Round 2 National Workforce Development Funding Update 23 January 2012

Prior to Christmas, a further $50m was made available under the NWDF.

The Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIISRTE), formally DEEWR, advised 3 priorities for these funds.

Details announced by the department can be accessed at: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Skills/Programs/SkillTraining/nwdf/Pages/HowToApply.aspx#programguidelines

Essentially, the primary NWDF funds available through Service Skills Australia is $5m dedicated to sectors of Tourism undergoing structural adjustment.

Definitions of “structural adjustment and reform”  as applied to the tourism sector as follows:"

The focus is on assisting enterprises and regions that are facing structural adjustment challenges due to changes in the economy. This will enable enterprises to improve their financial sustainability, respond to regional skills needs". Service Skills agrees with DEEWR this definition embraces enterprises / regions 'not experiencing growth'.

Whilst the following is subject to approval by the Minister’s office,   the definition of  'tourism' follows: “ Tourism is defined by the industries it draws upon to create the ‘visitor experience’.

Subsequently, ABS defines tourism as encompassing the industries in which visitors consume 25 percent or more of its output . As a result, tourism industries include travel agencies and tour operator services; accommodation; cafés, restaurants and takeaway food services; pubs, clubs, bars and taverns; casinos and other gambling services; cultural services; retail; sport and recreation; transport, and education and training."

In addition to the dedicated tourism funds, there is another $5m for  'structural adjustment and reform' available to all industries across all ISCs, including Wholesale, Retail and Personal

Services; and Sport and Recreation businesses.

Additional details and links will be added in the coming days.

Enquires can be directed to Bernard Moore at (M): 0433 244 638, (S) 02 8243 1200 or (E) bmoore@serviceskills.com.au