5 minute read
Meet the New TFA Chair
Introducing Michael Young, the New Chair of the Training Fund Authority
MICHAEL YOUNG
WHAT DREW YOU TO THE ROLE?
I have an extensive background in vocational education and training as a; trainer, assessor, auditor and have worked with industry skills councils and international industry bodies developing training packages. Most of my professional work has been as a project manager and management consultant
Under the Building and Construction Industry Training Levy Act 1999, the role of Chair is independent, and the Chair cannot be a member of an employer or employee association in the sector.
I have worked with many boards and committees in Australia and overseas, and I wanted to make a further contribution to vocational education and training in the ACT. I am excited by the opportunities in the building and construction sector and taking on the role of Chairman of the TFA.
WHAT IS YOUR FOCUS AS THE NEW TFA CHAIR?
Since its establishment, the Authority has used the levy to fund $27 million for training of existing workers, and almost $20 million for entry level training in the ACT, all new money funded and governed by the industry itself. In the financial year 2019 the levy raised $5.1 million and funded rebates for training in over 14,800 places.
The building and construction sector is one of the key employers and drivers of economic prosperity in the ACT. As Chairman of the authority, my focus is on the future. I have a strong interest in developing the next generation of workforce for the sector. Through the TFA, its legislation and the annual training plan, the Authority provides subsidies and financial support for the sector to do so. I am particularly interested in supporting apprentices, women and indigenous workers who are underrepresented in the sector. I am also interested in exploring what additional training or support might be needed in relation to mental health.
ARE THERE ANY RECENT CHANGES TO TRAINING FUNDING?
The situation is quite dynamic at present, with ACT and federal government announcing a series of economic support and stimulus packages over recent weeks. We have also seen the ACT government reinstate changes made to apprenticeship funding and through additional funding via the Skilled Capital program. The TFA Board is ensuring that funds are used appropriately and are best targeted to where financial support is needed. The TFA Board has recently provided funding to assist local private RTO’s with the establishing of live instructorled training online.
WHAT ARE THE TFA’S PLANS FOR 2020?
The TFA engages with industry to gather widespread information to inform and develop an Annual Training Plan. The Training Plan sets out a policy framework for the funding of training for entry level and existing workers in a wide range of occupations The TFA seeks input from stakeholders across all relevant sectors of the industry, on the needs and priorities for funding with the Plan ultimately endorsed by the TFA Board and approved by the Minister.
HAS COVID-19 SHIFTED THE TFA’S PLANS FOR THE NEXT TWELVE MONTHS?
The Board met in April and approved the provision of additional funding to specific training organisations to move some of their classroom training to a live, online training format. To be clear this is not pre-recorded online courses but is an instructor teaching live online to participants via online platforms.
The TFA Board is closely monitoring the emerging COVID-19 situation as well as both ACT and federal government’s economic stimulus measures and examining where additional subsidies or financial support may be needed. Whilst we are starting to emerge from the health crisis, we are closely watching the ongoing economic situation to determine where further support may the needed.
Further input will be sought from industry and stakeholders as we proceed with the development of the Training Plan for 2021.
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