Centrelink’s ‘virtual training’ college brings national recognition
15 October 2004
A federal government agency with a virtual training college linked to a national outreach network is in the running for a national training award.
Australia’s largest government agency Centrelink, provides community access to government services for 6.5 million customers and employs 25,000 people across 365 office locations. The agency is a finalist in the Large Employer of the Year category of the Australian Training Awards, to be held in Melbourne next month.
Centrelink’s virtual college has no conventional campuses or classrooms, yet provides training for around 6,000 employees with a measurable impact on job performance and business outcomes. The agency also delivers training via Australia’s largest satellite network.
In a constantly changing environment, managing the skills and capabilities of employees to achieve business outcomes is one of Centrelink’s key objectives. This results in having the right people in the right jobs, with the right skills at the right time.
According to ANTA chairman, David Hind, the key to becoming internationally competitive is recognition by employers that training is absolutely critical to achieving success.
“Employers such as Centrelink are setting the standard in on-the-job training, and are reaping the rewards as a result,” said Mr Hind.
Centrelink is one of four organisations vying for national honours in the Large Employer of the Year category.
The 2004 Australian Training Awards will be held at the Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne on Thursday, 18 November 2004. The awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of apprentices, trainees and students as well as the contribution of enterprises and training providers to skilling Australia.
The Australian Training Awards are hosted by the Australian National Training Authority and supported by the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES CONTACT: Alison Carbery, Red Agency, 03 9421 4899 or 0409 070 507
Register to attend at http://www.anta.gov.au/vetawards.asp or contact the organisers on 1800 150 653.