Training proposals for construction workers, drillers, electrical technicians and mining workers will be among those considered for funding under the first round of the $200 million Critical Skills Investment Fund.

 

The Critical Skills Investment Fund (CSIF) will begin funding successful proposals from August 2011.

 

The CSIF is a key part of the new National Workforce Development Fund, which will provide $558 million over four years to support training and workforce development in areas of current and future skills need.

 

Minister for Skills and Jobs, Senator Chris Evans,said industry had responded positively to the Fund.

 

"More than 190 Expressions of Interest were received in the first funding round for projects valued at a total of $260 million,” Senator Evans said.

 

“Businesses from across the nation lodged proposals with the majority of applications coming from the resource rich states of Western Australia and Queensland.

 

“The proposals support workforce development for a cross-section of large, medium and small businesses, and covered a broad range of technical and management training at all levels from Certificate II to Advanced Diplomas.”      

 

The CSIF provides Australian Government co-funding for industry partnerships to undertake projects that train and place job seekers into available positions, and that provide training to existing workers to meet new business demands.

 
A total of 108 organisations have been invited to submit full applications. The proposals will support workforce development in the resources, construction, infrastructure and renewable energy sectors.

 

For further information on the CSIF go to www.deewr.gov.au/criticalskillsinvestmentfund