CTU media release

EMBARGOED UNTIL 01.00 (1.00AM) SUNDAY 22 MARCH 2009

CTU welcomes training options for 9-day fortnight

The CTU has welcomed the announcement by institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) of free or low-cost training for companies taking up Jobs Support Scheme subsidies (the ‘9-day fortnight’).
 
“This is a constructive proposal to put some training initiatives alongside the 9-day fortnight subsidies,” said CTU President Helen Kelly. “The offer of training by ITPs will provide a useful option for inclusion in agreements over 9-day fortnights between workers and employers.”

“We strongly support opportunities for training to be built into agreements where workers take up the 9-day fortnight idea. Given that the government wage subsidy is modest there will be a need for employers to look at a top up and for training opportunities to be bolted on to the proposal to increase its attractiveness to employees.”

As well as the wide range of already accredited and funded courses offered by ITPs, the CTU itself offers free health and safety training, and training for workers to become workplace Learning Representatives. The CTU also expects Industry Training Organisations to put forward suggestions on how to integrate training options within the 9-day fortnight.

“We have to remember that the 9-day fortnight is just one part of the picture,” continued Kelly. “We still need to see more progress on other ideas from the Jobs Summit, such as government procurement, support for apprentices, a broader range of support services for workers made redundant, and job creation proposals such as home insulation.”

ENDS

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