Wodonga TAFE has launched the Wodonga Skills Store, a Victorian Government initiative to assist Victorians in recognising and developing their skills. Skills Stores will help to make Victoria’s vocational education and training system more accessible and easier to understand.

The Stores aim to address the two major skill challenges that the Victorian economy currently faces:

• the push for higher skilled workers and,
• the ageing population.

Both individuals and businesses in the Wodonga region are able to access this free service to assess their current skills and experience, as well as future skills development options. Employers have the opportunity to consult with a trained expert to discuss specific training options for their employees to assist in developing and expanding their businesses, and improving workforce productivity and morale.

Once the Skills Store consultant has assessed the applicant through the ‘Competency Navigator’ software, the applicant is then referred to a suitable TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO). The TAFE or RTO will then use this information to formally assess the applicant through a ‘recognised prior learning process’ and will issue either a nationally accepted qualification or a training plan that will assist in meeting the qualification requirements. The program provides eligible applicants with a $250 voucher towards the cost of this subsequent assessment and training.

Applicants will not have to undergo training in areas where their skills have been recognised, so they will save time and money by avoiding undertaking unnecessary or repetitious course elements. The Skills Store process will also help individuals to channel their training commitments into the most effective pathway towards a rewarding position at work.

The Wodonga Skills Store operates from Wodonga TAFE on McKoy Street, West Wodonga. Its trained staff will also provide a regular service out of the following centres: Beechworth, Corryong, Mount Beauty, Yackandandah and Yarrawonga.

For more information, visit the Wodonga Skills Store website, or phone, freecall 1300 550 905.