The Australian Government initiative Skills Connect is designed to help link eligible Australian businesses and industry organisations with funding from six different training and workforce development programs.  It also provides access to a network of brokers who will help you determine the best mix of support available to suit your specific training and workforce development needs - helping you to build productivity and improve the future of your business:

National Workforce Development Fund

The National Workforce Development Fund allows eligible organisations to apply for funding to support the training of existing workers and new workers in areas of identified business and workforce development need. Government funding will be supplemented by a co-contribution from industry with the Government contributing at higher levels for smaller businesses. To find out if your organisation is eligible and for more information on the fund see Skilling your business.

Workplace English Language and Literacy Program

Helps your organisation train workers in English language, literacy and numeracy skills. It also helps Indigenous Employment Program (IEP) participants who need language, literacy and numeracy training. Funding is available on a competitive grants basis for three types of projects: training projects, resource projects and strategic projects.

Accelerated Australian Apprenticeships initiative

No matter what industry you are in, investing in training through an Australian Apprenticeship can provide your business with real benefits and contribute to your bottom line. No two businesses are the same, and that is why Australian Apprenticeships have been designed to be flexible, while at the same time providing nationally recognised quality training developed by industry for industry. Australian Apprenticeships covers all apprenticeships and traineeships. They combine time at work with training and can be full-time, part-time or school-based.

Australian Apprenticeships Mentoring Program

The Australian Apprenticeships Mentoring program is targeted at industries and occupations with current or emerging skills need and Australian Apprentices who may face barriers to participation and may be at risk of withdrawing. It aims to increase the retention rates of Australian Apprentices in order to improve completion rates and support the supply of skilled workers in sectors and occupations where there is a current or emerging skills need.

Experience+ Training

Funding for training is available to help retain the skills and experience of existing mature age workers. Employers of mature age workers aged 50 and over can apply for grants of $4,950 (includes GST) to provide training to increase the capacity of the worker to supervise or mentor an apprentice or trainee.

Experience+ More help for mature age workers

Employers of mature age workers aged 50 and over with trade and related relevant skills but no formal qualifications can apply for grants up to $4,400 (includes GST) to have their skills assessed and formally recognised. Details are available in the Experience+ More Help for Mature Age Workers Guidelines on the Experience+ website, or by emailing: experience@deewr.gov.au

To find out more, visit Australian Government Skills Connect or call 13 31 96.