A skilled and committed workforce is key to the success of the 800 Councils and Shires across the nation. High quality and relevant training and access to trainees are important components of this success. The Australian Local Government Training (ALGT) is the industry owned Industry Training Advisory Board set up to work with Local Government to identify training needs.
ALGT has an important role to play working with the Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and New Apprenticeship Centres (NACs) that are so important in ensuring Councils and Shires access and build the skills they need.
During the early part of 2001, ALGT conducted a national census of Australia’s Councils to gain first hand information about the major issues facing the sector. Responses were received from 162 Councils, or 20 per cent of all Councils, across the nation representing urban, rural and remote Councils.
The messages about the nature and structure of the Local Government sector were clear. Councils are substantial organisations that represent a significant market for vocational education and training and, because of their size and diverse workforce, require similarly diverse training solutions.
Barriers to training take up Councils are seeking training solutions which are cost effective, tailored and of high quality. The cost of training is seen by Councils as a major barrier to the take up of training.
Another significant, and perhaps related, barrier is the lack of time and ability to release staff for training. These are barriers common to many workplaces and industries and challenges that can be largely addressed by RTOs who can negotiate flexible and responsive delivery options.
Of less, but still considerable concern is the perception of a lack of access to high quality training providers and the ‘right’ training programs.
These issues provide a challenge for RTOs to work with Councils to clearly identify needs and develop solutions that are workable and of value to the organisation and the workforce.
The Local Government Training Package that is currently being implemented in all States other than Western Australia, will provide workable and flexible solutions to the perceived lack of access to the ‘right’ programs.
The survey further explored training barriers and identified physical isolation from suitable training providers; the need for flexible delivery including online delivery; the cost of high level management training; and the complexity of blending current inhouse training with accredited training, as issues that need to be addressed by NACs, RTOs and the industry itself.
Councils are integral parts of local communities. They have the potential to be loyal and longstanding clients with a large workforce and a commitment to skill development and an awareness of the need to attract and retain staff.
For further information, or to receive a copy of the research undertaken, please contact ALGT on (03) 9349 3911 or email info@algt.com.au
* Copy provided by ALGT
