Applications are now open for Round Two of the National Career Institute’s Partnership Grants program, with up to $525,000 available for projects in New England that improve career outcomes for adults and school students.
The program encourages employers, training providers, schools and community organisations the opportunity to work collaboratively to provide the best possible careers information.
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said locally driven, tailor-made projects would make the most of local knowledge.
“Local people in the New England are best placed to understand their own priorities and needs,” Mr Joyce said.
“What’s fantastic about the Partnership Grants program is that it’s giving local industry, job seekers and tertiary institutions the chance to come together and develop a plan that best suits our local needs.”
Projects will focus on adults seeking to re-enter the workforce or changing careers, particularly those disadvantaged by COVID-19, as well as students at crucial transition stages in primary school and years 7 to 10.
Applications for grants ranging from $20,000 to $525,000 will be funded for a maximum of 18 months. A total $10.7 million was allocated in the 2019-20 budget to fund the two rounds.
Applications close 23 June 2021. To apply or for further information, visit: www.business.gov.au/NCIP
The announcement of grant funding coincided with National Careers Week (17-23 May) which was helping people get a head start on their careers, with qualifications that are in demand by employers.
“Your career is more than a job – it’s part of your lifestyle. It’s now more important than ever for job seekers in the New England to develop hands-on experiences while they work and Vocational Education and Training, which the government is helping to fund, can offer this and more for prospective employees,” Mr Joyce said.
The Coalition Government is investing $1 billion in the JobTrainer Fund which will be expanded to continue the delivery of low fee or free training in areas of skills need, alongside the extension of the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy and an extra $481 million to expand Transition to Work from July 2022, a program helping young Australians enter the workforce.
ENDS