The Tasmanian Government is calling for applications from public and private training organisations for a ‘major skills program’ aimed at reducing the skills shortage and increasing the state’s productivity.

 

Tasmanian Minister for Education and Skills, Nick McKim, said the the round of funding under the Productivity Placement Program (PPP) will direct funding towards new training places, to be known as the Skills Fund.

 

"The Skills Fund continues and extends the success of PPP. It will better manage the Government's investment in skills to meet the needs of Tasmania in today's conditions," Mr McKim said.

 

"The Skills Fund will allocate up to $8.6 million over the next three years and focuses on up-skilling Tasmanian workers and assisting job seekers to get the skills they need to join the workforce.

 

"For 2013 the $8.6 million will fund:- 850 places for job seekers ($1.82 million). - 850 places for existing workers ($3.34 million)- Skill set funding of around $1.84 million- Projects and initiatives will be given $1.6 million.

 

"The Fund, which is managed by Skills Tasmania, gives priority to training that aligns with the State Government plans and strategies and regional or industry workforce planning.

 

Information sessions will be held in Hobart and Launceston later this month and tenders close 26 April 2013.

 

Advertisements in the State's three daily newspapers will be published on Saturday 13 October 2012.

 

For more information, contact Skills Tasmania on 03 6233 3976 or access the Skills Fund websitewww.skills.tas.gov.au/skillsfund