As Australians adapt to increasingly fast-paced, technology-fuelled and KPI-focused work environments, Port Stephens Council is riding the wave by engaging TAFE NSW to upskill more than 90 staff in Project Management and Leadership & Management.

According to the Association for Talent Development, companies which offer comprehensive training programs have 218% higher income per employee than companies without formalised training[i].

Port Stephens is one of several councils working with TAFE NSW along the Central Coast to Far North Coast NSW region to better equip staff to excel in today’s workplace. Councils are undertaking a wide range of training and professional development across skill areas including digital literacy, work, health & safety, construction and leadership.

The Port Stephens Council training will be rolled out from April to December 2019 and delivered onsite at Council headquarters in Raymond Terrace. As Australia’s largest training provider, TAFE NSW is providing expert industry trainers to deliver project management training tailored to the Council’s business operations.

Port Stephens Acting General Manager, Tim Crosdale says this training is a testament to the continuous learning culture which Port Stephens Council fosters.

"At Port Stephens Council we recognise that our people are our biggest asset. We don’t just hire people, we develop them, as evidenced through this initiative with TAFE NSW to upskill staff in leadership and project management. Thanks to the Local Government Skills Strategy funded by the State Government, we’re able to offer staff targeted learning opportunities without having to leave the workplace,” Mr Crosdale said.

“I’m thrilled to see more than 90 staff from Port Stephens Council already enrolled in either the Certificate IV Project Management, Certificate IV Leadership & Management or the Diploma of Leadership & Management. I’m sure we’ll be reaping the benefits of this training for many years to come.”

TAFE NSW Regional Manager, Susie George said TAFE NSW is thrilled to be working with Port Stephens Council to deliver this specialised Project Management and Leadership & Management training.

“TAFE NSW caters to the individual needs of businesses and organisations to deliver the unique training they need. Continued skills advancement is critical in today’s workforce; for an organisation to continue evolving, individuals need to constantly learn and grow,” Ms George said.

“Although TAFE NSW are delivering this particular training rollout via face-to-face training, courses such as these can also be studied online, when and where it suits students, via TAFE Digital.”

For more detail on TAFE NSW courses, face-to-face or online, visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Sarah Lievore, TAFE NSW Media Officer

[1] Shift Disruptive Learning, Mind-blowing Statistics that Prove the Value of Employee Training and Development, 22