Local small businesses and their staff now have access to free business skills training thanks to a new $30 million NSW Government Skills for Business initiative.
Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea said the new program enabled local businesses and their staff could undertake free TAFE NSW qualifications in subjects including digital and financial literacy, cybersecurity and general business management.
“Running a small business can be incredibly rewarding, but also incredibly tough, and I recommend taking up this unique opportunity for small business owners and their staff to upskill for free,” Mr O’Dea said.
The free TAFE courses will be delivered online, with a face-to-face component, to allow small businesses to learn when it suits them best, with live tutorials also on offer.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills and Small Business John Barilaro said small businesses represent almost 98 per cent of all NSW businesses, employing about 1.56 million people – almost half the state’s workforce.
“Our economy is now the strongest in the nation, and as a government we support small business owners – the very people who take on great risks to create job opportunities for others,” Mr Barilaro said.
“As a former small business owner I know first-hand how hard it can be to keep a business afloat, and that is why we want to give small businesses and those who work for them the very best chance of success,” he said.
Assistant Minister for Skills Adam Marshall said the TAFE NSW training would be open to all small to medium sized businesses operating within NSW with up to 199 employees, but priority will be given to businesses with fewer than 19 employees.
“Skills for Business will allow small business owners and employees to gain valuable financial and digital literacy skills, as well as business management skills, which will be vital when faced with real-life business challenges,” Mr Marshall said.
For more information, visit: www.tafensw.edu.au/skillsforbusiness
