An important role of AgriFood Skills Australia (AgriFood) is to foster best practice workforce development throughout all sectors and businesses of the agrifood industry. To this end, AgriFood has recently promoted the opportunities for industry sectors, networks and businesses to raise the skill base of their existing and new workers by accessing funds for training through the Australian Government’s National Workforce Development Fund (NWDF). The first round of NWDF is complete and announcements regarding successful applications are expected shortly.
The Australian government has announced the introduction of Skills Connect a range of initiatives designed to consolidate the Government’s skills programs and better target industry and worker training.
At the same time the NWDF is to be expanded and extended with further Government funding to be made available this financial year. While new guidelines are not yet available, this letter is to alert you to this fact and encourage you to consider developing proposals now to access support under the NWDF and the broader suite of assistance under Skills Connect.
Skills Connect, which includes the NWDF and six related programs is detailed below.
Although applications will be part of a rolling program, Skills Connect is expected to announce the next group of successful applicants progressively through the first six months of 2012. This means that you need to start to consider proposals now, in consultation with AgriFood.
While you can apply under NWDF specifically or any individual program, we are placing emphasis on innovative and broad ranging proposals using NWDF in combination with one or a number of the other programs in the Skills Connect program suite. These may:
For example, a proposal might combine the attributes of NWDF with Workplace English Language and Literacy and mentoring for apprentices.
Innovative proposals addressing sustainability skill needs will be particularly encouraged as well as those can be seen to help accelerate business’s adoption of new technologies and techniques.
If you would like further information on any aspect of the government programs, please contact Ross Ord or Karen Fielding at AgriFood who will assist you in all facets of the application process via email ross.ord@agrifoodskills.net.au or phone 02 6163 7207.
Note: As at 1 December 2011, final Guidelines, Fact Sheets and Q&As for each program are under development and will be colloated on the AGSC website.
An outline with webpage link for each program follows.
The Fund allows eligible organisations to apply for funding to support the training of existing workers and new workers in areas of identified business and workforce development need. Government funding will be supplemented by a co contribution from industry with the Government contributing at higher levels for smaller businesses.
Funds in 2011-12 will support training and encourage workforce development in areas of current and future skills need, including the aged care and construction sectors, and projects that support the development of clean and renewable energy.
See www.deewr.gov.au/Skills/Programs/SkillTraining/nwdf for more information.
Lead by industry, the Accelerated Australian Apprenticeship program will support Australian Apprentices to progress through their training as they demonstrate the required competencies, rather than on a time served basis, helping business and industry to get the qualified tradespeople you need as soon as possible.
It is anticipated that Industry Skills Councils and peak industry bodies will lead projects, working in partnership with enterprises, training organisations and other stakeholders.
See www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/AAA/Home.asp for more information.
The Australian Apprenticeship Mentoring program is targeted at industries and occupations with current or emerging skills need and Australian Apprentices who may face barriers to participation (e.g. Indigenous Apprentices or Apprentices in remote locations). It is anticipated that Australian Apprenticeship Mentoring projects will target support to the first year of training when Australian Apprentices are most at risk of withdrawing.
See www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/MentoringPackage/MentoringProgram for more information.
The Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) Program helps your organisation train workers in English language, literacy and numeracy skills. It also focuses on helping Indigenous Employment Program (IEP) participants who need language, literacy and numeracy training. Funding is available on a competitive grants basis for three types of projects: training projects, resource projects and strategic projects.
See www.deewr.gov.au/Skills/Programs/LitandNum/WorkplaceEnglishLanguageandLiteracy for more information.
Employers of mature age workers aged 50 and over can apply for grants of $4,950 (includes GST) to provide training to increase the capacity of the worker to supervise or mentor an apprentice or trainee.
Employers of mature age workers aged 50 and over with trade and related relevant skills but no formal qualifications can apply for grants up to $4,400 (includes GST) to have their skills assessed and formally recognised. Details are available in the More Help for Mature Age Workers Guidelines on the Experience+ website, or by calling 13 17 64.