The Federal Government's new $558 million National Workforce Development Fund will target training for the aged care workforce as one of its priorities in the 2011-12 funding round.

 

The Fund has been established provide up to 130,000 Australians with the opportunity to learn new skills for sectors that are currently experiencing skills shortages.

 

“The National Workforce Development Fund marks a new direction in training Australians which puts industry at the heart of the process,” Federal Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations Senator Chris Evans said.

 

Under the fund, industry will be able to make bids to their respective Industry Skills Councils to secure matched funding to train its current or prospective workforce, with small businesses receiving more assistance.

 

The co-contribution model means that large enterprises will contribute 66 per cent of the cost of training, medium enterprises 50 per cent and small enterprises 33 per cent.

 

“Funding support will be available for accredited training for new and existing workers to help meet businesses skills demands,” Senator Evans said.

 

The 2011-12 round of the National Workforce Development Fund will make $73 million available across all industry sectors with $50 million focusing on the priority industry sectors of Construction (civil and general) and Aged Care.

 

The Federal Government is also providing a further $75 million in 2011-12 through the Critical Skills Investment Fund (CSIF) which forms a part National Workforce Development Fund. The CSIF will increase the workforce capacity and productivity of critical industries, with the first round being targeted at the resources and renewable energy sectors.

 

Applications can be submitted until 30 September 2011.

 

Further information on the Fund can be found at www.deewr.gov.au/nwdf