Overview
- Who can apply:
- Not-for-profit groups, businesses, individuals
- Status:
- Closed
The Workforce Skills Set Fund (WSSF) is a funding program that invests in targeted training to meet emerging industry needs, as well as specialist and regional needs for employment outcomes. It complements the Funded Skill Set List (FSSL) launched in February 2021.
The window for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) has closed. If you have presented an EOI and have been contacted by a government representative to submit an application, please contact workforce.skill.set.fund@djsir.vic.gov.au to seek advice on applications.
Grant funding
Opened 25 October 2021, closed 29 February 2024
Guidelines
Funding is managed under 3 streams to provide targeted investment in identified areas of skill set development and delivery.
All streams must demonstrate a partnership with an industry partner, including a co-contribution.
Stream 1
Grant to support delivery of existing skill sets.
- Purpose: Supporting TAFEs to deliver existing skill sets potentially in thin markets (regional and specialist skill sets)
- Eligible grant recipients: TAFEs
- Funding type: Payments linked to milestones
Stream 2
Grant to develop and deliver new skill sets from existing accredited units.
- Purpose: Bundling existing accredited units in new ways to form new skill sets which meet local needs
- Eligible grant recipients: All providers that hold a Skills First VET Funding Contract
- Funding type: Payments linked to milestones
Stream 3
Grant to develop and deliver new skill sets not met by existing accredited units.
- Purpose: Supporting emerging industry through new training which will be considered for accreditation after successful piloting.
- Eligible grant recipients
- Funding type: Payments linked to milestones
Duration
Funded projects for delivery of Streams 1 and 2 are expected to be completed within 6 months of a grant being awarded.
Funded projects for development and delivery of Stream 3 are expected to be completed within 12 months.
The window for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) has closed. If you have presented an EOI and have been contacted by a government representative to submit an application, please contact workforce.skill.set.fund@djsir.vic.gov.au to seek advice on applications.
All Victorian training providers that hold a current Skills First VET Funding Contract are eligible to apply.
Stream 1 proposals will be limited to TAFEs.
Criteria 1. Industry need and impact/partnerships – 30%
1.1 Criteria questions
- What is the industry need for this skill set?
- What are the reasons for the current skills gap?
- Why are current options for training not meeting this demand?
- List the occupations specific to industry/employer consultation.
How this will be assessed
- Describe the current skill gaps and how the gaps arose.
- Describe how existing skill sets and training do not meet the needs identified by industry. Outline how the skill set outcome aligns with the skill need.
- Detail how your proposal will be successful in meeting the demand, compared to other options.
- Describe the expected outcomes/impact this proposal will have for the employer/industry.
- Describe how the expected outcomes will drive workforce training and skill development in the training and TAFE system (i.e. capacity for sector-wide benefits).
Streams 2 and 3 only
- Describe how existing skill sets do not meet identified industry needs.
1.2 Criteria questions
- How will the industry/business partner satisfy a co-contribution towards the training proposal?
How this will be assessed
- Outline the proposed co-contribution by industry *Note: It is expected that a co-contribution by industry will be appropriate to the project’s stream and scale.
1.3 Criteria questions
- What consultation have you undertaken in the development of this proposal to ensure it will deliver the expected training benefits?
- What consultation have you undertaken to ensure that the project outcomes are sustainable in the future?
How this will be assessed
- Demonstrate industry linkages and industry support for the provision of this training.
- List the stakeholders that you have consulted with and the nature of the consultation.
- Provide evidence of consultation such as industry letters that provide information about job vacancies, the need for trained candidates, and current and future employment opportunities.
- Provide evidence of endorsement and recognition of the skill set for industry.
Criteria 2: Training delivery capability, capacity and approach – 30%
2.1 Criteria questions
- Describe your strategy to meet the proposed timeline of your proposal.
How this will be assessed
- Detail the readiness of the project.
- Upload a completed project plan.
2.2 Criteria questions
- What is your capability/capacity to manage the project?
How this will be assessed
- Provide information on previous projects you have undertaken that demonstrate capability and capacity to deliver this project.
- Detail project risks and mitigation strategies. (Section in the Project on a Page template).
- Indicate whether a trainer and assessor (Standards for RTO’s Clauses 1;13 – 1.16) (Streams 1 and 2) has been allocated or will be recruited. If recruited, outline your recruitment strategy including timelines.
- What strategies/tools will you use to manage the project and the project partnerships to deliver the project on time and on budget?
Stream 3 only
- Provide details on the approach you will take to develop new units and/or training components including who will project manage, subject matter expertise, engagement of course developers, etc.
