Skills Institute

Wednesday, 17 October 2012 - 4:19pm

The Skills Institute (TSI) has welcomed the Tasmanian Government’s latest initiative to address skills shortages and to increase productivity in Tasmania through investment in a major skills program to be known as the Skills Fund.

The Skills Fund will provide subsidised training via a range of options to suit the various needs of industry and individuals. 

TSI CEO Malcolm White said the Skills Fund will provide the support business/industry needs to up skill Tasmania’s existing workforce and to attract new workers. 

“In the past we have formed successful partnerships with employers and industry associations to access training places through the Productivity Places Program (PPP). 

“The Skills Fund will enable us to again work closely with the Tasmanian business community to address current skills shortages and to up skill existing workers. 

 “Many Tasmanian industries are seeing clear benefits from investing in training and up skilling their trainees, apprentices and workers.  A skilled workforce increases productivity and financial viability, which is especially important during tough economic times,” said Mr White.

Skills Tasmania will over the next 12 months progressively roll out a range of Skills Funds programs.

The programs focus on two areas of activity.  The first being ‘demand led training’.  This program targets existing workers. Employers will be able to build the capabilities of existing workers through formal achievement of a qualification or skill set.

“By offering opportunities for growth and career progression through quality, practical training, businesses have a better chance of retaining and attracting good workers,” Mr White said.

This program also supports jobseekers and the long term unemployed to acquire skills and knowledge required to enter the workforce.

The second area of activity is ‘Project Based activity – new and regional developments’.  This will encourage initiatives that test new ideas and ways of working with employers and communities and will respond to new and emerging demands.  Skills Tasmania will release more information on these projects in 2013.

TSI has been very successful in securing places in past rounds of PPP and our dedicated team of Customer Relations Managers are eager to assist employers and industry associations to identify and secure funding through the Skills Fund.

For further information visit [email protected]or call 1300 362 175 to speak with one of our Customer Relations Managers.