The second round of the EBPPP has now closed. We have received an overwhelming response from industry with 38 expressions of interest from enterprises for a total of 823 training places-this is a major increase in applications and we thank industry for taking the time to submit their expressions of interest. Applications have now been sent to DEEWR and we will have an update on the success of those applications soon.
About the EBPPP
The EBPPP commenced in November 2009 and was extended until 10 May 2010. Enterprises apply directly to the relevant Industry Skills Council for participation in the program. Applications deemed unsuccessful initially may be resubmitted prior to the cut off date after refining their application.
The EBPPP will provide up to 90 per cent of the cost of training from Certificate III to Advanced Diploma level. It is designed to increase the skills of existing workers especially in occupations on the priority occupations list.
The Government’s contribution will depend on the size of the business, with organisations with less than 100 employees receiving 90 per cent of their training costs, those with between 100 and 199 receiving 75 percent, and those with 200 or more employees receiving 50 per cent of their training costs.
Who is eligible?
Organisations eligible to participate in the Program include:
national enterprises
enterprises that operate across a number of states/territories
small and medium enterprises
national professional associations and industry bodies.
What qualifications are available?
The qualifications available can be found in the Department of Education and Employment Workplace Relations’ (DEEWR) March 2009 Priority Occupation List. For qualifications not on the DEEWR list, please check the relevant list of Priority Occupations for the Productivity Places Program for your state. If the qualification you are seeking is on this list you may also be eligible for funding. If the qualification you are seeking is not on either the DEEWR or appropriate state list, please contact Tina Cochico at ForestWorks on (02) 8898 6994.
Who is the training for?
The training is being made available to eligible existing workers. Eligibility criteria for a training place under the EBPPP:
1. The eligible existing worker residency status must be:
an Australian citizen
a permanent resident of Australia; or
a humanitarian refugee.
2. The eligible existing worker must be of working age (and must be aged 15 years or above)
3. The participant must be an existing worker (including part time or casual workers) or self-employed.
4. An approved organisation must be satisfied an applicant meets enrolment requirements including literacy and numeracy assessment to ensure the applicant has the ability to effectively undertake the qualification.
5. To the degree possible, RTOs and ISCs must check that applicants can meet licensing requirements (for relevant qualifications) prior to participating in training under the EBPPP.
