Training program to boost industries

NEW training courses are set to be delivered by the State Government to help upskill and grow employee bases across various industries.

Called the Skills Solutions Partnerships program, Minister for Jobs and Industry, Natalie Hutchins, announced the initiative’s recipient projects during a visit to the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research on Monday last month.

She said it’s important workers are supported across the state’s industries.

“We’re taking action now to build the capabilities our industries need today and well into the future,” she said.

“These important partnerships will help address skills gaps in our workforce by providing the industry-led training approaches like short courses and on-the-job learning.”

The program is aimed at assisting universities and TAFEs in working with employers to deliver specialised training that meets the needs of the state’s various sectors.

Supported initiatives include training for medical researchers, delivered by the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes, Swinburne University of Technology, and MTPConnect.

Ability Works, Ive Group, Swinburne, and Transurban will help HR representatives and employers be better equipped to support disabled workers, and RMIT, with the Victorian Alcohol and Drugs Association will offer management training for leaders in the alcohol and drugs sector.

RMIT, Grampians Health, and Cisco are also being assisted to deliver digital upskilling for regional health service providers, while similar support will be given to The Gordon, and National Disability Services to help boost the capabilities of disability workers.

The projects are being supported though a $4.4 million funding pool.

Minister for Skills and TAFE, Gayle Tierney, said the program is about supporting industry and institutions in banding together to build a stronger workforce.

“This funding demonstrates that TAFEs and universities working closely with industry is essential for delivering the high-skilled, high-wage jobs Victorians need,” she said.

“Our public institutions are working with industry to ensure our workers can upskill and reskill for the jobs of the future.”