- Provide details of how potential trainer and assessors will meet the Standards for RTO’s Clause 1.13 (a, b and c) when the skill set is eventually accredited.
2.3 Criteria questions
- How will the delivery of this skill set meet industry needs?
- What is the rationale for your proposed mode of delivery for the selected course?
- What is the rationale for any components of on-the-job and campus-based delivery?
How this will be assessed
- Upload a copy of the Training and Assessment Strategy (TAS) for the WSSF application. The TAS should include:
- when you intend to commence training
- a percentage breakdown of the mode of delivery (e.g. classroom/practical/on-line/self-supervised study)
- details of any units where there is a requirement of mandatory work placement or structured workplace training. Please include how many hours are required and the arrangements that you will implement for work placement or structured workplace training.
- Outline the expected impact on workplace productivity.
Criteria 3: Student attraction and retention – 15%
3.1 Criteria questions
- Who will be the target student cohort/s for this training?
- How will you attract students to this training?
How this will be assessed
- Define the target student cohort/s. (You will need to report on this number regardless of the type of funding applied for.)
- Detail the student recruitment strategies that you will use for this proposal. This may include:
- partnerships with industry
- an existing student pipeline from industry
- promotion through industry associations.
3.2 Criteria question
- What strategies will you put in place to ensure students remain engaged in the training and high retention rates are achieved?
How this will be assessed
- Outline any wrap-around services that you will provide to students including language literacy numeracy (LLN) support, counselling services, special needs support, inclusiveness policy and strategies.
- Detail any pathway opportunities or entry and exit points for students.
Criteria 4: Cost to deliver, value for money and sustainability – 15%
4.1 Criteria questions
- What are the costs for this proposal?
- How do they provide value for money?
- What is your sourcing strategy?
How this will be assessed
- Provide breakdown on costings. Complete the Grant Budget Template and upload in the online portal.
- Detail the extent of any co-investment.
- Provide detailed evidence of costs associated with course delivery.
- Once established, will this course remain sustainable beyond the initial WSSF funding?
- Explain how you have ensured that the costs are delivering value for money for the Victorian community.
- Have you aligned to Victorian Government procurement policies, if so, which? (Procurement Policies and Framework)
4.2 Criteria questions
- Over what period of time will this training meet the needs of industry?
- Will there be a continued need after the project?
How this will be assessed
- Detail whether the training is to meet an immediate industry need.
- If there is a continued need, over what time period do you expect the need to continue?
- Detail sustainability methods and strategy for provision of this course beyond the initial WSSF funding period.
- Explain how the project provides new learnings for the training and TAFE system, industry and government.
Criteria 5: Evaluation and outcomes – 10%
5.1 Criteria questions
- How are you going to measure the impact of your project?
- Describe how you will capture lessons learnt from the project.
How this will be assessed
- Explain how the project, taken as a whole, will be evaluated, including the measures of success and outcomes.
- Examples of evaluation questions:
- How has industry benefited from the project?
- How many students gained employment or were upskilled at the end of their training?
- Have student and employer satisfaction increased?
- Are the project outcomes sustainable?
- Has the program been delivered within its scope, budget and expected timeframe?
Attach the completed Evaluation Plan Template.
The government will assess applications against the program criteria:
- Industry need and impact/partnerships – 30%
- Training delivery capability, capacity and approach – 30%
- Student attraction and retention – 15%
- Cost to delivery, value for money and sustainability – 15%
- Evaluation and outcomes – 10%
Preference will be given to applications that demonstrate:
- strong industry backing; and
- clear employment pathway for training participants.
There is an expectation that industry will make a co-contribution.
If we receive an application that has the potential to duplicate an existing submission or project, we may recommend that applicants collaborate to obtain the best outcome for the project.
The window for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) has closed. If you have presented an EOI and have been contacted by a government representative to submit an application, please contact workforce.skill.set.fund@djsir.vic.gov.au to seek advice on applications.
Applications must address the program criteria.
At the time of application, the following templates must be completed and uploaded into the online application system:
- Project on a page template (PDF, 107KB)
- Project on a page template (PPTX, 62KB)
- Budget template (PDF, 139KB)
- Budget template (XLSX, 36KB)
- Evaluation plan template (PDF, 826KB)
- Evaluation plan template (DOCX, 694KB)
If you have questions about your application, email workforce.skill.set.fund@djsir.vic.gov.au.
Downloads
When must applications be submitted?
The Workforce Skill Set Fund has closed.
If you have presented an EOI and have been contacted by a government representative to submit an application, please contact workforce.skill.set.fund@djsir.vic.gov.au to seek advice on applications.
