BAA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) response

 

CEO UPDATE – March 16, 2020

I’d like to personally update all on the evolving novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, and the precautions we’re taking.

The health and safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. While the overall risk in Australia of contracting COVID-19 in the community remains low at present, we know that this is a quickly evolving situation, and for a number of weeks now have been planning for what steps we may need to take where health authority advice suggests that for a short period, face-to-face classes may be best to avoid.

On careful consideration, with a focus on our students health, we have now made the decision that all face-to-face class delivery, for the Certificate IV and Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) – evening classes, will move to our award winning, online ‘virtual classroom’ delivery model from Monday the 23rd of March 2020 (7 days’ time). This will allow students to begin, and continue their studies with as minimal disruption as possible

With the risks associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, over the next week, where we also remind students that where they plan to attend a face-to-face class, or attend our offices, they should not do so where they have been an international traveller arriving in Australia from midnight on Sunday (March 15), or where they have recently travelled from, or transited through a designated country (which currently includes: Peoples Republic of China, Iran, Italy, Japan, Singapore or the Republic of Korea), or have been in close contact with anyone confirmed to have contracted the coronavirus, or are experiencing any symptoms themselves.

If any of the above conditions apply, students must notify us on 1300 LEGEND.

WHAT IS OUR AWARD WINNING ‘VIRTUAL CLASSROOM’ DELIVERY MODEL?

To support students, we are in a strong position to be able to scale up the use of our award winning ‘virtual classroom’ delivery model to replace currently face-to-face delivered classes for the period required. This period will be based on health authority advice.

Through this delivery mode, which we have now been running with great success for the previous 4 years, we can ensure that our students learning experience will face minimal disruptions, and that all can continue completing their studies albeit in this different format.

We are really proud of our ‘virtual classroom’ model, which is delivered live and interactively, and as closely as possible, replicates the experience of students studying in a face to face classroom environment. All our students will need to take part will be a laptop or computer (ideally with a camera and microphone), and the internet and we will be available to support you via this mode at all times.

HOW DOES THE VIRTUAL CLASSROOM MODEL WORK?

For those unfamiliar with BAA’s award winning Virtual Classroom model you can best view this in this video. The BAA team will be available for both IT support and any other guidance you may require to get the best out of your learning.

We currently have over 600 students already studying via this mode and get regular great feedback.

Click Here to watch our video on Virtual Classroom

WHAT ELSE ARE WE DOING TO PREPARE?

We are closely following all advice received from Australian medical authorities, as well as the World Health Organisation (WHO), regarding precautions that are needed to minimise risks concerned with COVID-19.

We’re following the recommended health and safety precautions and will continue to provide the latest updates to our staff including trainers to ensure they’re well informed and can pass this onto you.

We will also be implementing remote working plans for many of our staff and trainers to minimise the chance of any disruption over the period that a virtual classroom delivery model is being used. We know that it will likely be a difficult upcoming period for many, but we are ready to support you in your ongoing studies.

WANT MORE INFORMATION?

I understand you may have further questions about the health and safety measures we’re taking, and we welcome you to call us on 1300 LEGEND. I also am happy to discuss any concerns you may have personally so feel free to get in touch at any stage.

Regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), there are a number of resources available to best inform you with the link below having a number:

Click Here to learn more.

Thank you for choosing Builders Academy Australia. I wish you good health and we look forward to supporting you in progressing your studies and advancing your career.

 

 

 

Kind regards,
Andrew Shea
CEO – Builders Academy Australia / CWBTS
Andrew.shea@buildersacademy.com.au