Bega Valley Shire Council, one of 11 member councils of the Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CRJO), has been successful in securing CRJO funding for 10 female employees to train in planning.
Council’s CEO and Chair of the CRJO CEO/General Manager Group, Anthony McMahon said this was great news for the organisation and the staff who put their hand up for the opportunity.
“Councils across NSW and indeed the country are struggling to assess development applications as quickly as both they and the public would like,” Mr McMahon said.
“Bega Valley Shire and other councils in our region are not immune to this issue and we are particularly pleased to have been selected to support our female staff members enter what is considered a non-traditional sector.
“Our internal call for expressions of interest in the planning training was overwhelmingly positive, with more than 10 female employees putting up their hand for the opportunity.
“This is a great sign they want to invest in their professional development and help address a critical issue affecting their community.”
Mr McMahon explained the funding, allocated to the CRJO by a Training Services NSW Innovation Fund, will allow existing female employees to undertake four training modules, which will provide the pathway to planning qualifications.
“Although it won’t mean we immediately have more planners to assess DAs, it’s an important first step in the training pathway,” Mr McMahon said.
“The training will be provided over the next 12 months, with participants supported to further explore opportunities to become fully qualified planners.
“We are very optimistic about the outcomes of this opportunity and give heartfelt thanks to the CRJO for its support.”
About Training Services NSW and the Trade Pathways Innovation Fund
Training Services NSW works to improve training outcomes for the people of NSW. The Trade Pathways Innovation Fund is a NSW Government initiative enabling industry-led approaches to enhance pathways to qualification.
Web: https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/vocational/vet-programs/trade-pathways-innovation-fund
