Training Development Grants

The public education system provides access to a wide range of quality education programs for individuals and the industry. These courses most often are general in nature and do not always fulfil the specific needs of the industry.

In order to meet the specific industry requirements companies and trade associations from time to time develop their own short courses. Some of these courses are nationally accredited through the vocational education and training system, others are not. Where these courses are developed they are designed to: –

• Fill gaps in the range of skills programs on offer.
• Offer niche courses.
• Deliver high cost training programs that are not financially viable in the public education system.

In response to the financial restrictions and pressures which exist in the public education system, the industry itself must take a greater role in the development and delivery of training programs. The Foundation will assist with this task.

When providing funds to support training development, the Foundation will take steps to ensure there is no substitution of existing funding from courses from the application placed before it or double counting of funding provided.

The Foundation will not fund a company or industry association to deliver training programs itself, however individuals who participate in training courses developed through funding from the Foundation are able to apply for funding under the scholarship program to participate in the courses.

Where organisations apply for grants to develop training programs the Foundation will require the organisation submitting the application to demonstrate that it is making a significant financial contribution to the project.

The policy approach of the Foundation is to help organisations to set up new and additional program offerings, that is, “seed” such programs. To continue to be able to work in this policy context, the Foundation will not continue to fund programs beyond the early stage of implementation.

To apply for a training development grant from the foundation, applicants need to complete and forward an application form to the foundation. The trustees will review all applications received and decide at their sole discretion which applications will receive funding support.

An application form and guidance notes to applicants is available from the website.