South Australian agribusinesses will be among those eligible to apply to a new Australian Government fund aimed at boosting skills in their workforce.
Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston urged local agribusinesses to apply to the $476 million Industry Skills Fund.
"This fund will provide up to 200,000 training places and skills advice for businesses over the next four years," Senator Ruston said. "It’s a new way of providing support to businesses that need upskill or retrain employees to take advantage of new market opportunities, diversify or adopt new technologies.
"Businesses in the food and agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, medical technology, mining equipment and oil, gas and energy resources sectors are encouraged to apply. The fund will primarily target small and medium enterprises which are positioning themselves for growth, such as entering a new export market.
"Employers in South Australia will be given support to help them decide what training is needed and which provider they want to work with."
Businesses wanting support to train workers will be required to make a contribution to the cost, the rate depending on the number of employees. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year. Guidelines and more information are available at www.business.gov.au.
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