Through the National Workforce Development Fund (the Fund) the Australian Government will provide $558 million over four years to industry to support training and workforce development in areas of current and future skills need.
Under the Fund, organisations can identify their current and future business and workforce development needs and apply for funding to support the training of existing workers and new workers in areas of need.
The Fund is part of the Australian Government’s Building Australia’s Future Workforce package and also forms part of Australian Government Skills Connect, an initiative designed to consolidate Government skills programs and better target training to meet industry and employer needs.
Announcements
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR FURTHER FUNDING UNDER THE NATIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FUND.
APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE THROUGH INDUSTRY SKILLS COUNCILS. FOR CONTACT DETAILS, REFER TO 'How to apply?'.
On 14 December 2011, the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, Chris Evans, announced the first instalment of successful projects worth more than $87 million, with the Australian Government contributing $45 million in partnership with industry. Further detail of the Minister’s announcement is available in the Media Release. A list of successful applicants is provided below.
On 21 September 2011, Minister Evans announced that a further $50 million in funding will be available through the Fund during 2011-12. For the full announcement, please read the Media Release.
Want to apply for funding?
Government funding is available to support training and workforce development in all sectors of the economy where there are occupations in demand. The first funding round, which closed on 30 September 2011, made available $73 million in funding for all sectors of the economy with a focus on construction ($25 million) and aged care ($25 million).
A further $50 million in funding is now available for the following three priority areas:
- Priority 1 - $15 million to support the resources sector, as well as those sectors where the effects of the resources boom are particularly acute.
- Priority 2 - $15 million to support organisations and regions that are facing structural adjustment and reform challenges, particularly in the manufacturing and tourism sectors.
- Priority 3 - $20 million to support up-skilling and skills deepening across all sectors of the economy.
The Revised Interim Program Guidelines and Supplementary Information in regard to the additional $50 million in funding are available below. Organisations interested in accessing funding are advised to read both of these documents before applying. They provide information about who can apply, how to apply, what the funding can be used for and the application process:
The following links will also help organisations find out whether they are eligible to apply for funding and how the Fund can assist them:
Want to know more?
Call 133 873 (8.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday) or
Email nwdf@deewr.gov.au