Public Works Foundations Program

Structured CPD for engineers, technical officers, coordinators and supervisors!

Role-relevant content developed by specialist sector partners

Presented annually, our eight online courses have been curated to develop the skills of public works engineering and technical professionals in key responsibility areas.

Each course comprises 4 x 4hr sessions presented over consecutive weeks with opportunities for peer and presenter engagement. A digital badge is provided on completion of each course and program graduates will be awarded a Certificate of Public Works Engineering!

Communications Foundations

Presented by expert and experienced facilitators from the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) Victoria, this online course provides techniques and tools for effective public sector communication:

Learning Outcomes:

• Distil and synthesise complex information to prepare clear, persuasive reports and business cases.
• Recognise and create what public sector leaders are looking for in well-written emails, letters & documents.
• Discover and apply best-practice engagement principles to work constructively with your stakeholders.
• Understand the importance and the impact of a good presentation and learn methods and techniques you can instantly adopt.

Course Partner

Project Management Foundations

Presented by Swinburne University of Technology, this four x half-day online course provides participants with the language, terminology, structures and tools that are the hallmarks of modern project management:

Learning Outcomes:

• Produce a project outline to support initiation and approval
• Create a project plan for a small project, including risk, quality, and change
• Select tools and processes to effectively monitor project implementation
• Develop closure reports and documentation
• Evaluate the success of the project and capture lessons learned
• Understand the core principles of project management
• Outline what is needed to competently manage a project in detail
• Understand the different project methodologies and when each may be applicable

Course Partner

Procurement & Contract Management Foundations

Presented by CT Management Group, this online course outlines best-practice approaches to procurement and contract management for optimal project outcomes.

Learning Outcomes:

• an understanding of key procurement principles
• how to produce a Procurement Plan
• sound, robust and transparent tender evaluation
• how to manage the transition from tender evaluation to Contract negotiation and execution
• the principles, roles & responsibilities within Contracts
• successful performance and outcome management
• the stages of Contractual disputes
• how to evaluate and close out a Contract

Course Partner

Resource Management Foundations

Presented by Swinburne Edge, this online course supports improved collaboration between public works professionals and their project colleagues.

Learning Outcomes:

• An understanding of accounting principles, terms, concepts and their organizational importance
• An appreciation of employment legislation, Awards, Workplace Agreements and conflict resolution
• Enhanced leadership, communication, performance management and negotiation skills
• An understanding of workplace risk, WHS policies and the risk management framework

Course Partner

Road Engineering Foundations

Presented by industry experts from the Centre for Pavement Engineering Education, this four x half-day online course will address best-practice road design, construction and maintenance.

Learning Outcomes:

• The principles, players and practices supporting the national road industry
• A broad understanding of practical road design
• Factors affecting pavement construction and optimal design methods
• Sealed road investigation and evaluation
• The selection and design of pavement maintenance strategies and treatments for flexible pavements

Course Partner

Asset Management Foundations

Asset Management Foundations is a self-paced, online course featuring 4 modules designed to build capacity for any asset intensive organisation and increase your understanding of the asset management discipline.

The course has been designed for anyone managing public infrastructure assets such as road & transport networks, water, sewer & drainage networks, parks & recreation facilities, community facilities & buildings and other community assets.

Presented by IPWEA’s subject matter experts, it will:

• Define Asset Management and why it’s important
• Explain the difference between Asset Management and Managing Assets
• Outline the Asset Management System
• Summarise key considerations for good Asset Management
• Identify and explain the factors for success including alignment with the financial planning and reporting task

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Course Partner

Traffic and Transport Foundations

Presented by Australian Road Research Board experts, this online course provides insights into optimal transport network planning and traffic management.

Learning Outcomes:

• Road space requirements for general traffic, freight, public transport, cyclists and pedestrians
• Best-practice traffic management principles, objectives and approaches
• Application of the safe systems approach to user safety and road safety engineering
• Accommodating active travel modes within road infrastructure using a safe systems approach

Based on ARRB’s extensive research and referencing well-established industry standards and guidelines, this course is a must for anyone developing or managing an integrated community transport network.

Course Partner

Stormwater Management Foundations

Presented by specialist trainers via Clearwater, this online course covers stormwater management basics and best practice stormwater management solutions.

Learning Outcomes:

• Participants will develop a deeper understanding of the complexities, challenges & opportunities in stormwater management
• This new foundational-level knowledge will enhance cross-sectoral and cross-departmental collaboration to deliver better stormwater outcomes for our communities

Clearwater, in collaboration with E2Designlab, brings expert trainers widely recognised across the public works sector for providing specialist advice in stormwater management, water sensitive urban design and integrated water management.

Course Partners