Workforce Development

Capability development is about supporting people in being confident, capable, connected, curious and committed learners who interact with their environments so that they are in dynamic balance between life and work, resulting in effective and appropriate actions at work.’ (TAFE NSW 2006)

The Australian Institute of Flexible Learning (AIFL) works hard to support, encourage and facilitate e-learning in business and industry. We offer a wide range of Vocational Education and Training (VET) training options for all levels of staff, from juniors or front-of-house to senior management.

Recognise competent staff
The AIFL’s key strength is our innovative and user-friendly, 100% online, RPL (recognition of prior learning) process available through our unique eRecognition pathway. This is primarily aimed at capable staff members who do not have a formal qualification. In other words, the eRecognition process offers both the employee and employer the opportunity to have their vocational competence recognised with a formal qualification.

Blended approach to workplace learning
The AIFL also offers a range of full courses using a blended approach. The combination of online and on-the-job training is ideally suited to people who are either entering the workforce or up-skilling.

Trainees or apprentices like the flexibility of e-learning as they do not have to leave the workplace to attend traditional classroom training. Workplace e-learning trainees develop ‘real-world’, industry-based skills, often combined with the development of ‘soft’ skills, such as more effective communication, through their interaction with customers and colleagues.

The Australian Apprenticeship Program offers a range of employer and employee incentives for new entrants to the workforce or existing workers. Please refer to Australian Apprenticeships for more information, or call us.

What is e-learning?
E-learning basically refers to all forms of electronically supported learning and teaching processes, which can occur anytime and anywhere. The most common form of delivery is self-paced e-learning using a learning management system (LMS) such as MOODLE, the system on which the AIFL is based.

However we offer a range of technologies to cater for the individual learner. Our staff provides a variety of support options depending on individual preferences. These range from one-on-one phone support, online forums, emails, comments on blogs, or contributions to wikis.

Workplace benefits of e-learning
• Timeliness: There’s no need to wait until the start of next term, or until the RTO obtains a critical mass of potential learners for a course to commence. Courses are available 24/7 and material is actively updated, providing the employer with confidence that the training is current and time is well spent.
• Relevance: Employers who need training that is more workplace-based, can select e-learning training programs to suit their learning requirements.
• Efficiency: Employers can reduce the time taken and cost of training because staff no longer needs to be released from the workplace in order to study. Travel time can be eliminated completely.

The Australian Flexible Learning Framework provides information for both businesses and employees on the wide range of elearning strategies and resources available. Please see www.flexiblelearning.net.au for more details, or call us.

Choosing a training course
It’s essential to choose courses that address the needs of your employees as well as meeting the objectives of your organisation.
We recommend that employers refer to www.training.com.au
This is a single point of access to the vast range of vocational education and training information, products and services in Australia.
Of course, please feel free to contact us at any time to discuss course selection.

Government funding
User Choice is a national policy governing the flow of public funds to registered training organisations (RTOs). The purpose of User Choice is to make vocational education and training (VET) more responsive to the needs of industry and employers. User Choice is applied differently in each state and territory, according to regional and industry training needs and budget constraints. Please contact us to find out what the AIFL can offer your organisation.

Funding for apprenticeships and traineeships
The Australian Government provides incentives to employers of apprentices and trainees. No matter what industry you are in, investing in training through an Australian Apprenticeship can provide your business with real benefits and contribute to your bottom line.

Funding amounts start from $1,375 with extra financial assistance available for certain employers and under different conditions (eg if the apprentice is in a trade experiencing a skills shortage). Please see Australian Apprenticeshipsfor more details or call us to discuss further.

State and territory governments also administer other funding schemes designed to assist employers and their trainees or apprentices. These include:
• travel and accommodation allowances
• tutorial assistance, interpreter and mentor services
• funds for the purchase of essential tools and protective equipment
• incentives or exemptions for payroll tax and workers’ compensation
• funding to address skills shortage, growth or emerging industries within the state or territory.

Existing worker incentives
Information about existing (or full–time) employee incentives is also available on the Australian Apprenticeship website. The standard commencement incentive is $1500 and the completion incentive is $2500, however conditions do apply. Please talk to us about your options for efficiently up-skilling your workforce.

We realise that funding is an important yet complex area so we have experienced staff available to help you. Please call us on 1300 854 987 during business hours.