MISC is calling for applicants for its Training Financial Assistance Distribution Agreement (Infrastructure Funding Program).

The program is available to all Queensland mining industry companies and contractors, and offers financial support to assist in the implementation of specific training programs that address the company’s individual training and development requirements.

MISC also recognises the special circumstances of small mines and individuals and has implemented a program specifically for their needs.

The funding is a result of a Queensland government allocation of $A7.2 million in September 2005 to subsidise training costs by employers in the Queensland mining industry. The funding must be spent prior to June 30, 2008.

Funding approved to date has been allocated to 36 different training programs covering all sectors of the mining industry. Programs vary from small allocations of $5000 up to $700,000.

Allocations are based on the number of competency units being completed and statements of attainment being issued.

Nine coal sites have received funding since the start of the year, and MISC said it was currently working with four additional coal mines to complete funding applications.

Among those successfully awarded funds was Newlands Coal, which received funding last year. The grant is delivered over three years and assists with the training and upskilling of Newlands’ 500 employees, including the issuing of statement of attainments which, in some cases, will allow mining employees to transfer their skills from one minesite to another without the need for costly retraining.

One of Queensland’s largest thermal coal producers, Emerald-based Ensham Resources, received funding earlier this year. Ensham employs, directly and indirectly, more than 700 employees who now benefit from 12 different types of competencies.

“Importantly, several participants include trainees and apprentices, which means Ensham is directly addressing the skills shortage in the industry,” MISC said.

Successful funding applicants receive benefits such as formal acknowledgement of employees’ skills, structured training programs for industry new starters, trainees and apprentices, upskilling and the opportunity to reward and recognise existing employees through additional training.

MISC said one important benefit of the program was the opportunity it gave employers to create, implement and/or add to their training programs, therefore increasing the operation’s ability to attract and retain employees, and at the same time improve productivity.

Organisations can apply for funding through the program more than once, providing each time they apply they propose a training program that is different from previous applications.

To apply, applicants need to identify their training needs, contact a Registered Training Organisation and develop a training proposal for presentation to MISC. The skills centre will then assess the application based on predetermined criteria.