Employers not cashing-in on staff training funds

Too many employers are unaware of government funding opportunities to upskill staff through accredited workplace training.  Sarina Russo Institute CEO Kathleen Newcombe explains the benefits including funding of up to $3000 per employee.

Existing worker traineeships are a fantastic opportunity to ensure employees have the right skills to do their job and improve the productivity and competitiveness of the business.

Investing in training for staff employers can increase productivity, reduce workplace accidents, improve staff retention and create a positive workplace culture.

This is a cost effective way for employers to lift the qualification profile of their staff and keep ahead of the competition.

Staff are also big winners as they achieve a nationally recognised qualification while they work, and learn new skills.

To cover the cost of this training businesses can access up to $3000 in funding, per eligible employee.

Business should consider a simple four step plan to make the most of the available government funding.

Step 1: Determine employee eligibility

To be eligible employees must be employed for at least 3 months full time or 12 months part time and be an Australian Citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.  They must not be currently studying or have an Australian qualification higher than a Certificate II level for Certificate qualifications or a Certificate IV level for a Diploma qualification.

Step 2: Engage a suitable RTO & Australian Apprenticeship Centre

Australian Apprenticeship Centre’s like Sarina Russo Apprenticeships will sign up the participants for the funding and an Registered Training Organisation’s like Sarina Russo Institute will enroll the participant and deliver the qualifications.

Step 3: Training Courses and Schedules

Work with the Registered Training Organisationto determine competencies suited to your business and a delivery timetable that supports business activities.

Step 4: Start Training

And reap the rewards of a more engaged and skilled workplace.

Kathleen Newcombe is the CEO of Sarina Russo Institute, a the new vocational training and recruitment division within Sarina Russo Schools Australia. She has thirty years of experience in education and employment both in Australia and the USA where she has held senior leadership roles in the private education sector.