Jobs Australia Media Release Thursday 17 January 2008

National ‘Indigenous Training Network’ to increase vocational education and training capability

Jobs Australia (the national peak for nonprofit providers of employment and related services) will establish an Indigenous Training Network (ITN) to develop the capacity of Indigenous organisations and communities to deliver high quality vocational education and training (VET) to their communities. This initiative is jointly funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and Jobs Australia; funding is available for 18 months.

Building on Jobs Australia’s ongoing work with Indigenous organisations in the delivery of nationally recognised training, the ITN will provide a valuable new opportunity for Indigenous organisations and communities to become qualified deliverers of VET.

The ITN will build capacity by assisting organisations and communities to:

· identify local VET needs;

· prepare to deliver nationally recognised VET qualifications locally;

· gain access to support and advice from existing successful Indigenous RTOs and to network with other Indigenous organisations;

· identify community members with existing VET skills and support their career enhancement and development within the VET sector;

· access Jobs Australia support and advice on VET; and

· access funding opportunities via tender support.

ITN membership will be available nationally and is open to all Indigenous organisations and communities. Jobs Australia invites expressions of interest from Indigenous organisations and communities.

Media enquiries: David Thompson. 0419527753 Project information: Dennis Batty Jobs Australia: 03 9349 3688, Free Call 1800331 915

Click here to register your interest in joining the ITN.