Please note: this is an old article
It was published in August 2011, so the information may be out-of-date.
Greater Shepparton City Council welcomed the Federal Government's announcment last week of a $558 million fund to provide 130,000 Australians with the opportunity to learn new skills for jobs in sectors suffering from critical skill shortages.
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.
Manager of Economic Development Geraldine Christou said the fund would provide a much needed boost to local industries suffering from skill shortages.
"There are many sectors throughout our region which desperately need skilled workers," she said.
"The funding means we can achieve more collaboratively by working closely with industry, training providers and those available to provide training.
"The support will be available for accredited training for new and existing workers."
From today, 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.
The Federal Government is also providing a further $75 million in 2011-12 through the Critical Skills Investment Fund (CSIF) which forms a part of the 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.
More information on the new fund can be found at www.deewr.gov.au/nwdf