As Australians adapt to increasingly fast-paced, technology-fuelled and KPI-focused work environments, Richmond Valley Council is riding the wave by engaging TAFE NSW to upskill more than 20 staff in Digital Literacy and WHS training.

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].

Richmond Valley 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 project management, construction and leadership.

The Richmond Valley Council training will be delivered at TAFE NSW Casino and will be completed by May 2019. As Australia’s largest training provider, TAFE NSW is providing expert industry trainers to deliver Digital Literacy and WHS training tailored to the Council’s business operations.

Richmond Valley Council’s General Manager Vaughan Macdonald said the Local Government Skills Strategy was very similar to Council’s own unique, award-winning Youth Employment Strategy, which focused strongly on vocational training and on-the-job support.

Mr Macdonald said Council viewed training and development of its workforce as critical, and working with TAFE NSW was a fantastic opportunity for staff to broaden their skillset.

“Providing opportunities for our people to learn the skills which will equip them for the future is important not only for them, but also for the future wellbeing of our community,” Mr Macdonald said.

“I’m proud our Council is moving with the times being the first ones to undergo this qualification and use technology to assist in their everyday duties.”

TAFE NSW Regional Manager, Susie George said TAFE NSW is thrilled to be working with Richmond Valley Council to deliver this specialised Digital Literacy and WHS 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