Productivity Places Program  

What is the Productivity Places Program?

•  The Productivity Places Program is a great way to improve your skills so you can find employment.

•  The Program provides new training places in skills and occupations employers are seeking and is designed to help you secure long-term employment.

•  The Program is part of the Australian Government's Skilling Australia for the future initiative.  

•  You can gain a new qualification or upgrade an existing qualification. Initially only qualifications at the Certificate II or Certificate III levels will be offered. From 1 July 2008, higher level qualifications will be available.

Training will only be available in industries experiencing skill shortages. The full list of occupations and related qualifications that can be offered by training organisations under the program are listed in the Priority Occupations List.

The duration, timing and location for qualifications will depend on what qualification you choose. If you are registered with an employment service provider, you need to talk to your provider about what qualifications are on offer and the type of training most suitable for you.

What does it cost?

If you are looking for work, the Australian Government will fully fund training under the program.

Am I eligible for a training place?  

To be eligible for a training place, you need to be currently looking for work. You also need to be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia and be over the age of 15. Some other eligibility criteria apply, this is available from your local training organisation. You also need to be assessed by your employment service provider or training organisation as having capacity to benefit from the training. Please note, full-time students and people who are self employed are not eligible for the program.

How do I apply?

If you are registered with an employment service provider, such as Job Network Disability Employment Network, you need to contact your provider to discuss your interest and obtain a referral to a training organisation. If you are not registered with an employment service provider, you need to apply directly to a participating training organisation. To do this, you need to:

•  search  and choose a training provider from the list; and

•  contact your chosen training organisation and discuss your interest in the program.

If you are an Australian Apprentice, you will need to contact your Australian Apprenticeships Centre for a referral to a training organisation. If you are a CDEP participant, you will need to get a referral letter from your CDEP manager or supervisor.

More information available at

Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations