A pilot initiative of the State Government will provide an incentive for tradespeople and associate professionals to recognise their existing skills and knowledge to gain a formal qualification.

Up to 520 Skills First scholarships will be available to people who enrol in specific Certificate III level and above qualifications at TAFE before 30 June 2007.

Up to $1000 will be provided to the TAFE institutes involved in the initiative to subsidise the Skills First recognition of prior learning process when a person enrols in a qualification - candidates will only need to pay fees for required ‘gap' training.

Skills First recognition of prior learning lets people have their professional abilities properly evaluated. It also identifies any specific areas where extra training is required to gain a qualification.

Scholarships may be available for trade recognition for people who enrol in Certificate III level and above trade qualifications in the areas of automotive, engineering, retail baking, hospitality (commercial cookery), and cabinet making.

Scholarships may also be available for people who enrol in Certificate IV level and above qualifications in the para-professional areas of business, information technology, children's services, community services, tourism and hospitality, and disability work.

The initiative is a positive step toward refocusing training to meet skills shortages in high level occupations and recognising that experience does pay.

Source: The Team at QTIC Skills Link Web: www.qtic.com.au/skillslink/