Overview
The Workforce Skills Set Fund (WSSF) is a funding program that will invest in targeted training to meet emerging industry needs, as well as specialist and regional needs for employment outcomes. It will complement the Funded Skill Set List (FSSL) launched in February 2021.
WSSF will inspire the testing of new models of developing and delivering skillsets.
It aims to encourage a broader cultural shift in training and workforce development by:
- promoting dynamic partnerships between industry and training providers to identify and respond collaboratively to emerging workforce needs
- increasing investment by industry through co-contribution (in-kind or financial).
The objectives of the WSSF are to:
- strengthen the relationship between industry and training providers to ensure delivery of skillsets that provide quality workforce training and skill development
- test skillsets offerings to upskill/reskill workforces, building an evidence base to support the development of the Skills First Skill Sets policy
- improve the flexibility and responsiveness of Victoria's training system in meeting industry skill needs and enterprise training requirements
- contribute to industry confidence/investment and broader economic recovery efforts.
Funding approach
$13 million in funding is available over 3 years on a rolling basis to projects of varying size, duration, and complexity. Funding will be made available through grants to training providers in partnership with employers and industry groups for the:
- delivery of existing skill sets that may require further support for viability (Stream 1)
- development and delivery of different accredited skill set combinations where there is evidence of a business or broader current or emerging need (Stream 2)
- development and delivery of new skill set training, including the use of non-accredited elements where existing training does not meet the need of industry (Stream 3)
Applications seeking funding for non-accredited elements under Stream 3 will be assessed on suitability for potential to progress to formal accreditation.
Skills First Contract holders are invited to submit project applications which will be assessed against the program criteria for funding types.
