A national study into accredited industry training programs found that large organisations make solid returns from accessing these training resources.

The study*, financed through the Commonwealth-funded National Vocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation program and commissioned by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) was led by Associate Professor Erica Smith from Charles Sturt University (CSU).

The research found that access to these programs can significantly improve an organisation’s training systems and skills profile, prompting a call for increased marketing of these formally accredited training programs to all enterprises, especially small and medium sized business.

The project found that enterprises which used nationally recognised training—formally accredited training programs and courses—tended to be large organisations with substantial numbers of staff in particular occupations. Further, their industrial relations tended to be based on enterprise agreements rather than awards. 

"The use of formal qualifications for training employees has grown quite rapidly over the past ten years but the reasons why enterprises choose to take up this option has never been studied on a large scale before," said Associate Professor Erica Smith. 

"The project has therefore attracted considerable interest from national and state training authorities," added Professor Smith. 

The CSU research team led by Professor Smith found that nationally recognised training is most effective when it becomes integrated into the organisation’s human resource management systems, which needs the support of senior management and their strategic planning.

The research project also identified the importance of an ‘evangelist’ who is committed to qualifications for workers and is able to interpret the often complex national training system to managers.

The research involved focus groups in Sydney, Melbourne and Wagga Wagga in south western NSW, case studies in 12 enterprises across Australia , and a survey of all registered training organisations based in enterprises. 

A copy of the report, Enterprises’ commitment to nationally recognised training for existing workers, is available free from NCVER’s website.

*This project was funded by the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA), which ceased operation on 1 July 2005 when functions and responsibilities transferred to the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST).