Dear Colleague,

Enterprise Based Productivity Places Program (EBPPP)

In January 2010 SkillsDMC, in partnership with over 60 enterprises across the resources and infrastructure industry sectors, secured over $5.2 million in government funding to train and upskill new and existing workers. The Commonwealth Government’s Enterprise Based Productivity Places Program (EBPPP), delivered through the Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations, provided the opportunity to deliver skills to enterprises directly aligned to their current and future workforce requirements.

The allocation of funding under the EBPPP is based on workforce planning and training needs analysis conducted at the enterprise level. The co-contribution funding model ensures that enterprises of all sizes have access to cost effective training solutions. EBPPP training and development opportunities are being provided to over 1,500 employees which will allow them to obtain qualifications from Certificate III to Advanced Diploma in a diverse range of areas including Surface mining operations, Underground mining operations, Drilling, Road Construction and Maintenance, Plant Operations, Training and Assessment, Occupational Health and Safety, Business Management and Project Management.

The program has required SkillsDMC supporting enterprises to work with the training provider of their choice to implement programs that are timely and relevant – with a focus on outcomes that meet the enterprise priorities of productivity, efficiency and safety.

SkillsDMC is able to assist enterprises to identify their training needs through consultation, real-time industry analysis and the use of Skills MaximiserTM, a training needs analysis and workforce planning tool which pinpoints their existing and future skills gaps, in relation to productivity targets.

The success of this program has established a model for co-funded, demand driven funding for training that will be continued through the Commonwealth Government’s Critical Skills Investment Fund and the National Workforce Development Fund.
 

Critical Skills Investment Fund - CSIF

SkillsDMC is currently assisting companies Australia wide to apply for funding under Round 1 of the Commonwealth Government’s $200 million Critical Skills Investment Fund (CSIF). The funds will be available over the four financial years until 2013-14 and provide the opportunity for small to large businesses to up-skill existing workers and train job seekers. The fund is targeted at the resources, infrastructure, construction and renewable energy sectors. Round 2 of the CSIF will be open for applications later in the year but SkillsDMC CEO Steve McDonald is inviting businesses to make contact with SkillsDMC regional managers to undertake the free workforce development analysis that underpins the program. “I’d strongly encourage all firms to speak with our officers to get a head start on compiling the necessary information to give them the best chance of accessing these funds.” Mr. McDonald said.

Click here to contact a SkillsDMC Regional Manager

Click here for general information about CSIF 

NRSET/NRSSS

The National Resources Sector Employment Taskforce was established in November 2009 to help secure the skilled workers needed for major resources projects over the next five years. On 15 March 2011, Senator the Hon Chris Evans Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations announced that the Australian Government has accepted all 31 recommendations presented in the National Resources Sector Employment Taskforce final report –‘Resourcing the Future’. The response provides a comprehensive workforce strategy to address the skills and labour needs of the resources sector which is being taken forward through the National Resource Sector Workforce Strategy.

Click here for further information  

Commonwealth Budget

The Budget will get back to surplus in 2012-13 as planned, get more people into jobs and spread the opportunities from Mining Boom Mark II to more Australians.
Key elements include:
Taking the tough decisions necessary to ensure the budget returns to surplus in 2012-13, despite the impact of recent natural disasters.
Continuing to invest in the economy’s productive capacity through better and more targeted skills and training, and new measures to boost participation and improve private sector opportunities to invest in infrastructure.
Putting the opportunities that flow from a stronger economy within the reach of more Australians, by delivering on key reforms to mental health, extra support for families with teenagers and low income earners and investing in critical regional health and education infrastructure.

Link to Budget at a Glance
 

In this issue

	Enterprise Based Productivity Places Program (EBPPP)
	Critical Skills Investment Fund - CSIF
	NRSET/NRSSS
	Commonwealth Budget

National Workforce Development Fund (NWDF)

The Budget will establish a National Workforce Development Fund (NWDF) to develop a new partnership with industry. The Government will provide $558 million over four years for industry led training projects in key sectors and for priority occupations. A fair share of this funding will go to regional Australia. The NWDF includes funding from the Critical Skills Investment Fund.
 Click here for more information

SkillsDMC Training Package Version 2

SkillsDMC forwarded RII09 Training Package Version 2  for endorsement in June.  SkillsDMC will send out a special email when it has been advised of its endorsement.
 

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