Victorian business grant against shortage
Victoria’s Small Business Minister Joe Helper announced the first My Business My People Employee Training Support grant to help a Victorian business tackle its workforce skills shortage.
Whilst visiting Stawell-based CKS Engineering, Mr Helper said he was delighted that the first training grant would help a business in regional Victoria.
“We place a high priority on boosting investment and jobs in regional Victoria,” Mr Helper said. “This $23,250 Brumby Government grant will help CKS Engineering increase their employees’ skills in structural welding and precision engineering.”
Mr Helper said there had been over 14,000 website hits to get information and take advantage of the on-line workforce planning tools.
“Nearly 300 businesses across Victoria had accessed the first stage of the My Business My People program, where a workforce planning specialist helps them identify and plan for their future skill and workforce needs,” Mr Helper said.
“Because this first stage has been so successful, we have decided to increase the number of companies to be assisted this financial year.
“On completion of this first stage, companies may then apply for a training grant, with the first of these going to CKS Engineering.”
Mr Helper said CKS had a growing reputation for high quality precision engineering that is opening up new markets, especially in the mining sector.
“To meet this demand CKS has invested heavily in new technologies, but it also needs to attract and train qualified employees to put these technologies to use,” Mr Helper said.
“CKS has completed an on-site workforce assessment under the program and is now implementing improvements identified in their action plan.
“This MBMP Employee Training Support grant will assist CKS to train the right people with the right skills to keep the company growing.”
Mr Helper said industry surveys revealed that skill shortages are the most pressing concern of operators of small and medium-sized enterprises.
The My Business My People program was launched in March 2007 as part of the Victorian Government’s $241 million Skills Package.
For further information visit www.business.vic.gov.au or 13 22 15.