Australian, state and territory governments run programs to address specific regional or industry needs for example, to support growth in areas where there is a skill shortage.

Australian Government Skills Connect

Australian Government Skills Connect is a new service designed to help link eligible Australian businesses and industry organisations with funding from six different training and workforce development programs. It also provides access to a network of brokers who will help you determine the best mix of support available to suit your specific training and workforce development needs - helping you to build productivity and improve the future of your business.

To find out more, visit Australian Government Skills Connect or call 13 31 96.

National Workforce Development Fund

The 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 with the Government contributing at higher levels for smaller businesses. To find out if your organisation is eligible and for more information on the Fund visit the National Workforce Development Fund website.

Australian Apprenticeships

No matter what industry you are in, investing in training through an Australian Apprenticeship can provide your business with real benefits and contribute to your bottom line.

No two businesses are the same, and that is why Australian Apprenticeships have been designed to be flexible, while at the same time providing nationally recognised quality training developed by industry for industry.

Australian Apprenticeships covers all apprenticeships and traineeships. They combine time at work with training and can be full-time, part-time or school-based.

There is likely to be an Australian Apprenticeship to suit your business needs, as they are available in a variety of qualification levels in more than 500 occupations across Australia, in traditional trades, as well as a diverse range of emerging careers in most sectors of business and industry.

Visit the Australian Apprenticeships website for a step-by-step guide on employing an Australian Apprentice.

Why should I employ an Australian Apprentice?

Australian Apprenticeships can provide:

• employees trained to your business requirements
• training in a wide range of industries
• training at all certificate levels up to Advanced Diploma
• choice of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to provide off-the-job training to your Australian Apprentice, with negotiations around timing, location and nature of the training to suit your business needs
• User choice funding from your State or Territory Training Authority
• a range of financial incentives for eligible employers
• flexible arrangements including full-time, part-time or school-based, depending on your business needs
• nationally recognised qualifications and competencies.

For more information on Australian Apprenticeships, please visit the Australian Apprenticeships website or call the Australian Apprenticeships Referral Line on 13 38 73.

For details of industry funding initiatives that may apply to your business, contact the training authority in your state or territory.

Accelerated Australian Apprenticeship initiative

Led by industry, the Accelerated Australian Apprenticeship initiative supports 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 needed 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.

For more information, and to find out if your organisation is eligible, visit the Australian Apprenticeships website.

Australian Apprenticeships Mentoring Program

The Australian Apprenticeships Mentoring program is targeted at industries and occupations with current or emerging skills need and Australian Apprentices who may face barriers to participation and may be at risk of withdrawing. It aims to increase the retention rates of Australian Apprentices in order to improve completion rates and support the supply of skilled workers in sectors and occupations where there is a current or emerging skills need.

Funding will support targeted mentoring to help Australian Apprentices successfully progress through their apprenticeships. Mentoring projects may also involve support for employers and supervisors in order to better support Australian Apprentices.

For more information, and to find out if your organisation is eligible, visit the Australian Apprenticeships website.

Workplace English, Language and Literacy (WELL)

The Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) Program helps your organisation train workers in English language, literacy and numeracy skills. It also helps 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.

Investing in Experience

Funding for training is available to help retain the skills and experience of existing mature age workers.

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.

Details are available in the Experience⁺ Training Guidelines on the Experience⁺ website, or by emailing: experience@deewr.gov.au.

Experience⁺ 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. Details are available in the Experience⁺ More Help for Mature Age Workers Guidelines on the Experience⁺ website, or by emailing: experience@deewr.gov.au.

Other sources of funding

Training awards, scholarships, and other funding initiatives are sometimes offered by private training providers, colleges or professional organisations and associations. This form of financial assistance is often highly competitive and targeted to specific candidates such as those already working in certain industries.

Financial assistance may come in the form of:

• funding to offset training costs including, for example, enrolment fees and materials
• professional development scholarships at a particular training institution.

Contact your preferred training provider for information on funding programs available to you.