Job Futures.

The ten students are studying a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management (Ranger Training Program) and, as part of their practical component, they are collecting and identifying native plants to create herbariums.

Evelyn explains the course gives a broad overview of plants, their structure and characteristics, as well as how local ecosystems co-exist.

"Students learn about plant communities as well as individual species so they understand how flora and fauna interact with each other. While some of it is new, such as how to index species, a lot of the content is reinforced by their own cultural knowledge about the environment."

The student's first task is to collect 20 different specimens from the surrounding bush, then dry them out and identify them individually using botanical language.

"They'll soon have three languages, Yindjibarndi, English and Latin!" says Evelyn. "By becoming more familiar with Latin, they'll be able to broaden their knowledge with field guides and other resources."

Colin Derrell says that the course combines the theory with trips out bush so they can put into practise what they've just learned in class.

"It makes more sense once you're out in the bush," Colin says. "I like the fact it ties in with culture so I can teach my kids about conservation and the land. We're combining traditional lore with botanical theory."

Natasha Smith is also positive about how the course will impact her future. "This is a good way to learn more about plants and the bush," she says. "I really want to pursue a career where you can make a difference to the environment."

Evelyn says that there is a great demand for skilled workers in the conservation industry.

"Conservation is a growth industry, especially in this North West," Evelyn says. "More and more, mining and resource companies are relying on rangers and conservationists to advise them on how to protect threatened and endangered plant species on their leases."

For more information on Conservation and Land Management programs at Pilbara TAFE, contact 1300 304 244.

Media Contact: Kate Duff, Marketing & Communications
(08) 9159 6712
Kate.duff@pilbaratafe.wa.edu.au