Skills Connect Programs
Industry Skills Based Funding
Following on from the government announcement by Minister Chris Evans on the 21st September, funding will now be re-focused to streamline the way some existing VET programs are accessed and administered
A consolidation of funding under the banner of “Skills Connect” allows industry to submit one application that can access a range of skill programs, the application process will be on a rolling base thru 2011 – 12 so there will be no specific deadline date for future applications.
Programs under Skills Connect
Each of the below can be applied for individually or under “Skills Connect”
National Workforce Development Fund
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.
Funds support training and encourage workforce development in areas of current and future skills need. Funding is available for existing workers to complete Cert. III or above and for new workers Cert II or above also approved ‘skill sets’ are fundable.
See www.deewr.gov.au/Skills/Programs/SkillTraining/nwdf for more information.
Accelerated Australian Apprenticeship Program
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. Funding in form of on-off grants, submissions would be expected from peak industry bodies, as lead with employers participating but could be available to enterprises taking on a large number of apprentices. Ideally the projects would be multi-jurisdictional.
Funding is on a co-contribution basis same rates as NWDF.
See www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/AAA for more information.
Australian Apprenticeship Mentoring Program
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.
Ideally project submissions would be expected from peak industry bodies, as lead with employers participating but could be available to enterprises taking on a large number of apprentices.
See www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/MentoringPackage/MentoringProgram.asp for more information.
Workplace English Language and Literacy Program
A program that has been in existence for over 20 years to help organisations 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 support is a co-contribution model but not on employer size, first year is 75% Gov. 25% Employer then 50/50 for further two years.
Program is not qualification based but training has to be linked to units from the AQF.
See www.deewr.gov.au/Skills/Programs/LitandNum/WorkplaceEnglishLanguageandLiteracy for more information.
Experience + Training
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.
Training at Cert III or above.
Funding is in two parts, start-up payment of $3,500 and completion payment $1,450. Any remaining funds can be used towards additional training, admin expenses, licences or supporting business to allow worker to complete the training.
More Help for Mature Age Workers
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.
Funding is in two parts $2,200 for skills assessment and $2,200 for any gap training.
Details are available in the More Help for Mature Age Workers Guidelines on the Experience+ website, or by calling 13 17 64.
For more information visit the Skills Connect website or contact Workforce Development at ASA on (03) 8610 2509
