Going the Distance for Training at Yiramalay

Delivering training in the Kimberley can look very different from walking into a classroom in Perth.

VTS trainer Jinesh is currently delivering SIT20322 Certificate II in Hospitality and BSB20120 Certificate II in Workplace Skills at Yiramalay, located on Bunuba country, approximately 80km North of Fitzroy Crossing. By the end of the year, Jinesh will have spent around five weeks and 25 face-to-face training days on site. Each visit begins with a flight from Perth to Broome, followed by a four to four-and-a-half-hour drive to Yiramalay.

Once there, Jinesh stays in basic donga-style accommodation on site and works within the day-to-day rhythms of an active community and boarding school.

“Everything needs to be carefully planned before travelling,” Jinesh said. “There is no quick trip back to the office or easy access to replacement items, so training resources, assessment materials and equipment all need to be organised in advance.”

Delivery also requires flexibility. Some units are shared between the Hospitality and Workplace Skills students, while other sessions require the groups to separate for course-specific training. Timetables may also need to change depending on other activities taking place at the school.

Technology presents another challenge. Students use Canvas for learning and assessment activities between visits, with remote support continuing during the four and eight-week gaps between face-to-face blocks. While Starlink provides internet access, connectivity can be unreliable and data is restricted.

Students also have different levels of language, literacy, numeracy and digital confidence, so accessing Canvas can require additional demonstrations, step-by-step guidance and ongoing support.

Despite the logistical challenges, Jinesh says one of the most rewarding parts of the program has been watching students become more confident and engaged as the training progresses.

Delivering qualifications in a remote setting takes planning, flexibility and persistence, but it also creates access to training and employment pathways that may otherwise be difficult for students to reach.