What information must I include in my application?
Please refer to the application guidelines under How to Apply.
Who can apply?
The window for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) has closed. If you have presented an EOI and have been contacted by a government representative to submit an application, please contact workforce.skill.set.fund@djsir.vic.gov.au to seek advice on applications.
The lead applicant must be a training provider that currently holds a Skills First contract with the Victorian Government.
Can a not-for-profit apply for funding?
A not-for-profit can partner with a Skills First contract holder to deliver a skill set.
Are there specific eligibility criteria for this fund?
Yes, there are 5 things that the Victorian Government will consider as part of an application assessment:
- Industry Needs and Impact (30 per cent)
- Training Delivery Capability, Capacity and Approach (30 per cent)
- Student Attraction and Retention (15 per cent)
- Cost to deliver, value for money and sustainability (15 per cent)
- Evaluation and Outcomes (10 per cent)
Please refer to the guidelines under the heading Eligibility.
All applications will be assessed by the Victorian Government against these 5 program criteria.
If my submission is not successful, can I submit a revised application?
No.
Is there a cap on the amount requested for each application?
No, there is no cap on an application request.
What kind of budget do I need to provide?
A budget is required as part of the application, as well as a rationale demonstrating the proposal represents value for money.
The budget template is in the How to apply section.
A copy of the budget template is also provided as part of the Workforce Skills Set Fund online application.
Each line item of expenditure and income will be considered by the assessors, so please ensure the budget is explained clearly.
Can I apply for funding that supports the development of training and assessment resources?
Yes, you can. The Workforce Skills Set Fund supports the development of quality training and assessment resources to provide the best learning outcomes to the learner.
How do co-contributions work?
The requirement for a co-contribution has been included to demonstrate industry investment in training. It is expected that the co-contribution will be proportional to the funding project request.
A co-contribution may be a financial contribution to offset costs. It could also be non-financial and include items such as providing equipment, a work site, materials and subject-matter expertise.
Can industry co-contributions include wages for participants undertaking the training?
No, the cost of a wages for a participant undertaking the training is not part of the training delivery cost, and therefore cannot be counted as a co-contribution.
How many units of competency can I include under a Stream 3 skill set?
Skill sets may consist of a single unit or combinations of units.
Can my application mix streams, i.e. some accredited units plus a non-accredited one?
If the skill set proposal includes a mix of some accredited units and non-accredited units then it should be submitted as a proposal under Stream 3.
Who will own the intellectual property of training developed?
It is expected that contracts will require an intellectual property (IP) licence be provided to the Victorian Government to enable us to share training materials.
Is there an expectation that successful pilots will be included on the Funded Skill Set List?
Successfully piloted skill sets will be considered for inclusion on the Funded Skill Set List (FSSL) where it fulfils the FSSL criteria and demonstrates demand.
Successfully piloted Stream 3 skill sets that include non-accredited elements will be expected to be tracked towards accreditation.
Can the learner be new to the workplace, or can they be existing employees?
It is expected that most proposals will involve learners new to the workplace. However, there may be situations where a learner can be an existing employee.
A skill set may be designed to meet requirements for entry into an industry or workforce and be a pathway to a full qualification.
Alternatively, there may be a regulatory change or introduction of technology that requires upskilling of existing employees in a particular industry.
It is expected that the applicant articulates the reasons for the choice of learner as part of their proposal.
What is the difference between a prerequisite and an entry requirement?
A prerequisite is specified when the learner must be assessed as competent prior to completing a subsequent unit.
An entry requirement can include a range of conditions including age, licenses, completion of a specific unit or a qualification.
Can we mandate entry requirements for learners?
Skill sets aimed at an industry licence or accreditation must identify all of the requirements of that licence or accreditation (including any possible entry requirements such as minimum age) and explain how learners can readily attain the desired outcome.
If your proposal uses a skill set defined in a training package you are required to meet any entry requirements specified.
If you are creating a skill set using units from a training package and/or accredited training or from existing units and non-accredited components, then it is important to limit entry requirements to what is essential for successful completion of the training.
What detail do we need to provide regarding entry requirements?
Where entry requirements are identified, a rationale must be provided and expressed in terms of competency or licensing requirements.
You should also clearly identify where any entry requirements are set by your RTO and are not an entry requirement of the training product you develop for each stream.
Refer to Section Four of the Australian Government's Training Package Products Policy as guidance.
Can learners be made to complete prerequisites if I develop a Stream 3 skill set?
Prerequisite units must only be used where essential to achieving the subsequent competency.
It is important to identify any prerequisite and corequisite units, and the sequence of delivery and assessment.
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