The Queensland Government and the University of the Sunshine Coast have partnered to create a new workforce micro-credential through a “Workforce Planning Course” aimed at helping small and medium-sized business owners.
Aside from business owners, the free training will assist business managers that are having trouble filling positions with employees.
This course will be structured similarly to the Business Planning Course, which also got funding from the Queensland Government and was completed by over 250 students.
Upon completion of these micro-credentials, people will be eligible for subject credits if they enroll in the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Graduate Certificate in Business.
According to Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer, the free Workforce Planning Course will be a valuable opportunity for businesses on the Sunshine Coast and throughout the state because it will make use of excellent Workforce Planning Connect resources from Jobs Queensland.
“The skills from this course will help small businesses to find ways to work smarter as they recruit, and develop the workers they need now, and into the future,” the minister added.
Meanwhile, Jobs Queensland Chair Donna Bonney said workforce planning can assist firms to increase employee satisfaction and productivity while identifying their future skill requirements so they can start making immediate progress toward their longer-term objectives.
“Our free Workforce Planning Connect resources were developed in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland and tested with small businesses, so we know they can guide businesses through the workforce planning process,” Ms Bonney noted.
University of the Sunshine Coast Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Helen Bartlett also commented on the initiative saying since the course’s launch in 2020, 370 business owners have registered for it, and more than 80 have already signed up for 2023.
“The Queensland Government has recognised the value of this training and we want to thank them for the funding that allows us to, not only continue but, expand to areas like Townsville and support more businesses in our regions,” Prof Bartlett stated.
