The six organisations that will make up the new Industry Skills Fund Skills Adviser Network have been announced today.
Assistant Minister for Education and Training, Senator Simon Birmingham, said the Industry Skills Fund (ISF) Skills Adviser Network will invest $43 million over the next three years to provide intensive support to businesses that are looking to grow and develop their workforce.
“ISF Skills Advisers will provide businesses with their experience in workforce planning, training and working with businesses,” Senator Birmingham said.
“Beginning with 83 ISF Skills Advisers from 1 July 2015, the network will expand to 99 Advisers in 2017-18.
“Often businesses, particularly small businesses, have a great idea to enter export markets, diversify or take advantage of other growth opportunities, but require new skills for their staff or other assistance to work out what is needed to pursue these opportunities.
“We know the hard working women and men of Australian small businesses are the engine room of our economy.
“96 per cent of all Australia’s businesses are small businesses, employing over 4.5 million people and producing over $330 billion of our nation’s economic output each year.
“Small Businesses are at the very heart of rural and regional Australia and with this is mind the Coalition Government is working to boost regional Australia and to do it now, working in the best interests of our primary producers.
“This is where ISF Skills Advisers step in, providing clear, independent, written advice at no cost to the business.
“Once a business knows the training it needs, it can apply for a grant towards that training through the Government’s $664 million Industry Skills Fund
“Expert skills advice and access to a training grant is a combination that will help build a highly skilled workforce and businesses that can take advantage of new business growth opportunities and adapt to rapid technological change.
“The six successful organisations that will deliver these skills advisory services have proven track records in assisting businesses.”
The six organisations that make up the new Industry Skills Fund Skills Adviser Network are:
- The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group)
- MAX Solutions Pty Ltd (MAX Employment)
- Navitas Professional Pty Ltd (Navitas Professional)
- Chisholm Institute (Chisholm Institute)
- Communications and Information Technology Training Ltd (CITT)
- QMI Solutions Ltd (QMI Solutions)
“The ISF Skills Adviser Network will provide advice to businesses in all industry sectors across all parts of every state and territory,” Senator Birmingham said.
The $664 million Industry Skills Fund will support more than 250,000 training places and support services over five years.
Businesses interested in the Industry Skills Fund can find further information at business.gov.au or by calling 13 28 46.
Media contact: Caitlin Keage 0427 729 987