Training. A win-win situation.

Business: Clever Stitch

ITAB: Textiles, Clothing, Footwear and Leather Industry Advisory Body

 

Maybe it's not surprising that a company that makes school uniforms appreciates the value of training! Jo Hornby, Manager of Dimboola-based Clever Stitch (formerly Lenaren School Wear) became an advocate for staff training after completing a Certificate IV in Frontline Management with RMIT. "When I found out that the staff could all do training in mature age entry with their fees government subsidised, it really was a great incentive," Hornby says.

All six of Clever Stitch's machinists have now completed a Certificate III in Clothing Production and their part-time mechanic has completed a Certificate III in Textile Production. His training has been vital given the dearth of industrial sewing machine repairers in the region. Staff training was organised through a MEGT Apprenticeship Training Centre in Hamilton.

Changes to Victoria's vocational education and training system means that staff training is more likely to be subsidised. The Victorian Training Guarantee entitles eligible students to government subsidised training through a TAFE institute, university TAFE Division, Adult Community Education organisation, or private Registered Training Organisation (RTO). If a business is looking to up-skill its employees through any of these approved providers a government subsidy will be available to help them meet the cost of their training.

The Victorian Training Guarantee provides an opportunity for businesses to share the cost of training with Government for training for the skills they need to raise productivity and innovation. It is also designed to boost the skills and capabilities of their workforce.

Hornby found out about the new training and subsidy options through her Industry Training Advisory Board, the Textiles, Clothing, Footwear and Leather Advisory Body. The Victorian Government funds ITABS in all areas of industry to assist businesses to understand and get the most out of the changes to the Victorian training system.

Clever Stitch recently signed the Victorian Skills Pledge in recognition of the essential role staff training plays in ensuring their future in the heart of regional Victoria.

"Taking the Victorian Skills Pledge shows a commitment to our staff that proves to our customers that we are going to continue producing quality Australian-made garments," says Clever Stitch Manager, Jo Hornby.

Part of the Victorian Government's changes to the Victorian training system, the Victorian Skills Pledge is not just a symbol of the importance of staff training to maintain business success in changing times. Signing up for it enables the Victorian Government to acknowledge and support business in a number of ways.

Businesses of up to 200 staff that sign up to the Victorian Skills Pledge are eligible for the Skills for Growth: the Workforce Development Program. This program provides eligible businesses with independent specialists to work with them - free of charge - to identify their strategic business aims and objectives, assess staff skills, and place staff into accredited training.

Businesses that sign the Victorian Skills Pledge can market themselves as being recognised by the Government for their commitment to the skills development of staff and are eligible to apply for the prestigious Victorian Training Awards. These awards showcase and reward outstanding achievements and innovation in vocational education and training.

Pledged businesses are publicly acknowledged on the Victorian Skills Register, with business name and logo displayed online, and given a Victorian Skills Pledge Certificate that can be displayed in their place of work, signed by the Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation and the Chair of Victorian Skills Commission.

"Training is a win-win situation for us," Hornby says. "It's not costing the employees anything to do it and it's benefiting the business as well."

For more information about changes to the TAFE and training system, including Skills for Growth, the Victorian Training Guarantee and the Victorian Skills Pledge, visit www.skills.vic.gov.au or contact the Textiles, Clothing, Footwear and Leather Industry Advisory Body on (03) 8680 9400.