TRAINEESHIPS
Training that pays and pays … not costs and costs
Training delivers many benefits, and at many levels.
As a trainee, you gain knowledge and develop skills. Your life – both personally and professionally – is enhanced in some way through the experience. Furthermore, completing a course of study requires self-discipline and provides mental stimulation. It may even deliver a pay rise.
An employer benefits too. When training is directly linked to employment, a more proficient employee becomes more valuable to the business. Even if the study topic is not directly linked to the workplace role, the employee becomes motivated, focused and enlightened: a more engaged person.
None of the above should surprise you. Nor is it a surprise that there is almost always a cost associated with training and education, such as course fees, study materials, or sometimes travel. Such costs might be paid by the employer, or the trainee, or they may share them.
But it might surprise you to learn that those costs can be paid by someone else … the government!
Governments nationally and in many states have a system of funded Traineeships which give businesses the opportunity to cover not only the direct training cost, but actually generate some additional revenue for the business.
What is a Traineeship?
Traineeships combine work and structured training, and result in a nationally recognised qualification. For example, funded Trainees in UNE Partnerships’ Certificate IV in Frontline Management have up to two years to complete the program via a distance education model of delivery. ‘Distance education’ is supported by our extensive and detailed course materials; through the availability of online resources and support; by phone or email access to our trainers and assessors; plus other support and encouragement from UNE Partnerships’ staff.
For employers, a traineeship is the perfect vehicle for developing their staff and building on the work skills they have already accumulated. It recognises skills sets that need to be nurtured and also utilises thought-provoking assessment exercises to develop the skills which relate to the workplace.
What are the ‘costs’?
Example 1: Recently we put a proposal that looked like this to a potential client organisation: |
|
|---|---|
| Cost of training course, per trainee: | $3,200 |
| Funding available through Existing Worker Traineeship program (Federal Govt) per eligible trainee: |
$4,000 |
| Surplus available to the employer, per trainee: |
$800 |
| That’s right – the employer will be $800 ahead, once the trainee successfully completes their course of study. | |
Example 2: Eligible NSW-based firms under ‘User Choice’ funding of New Workers looks like this: |
|
|---|---|
| Employer receives Federal funding of: |
$4,000 |
| Employer pays UNE Partnerships an annual administrative fee of: | $404 |
| So a two-year qualification generates a surplus to the employer of ($4,000 less 2 x $404): |
$3,192 |
| The NSW Government pays tuition fee direct to UNE Partnerships. | |
How do you get involved?
Traineeships can be instigated by an employee, via your employer. Or an employer can enrol a group of staff into a course. The trainee and the employer each make certain commitments to each other, and to the funding body.
Several traineeship programs exist, and each has its own eligibility criteria and rules. This article cannot delve into the details of all the options. But to find out how Traineeships could benefit you or your people just call Tracy on 02 6773 0011 or email tracyw@unep.edu.au.
The real payoff
In recent years, Australian business has complained about shortages of qualified staff. Traineeships represent an ideal opportunity for employers and employees to cement a stronger and more permanent bond. The trainee benefits in many ways; so too does the employer. Now is the right time to investigate Traineeships.
Training that pays and pays? Sounds like a great opportunity for everyone.
