Government Subsidy To Boost Skills

Government Subsidy to Boost Skills

Over 1000 learners in the service industries will have the opportunity to complete nationally recognised training under a new round of Productivity Places Program funding announced today by the Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard

The Enterprise Based Productivity Places Program, administered by eleven industry skills councils, subsidises funding for employees through courses from Certificate III to Diploma.

The industry skills council for the service industries, Service Skills Australia, lodged ninety applications on behalf of service industry enterprises and associations, of which fifty eight projects, valued in excess of at $3.2million, have been approved for funding in the first round of enterprise-based training.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for employees in participating enterprises to increase their skill levels and gain further qualifications" said Jeanette Allen, CEO of Service Skills Australia.

"The service industries represent over one quarter of the Australian workforce and are a significant contributor to the economy. This program will assist enterprises to increase productivity and meet the demand for higher skills that is a feature of today's economy".

"The high number of applications from the service industries is demonstrative of the need for skills development in the service industries, and the willingness of employers to invest in the skills and development of their staff".

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relation's (DEEWR) contribution depends on the size of the business, with organisations with less than 100 employees receiving 90 per cent of their training costs, those with between 100 and 199 receiving 75 percent, and those with 200 or more employees receiving 50 per cent of their training costs.

Of the 1020 places approved in the service industries, ninety six percent of learners are employed by small businesses.

"The service industries are largely made up of small to medium enterprises, and it is these businesses that face the most significant barriers to training their staff".

"Service Skills Australia encourages the Government to continue funding this type of nationally co-ordinated skills development".

The service industries include tourism, hospitality and events, wholesale, retail, floristry, hairdressing and beauty, community pharmacy, funeral services and sport, fitness and recreation.


For further information contact:
Name: Lizzie Senior
Position: Communications Manager
Contact phone: (02) 8243 1200


SOURCE: Service Skills Australia