Page 965 - Week 03 - Thursday, 21 March 2019
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future jobs grant program. Can you outline for the Assembly how this program will support businesses and employees in the ACT?
MS FITZHARRIS: I thank Mr Pettersson for the question. Recently I was very pleased to announce the start of the new future skills for future jobs grant program, which will give local organisations and businesses the opportunity to help grow Canberra’s skilled workforce through the development of innovative projects.
This program is about working with local industry to see more people take up an apprenticeship, thus ensuring Canberra’s workforce has the skills we need for the future. The program is part of a suite of activities to support the ACT’s target of just over 4,000 new apprenticeships being taken up over the next four years under the national partnership on the skilling Australians fund.
The program provides the opportunity for businesses to access funding for innovative activities that will address their specific industry and workforce development needs. Businesses will also be supported to achieve the best possible outcomes through a collaborative approach to project development and implementation, particularly through a co-development model.
Projects funded under the program will ultimately support employees and the ACT community to gain valuable workforce skills and contribute to the achievement of higher level skills to meet current and future industry needs and to improve job prospects, particularly in areas where we have identified skills needs in the ACT.
MR PETTERSSON: Minister, can you further outline the types of organisations that can apply and types of projects the government is looking to support?
MS FITZHARRIS: Any organisation or business located within the ACT with a strong physical presence here is eligible to submit an expression of interest for the program. This includes, but is not limited to, employers, industry associations, group training organisations or registered training organisations. Applicants may apply for up to $300,000 and there is a total pool of $2 million available.
Funding is available for innovative projects that promote market diversification and aim to increase the number of commencements across pre-apprenticeship, Australian apprenticeship and higher apprenticeship pathways. Applicants are also encouraged to consider partnership opportunities that will support the proposed outcomes, particularly where the project may benefit from existing experience within industry and in the VET sector.
Projects that align with ACT-specific industries targeted for expansion are also particularly encouraged, in defence, cybersecurity, renewable energy, space and spatial science, and tourism. The program is also designed to support projects that will support a range of targeted groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with a disability, youth at risk, the long-term unemployed, mature-aged workers, women in trade, and veterans.
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