As part of its Skilling Australia for the future initiative, the government recognises the importance of nationally endorsed training in assisting job seekers to acquire skills and gain lasting employment and assisting existing workers to update or upgrade their skills.
The government has allocated 645 000 training places over five years to ensure that Australians develop the skills that industry needs. The training places will be delivered in an industry-driven system, ensuring that training is more responsive to the needs of enterprises and individuals. The training places are available from 1 April 2008.
Of the total training places, 253,000 will be allocated to job seekers. More information will be provided on the arrangements for Productivity Places for existing workers and apprentices in the near future.
The training started in April, with 20,000 training places being allocated for job seekers. Training for job seekers during this stage will be at the Certificate II and III levels.
People looking for training and organisations wishing to offer approved qualifications under the Productivity Places Program should visit the program's website for more information 
.