First Up!

National Workforce Development Fund

The National Workforce Development Fund (NWDF) opened with $558 million for 2011-12 to 2014-15 and the due date for applications is 12 noon 30 September 2011. $148 million is available during 2011-12 which is made up of $73 million under this NWDF and $74 million under existing arrangements for the Critical Skills Investment Fund.

As the new Workforce Productivity Agency isn’t yet established (from 1 July 2012), DEEWR is managing the NWDF for this financial year using a model based upon the Enterprise Based Productivity Places Program with applications through the Industry Skills Councils.

Partnering Organsiations (POs) including enterprises, professional associations, industry bodies, lead agents for a consortia and employment service providers can apply (not Registered Training Organisations but as least 1 RTO must be involved). The partnership for an application must involved 1 or more POs, RTO/s and an Industry Skills Council (ISC).

Identifying the labour and skills needs of Industry

A new partnership approach to workforce planning:  Industry Partnerships Australia will coordinate implementation of a workforce development planning trial in partnership with industry members and State and Federal governments.

This will develop a strategic workforce development planning template that can be used nationally to assist in articulating labour and skills needs across Australian Industry.

M. Clarke - Chair IPA