27th February, 2024
In a bid to foster innovation in the manufacturing sector, Federal and State governments are recognising the importance of equipping workers with digital skills.
As technology continues to reshape the manufacturing landscape, businesses must adapt to remain relevant and seize new opportunities.
To support this transition, the Victorian Government is offering grants to manufacturing businesses aimed at upskilling their workforce.
Digital skills are essential for optimising production processes, enhancing efficiency, and driving innovation.
By investing in digital skills, businesses can unlock capabilities, and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving industry.
One initiative aimed at supporting this skills development is the Digital Skills for Manufacturing Fund in Victoria.
The fund is run by the Victorian Government, which is investing $4.5 million in total.
The program is an opportunity for Victorian manufacturing businesses to receive grants to move to a digital environment.
Eligibility for the program extends to manufacturing businesses based in Victoria that demonstrate a growth trajectory.
They must also show interest in harnessing digital technology within their operations.
Funding of up to $5000 per employee is accessible, and manufacturers must ensure their designated employees are given the chance to both earn and learn.
This entails integrating a digital component into the employee’s role description post-training.
Businesses that receive grants must also ensure employees are assigned work tasks and other activities that will allow them to apply and integrate their new knowledge after they’ve completed their training.
Qualified businesses can secure funding for up to five employees to partake in training sessions.
Topics covered over 12-week, part-time online courses that workers and firms can choose from include cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence, digital marketing, data analytics, user experience, and web development, among other things.
From March 2024, there are new courses available to help upskill senior managers and decision-makers within manufacturing.
The idea is that education will help workers develop an understanding of emerging tech and how it can be used.
Courses cover topics such as cyber governance, risk and compliance, demystifying industry 4.0, and how to lead a business through the digitisation journey.
There is also a helpful one-day workshop for leaders on digital manufacturing and industry 4.0 awareness and experience.
Victorian manufacturing firms and those that want to apply digital technology to business operations are best suited for the program.
For this purpose, some of the eligibility requirements for the funding are that businesses are legal entities with an operating presence in Victoria, have a current ABN that has been applicable from 1 October 2022, and have been registered for GST from 1 October 2022.
Victorian universities, TAFEs, and private training providers offer training for the program.
Participating institutions include La Trobe University, Monash College, RMIT Online, Swinburne University of Technology, Victoria University Polytechnic, University of Melbourne, Cyber CX, and Bendigo Kangan Institute.
With a focus on leveraging existing workforce capabilities, the program encourages businesses to embrace digital tools.
Firstly, businesses must apply through the Digital Jobs for Manufacturing program page.
If you’re interested in helping to further your team in 2024, now is the time to apply for a grant.
Opportunities will be available later this year, too, so keep an eye on the Business Victoria website for more details.
Note: businesses can apply for multiple rounds of the program, but there’s a maximum of five course enrolments per venture.
Additionally, empowering employees with the expertise to leverage digital technologies effectively, firms can help future-proof their operations.
Also, a digitally skilled workforce is better equipped to navigate technological disruptions, and capitalise on emerging opportunities.
Finally, investing in the development of digital skills is not just an investment in the workforce; it’s an investment in your venture’s long-term success and sustainability.