Update 25 March 2020
TSTCA is working closely with the relevant state-based health authorities in New South Wales and Queensland to plan for, and respond to, the current and potential impact of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) on our students, staff and the wider community.
The advice at this point in time from the Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE) (Federal) is that the shutdown of many non-essential services across Australia does not, at present, include the closures of TAFEs or Registered Training Organisations.
At TSTCA, together with the Master Plumbers, CEPUTEC and Fire Industry Training, we are transitioning to online delivery wherever possible and on campus we have implemented strict social distancing measures.
For more information on the specific requirements from DESE, please see this fact sheet.
All administration services will continue to be available, however most will be provided remotely.
We will continue to update this information as the situation changes and communicate directly with students and employers. Please see the FAQ’s below for answers to specific questions, otherwise don’t hesitate to contact us on 1300 222 727.
Thank you for your patience and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Updated 25 March 2020
How is TSTCA managing COVID-19?
Following advice from the DESE, we are undertaking a range of measures to minimise the health risks for our students and staff including:
- implementing social distancing measures, including changing the configuration of tables in theory classrooms to allow for more space between students,
- staggering break times and spacing tables in lunch rooms and limiting how many students can sit at one table
- encouraging good hygiene practices among students and staff, including washing hands regularly and increasing access to hand sanitiser and alcohol wipes
- increasing routine cleaning activities in high traffic areas and large class / program areas that involve close contact or high-risk groups
- providing regular information to students, staff and our business and industry partners.
Have any on-campus services been impacted?
Yes, training delivery has been impacted as we work towards operating in a manner that reduces risk as effectively as possible.
We have implemented the option for staff to work at home where feasible in order to better apply social-distancing measures by having less people in the centre.
We have reduced student numbers in all classes where applicable and we have also postponed some classes in which it is difficult to implement social-distancing.
Can I attend classes/training if I feel unwell?
If you are unwell and suspect you may have COVID-19 (cold and flu like symptoms, including sore/dry throat, fever, cough, fatigue and breathing difficulties), you must remain at home and seek medical advice.
If you become unwell while at TSTCA, you should immediately arrange to go home and notify your trainer. We will contact your employer on your behalf (where applicable).
Does TSTCA have any confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
At this stage, TSTCA does not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19 and modified classes are continuing.
Will TSTCA close?
Any closures will be made on the recommendation of the relevant State and Federal authorities in each jurisdiction.
Key TSTCA contacts:
To notify us of your travel, self-isolation, if you are undergoing a test for COVID-19 or if you have tested positive, please email info@tstca.com.au or call (07) 3255 5698.
To make contact with a specific RTO operating at TSTCA, please email or call:
Ceputec: QLD qldtraining@ceputec.edu.au or 0434 383 777
Fire Industry Training: admin@fit.edu.au or (07) 3255 5698
Master Plumbers: training@plumber.com.au or 1800 133 871
The Service Trades College Australia: info@tstca.com.au or (07) 3255 5698
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COVID-19 – General FAQ’s
What is the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. COVID-19 is a new virus that can cause an infection in people, including a severe respiratory illness. The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.
COVID-19 spreads through close contact with an infected person; mostly face-to-face or within a household. It cannot jump across a room or be carried for long distances in the air.
What is close contact?
Close contact means greater than 15 minutes face-to-face or the sharing of a closed space for more than two hours with a confirmed case.
Close contact could include any person meeting any of the following criteria:
- living in the same household
- a person who spent two hours or longer in the same room
- face-to-face contact for more than 15 minutes with the case in any other setting not listed above.
Further Information In addition to advice issued by the Department of Health you can contact the 24/7 National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 which provides health and situation information on the outbreak. Call 131 450 for translating or interpreting services.
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee has also published some useful information about COVID-19.
You might also find it useful to review recent advice from Safe Work Australia on the work, health and safety implications.
State and Territory health related information can be found at:
New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
What can I do to reduce my risk of coronavirus infection?
Following good hygiene practices is the most effective way of protecting yourself from COVID-19. This includes washing your hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds. Dry with paper towel or hand dryer.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.
- Stay at home if you feel sick. If you take medication make sure you have enough.
- Phone your doctor or the hotline – 1800 020 080 – if you need medical attention. They will tell you what to do.
- Continue healthy habits: exercise, drink water, get plenty of sleep.
- Wearing a face mask is not necessary if you are well.
- Buy an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with over 60 per cent alcohol.
What should I do if I’ve just returned from overseas?
On 15 March 2020, the Australian Government announced that all travellers arriving to Australia from overseas are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
Importantly, it also includes parents, carers and any other relative with whom you live or have close contact with who are returning from overseas travel. As they are required to self-isolate, they must avoid public settings – this means they should not attend work, school, childcare or go to other public places such as restaurants, cinemas or shopping centres and should not use public transport or taxis.
If you or a family member has arrived from overseas since midnight Sunday 15 March 2020, please notify us at info@tstca.com.au
What if testing confirms I have COVID-19?
If testing confirms that you have COVID-19, please email: info@TSTCA.edu.au with the following information:
- Name
- Campus
- Course or program name
- Classes attended
- Date/time of notification
- Contact Phone Number
- Other relevant information
All student details and personal information will be subject to privacy provisions.
TSTCA will notify affected students if we have a confirmed case of COVID-19 in accordance with advice from the DHHS.
Where can I get more information?
For the latest advice, information and resources on the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), please visit:
- Department of Health (Federal)
- Department of Education, Skills and Employment (Federal)
- World Health Organization
- Smart Traveller
Where can I get support?
For additional information, support or counselling, the following organisations are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
- Mates In Construction (National 24/7 support) 1300 642 111 matesinconstruction.org.au – We provide suicide prevention through community development programs on sites and support workers in need through case management and a 24/7 help line. Together with the Oz-Help Foundation, we also provide Life Skills Toolbox training to apprentices and young workers.
- Beyond Blue (National 24/7 support) 1300 224 636 beyondblue.org.au –Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.
- Lifeline (National 24/7 support) 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au – Lifeline is a national service providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
- Kids Help Line (National 24/7 support) 1800 551 800 kidshelpline.com.au – Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged up to 25.