The Workplace Training Innovation Programme

The Workplace Training Innovations Programme has been established to encourage innovative workplace training solutions in the health and disability sector. The Fund:

• Supports innovation by health and disability employers including an injection of funding.
• Establishes collaborative and sustainable learning and assessment programmes.
• Enables health and disability employees to access and complete selected national qualifications and to engage in career pathways.

The sum of $3 million has been set aside to support the 2010-2013 programme.

Sign Up for Innovation Fund Updates

Click here to sign up for updates on the Innovations Fund.

Who Can Apply?

Applications need to be made by a lead health and/or disability employer on behalf of a group of employers. Workplaces may choose to work with peak bodies, education providers or other stakeholders or organisations as part of a collaborative approach.

Funding can be used to contribute towards learning and assessment costs for the following national qualifications:

• National Certificate in Community Support Services (Foundation Skills) (L2)
• National Certificate in Community Support Services (Core Competencies) (L3)
• National Certificate in Community Support Services (Human Services) (L3)
• National Certificate in Community Support Services (Intellectual Disability) (L3)
• National Certificate in Community Support Services (Residential) (L3)
• National Certificate in Diversional Therapy (L4)

Key Dates

• Road shows completed by early Feb 2010.
• Changes to the programme by 5 Feb 2010.
• Applications close 5pm 4 March 2010.
• Any additional information will have been requested by 15 March and required by 25 March 2010.
• Applicants informed of trustees' decision by 7 April 2010.
• Applicants confirm their acceptance of the funding and adjusted milestones and outputs by 22 April 2010.
• Programmes commence (indicatively May 2010).

Sign Up for Innovation Fund Updates

Click here to sign up for updates on the Innovations Fund.

More Information

	Roadshows and Workshops on the Innovation Fund are being held in December (2009), January (2010) and February (2010) throughout New Zealand. Click here to find out more.
	Click here to find out more about the Innovation Fund, including the eligibility and selection criteria.
	Click here to view a PowerPoint Presentation on the Innovation Fund.

Application and Selection Process

All applications will be considered by the Trustees who will then identify those applications that meet the criteria. Additional information may be sought at this time.

Click here to download the Application Form for the Innovation Fund.

Applications need to be sent to melanyjayne.davies@careerforce.org.nz by 5pm 4 March 2010.

Questions and Answers

To submit a question on the Fund, please email melanyjayne.davies@careerforce.org.nz

Q: How does Careerforce plan to alert people about updates on the Workplace Training Innovation Programme?

A: Register your details here so that we can include you on the mailing list. Alternatively, email melanyjayne.davies@careerforce.org.nz.

Q: Can the timeframes for submitting the applications be extended?

A: Due to sector feedback, the Trustees have agreed to extend the timeframes by approximately six weeks. New dates and corresponding changes to the programme guidelines and application form will be posted on the website by 22 January 2010. Indicatively, the new application date will be the 15 April 2010

Q: Is the Trust looking at alternative sources of funding longer term?

A: No. This is not a priority. The Careerforce Board has assigned $3 million to the Trust over the period of 2010 – 2012. $1 million is currently in the process of being transferred to the Trust for distribution in 2010.  The Board has committed to the remaining $2 million for 2011- 2012.

Q: Could there be more than one opportunity to access the fund? The PHOs are currently going through an EOI process with the MoH about future primary health services – including the integrated family care team concept. The Workplace Training Innovation Programme could be of tremendous use for them as they move forward to implement their proposals - except that as it stands at the moment – they wouldn’t have received approvals to move forward before your (Careerforce) fund closes.

A: At this stage the Trustees will review applications in March for the current programme. The Trustees will review future funding opportunities following the outcomes of this programme.

Q: The Ministry of Health has a new training grant available to employers. Could a programme be supported by the Workplace Training Innovation Programme and the new training grant from the MoH?

A: It would be recommended that applicants interested in applying for the Careerforce Workplace Training Innovation Programme declare any additional funding sources such as the MoH training grant, and what purpose that funding is specifically for when they complete their application form so that the Trustees can make an informed decision.   The Trustees need to be made aware of any double funding potential. This information should be included in Section F (financial section) on the application form. 

Q: What is the rationale for not waiving the qualification fee?

A: The qualification fee covers the costs associated with gaining the qualification e.g. Registration of credit, certificates, badges, frames etc. These are direct costs that are incurred and need to be recovered and contribute to the ongoing industry contribution requirements by the TEC. The intent of the programme and therefore use of the funding is to support innovation, capacity, building sustainability and capability. Waiving these fees is not a sustainable scenario long term.

Q: Is the reason for this funding due to the TEC review? 

A: No. This programme has been in development for a year and would have occurred irrespective of the outcome of the review.

Q: Are there any guidelines regarding the number of trainees per qualification(s) that might be expected for a set amount of funding?

A: No. Employers should consider what they need, keeping in mind the desire to achieve longer term sustainability.

Q: What does the TEC STM funding cover?  

A: STM funding covers existing activities which include extensive qualification development, supporting the delivery of training and includes rebates which still exist as part of this programme.

Q: Is the $3 million likely to be allocated or just the first $1 million as why would we submit a proposal for a three year programme without the guaranteed funding? Refer footnote 1 in the guidelines document.

A: Yes, your proposal will be viewed across its three year timeframe with funding requirements for each year identified and confirmed as part of the agreement. There is every intention to commit up to the full $3 million. As in many contracts, the footnote alerts employers however, that the funding availability may change should something entirely unexpected occur.

Q: If an existing model works well, would there need to be further development to qualify for the funding? 

A: If the existing model is working and is being funded under existing conditions then it is already sustainable and it is felt that this fund is best used for new development. In this situation the existing model would not qualify for funding.

Q: The guideline states that employers would not be able to seek funding to support applications for the NC in Community Support Services (Foundations) L2. Can an employer who has received one-off funding previously, and then has not been able to continue with training apply for the innovation programme funding?

A: No, this is not the intended use of the funding.

Q: Would the following scenarios meet the funding criteria for programmes?

Supporting an application relating to internal training that didn’t result in a national qualification for example a leadership role?  E.g Training such as preceptorship/leadership roles would qualify?  
A: No. The criterion states it must be a national qualification.

A programme using integrated assessment?
A: Yes.

Support an application for the NC in Mental Health (Mental Health Support Work) L4 using the current structure of delivery i.e. Education Providers funded through EFTS?
A:  No, as this training is currently delivered exclusively by education providers including ITPs and PTEs which are funded by TEC it would be inappropriate for the Innovation Programme to also fund this as it would equate to double dipping. Many trainees are also supported with their fees by the Ministry of Health through the Mental Health Support Worker Grant scheme. This qualification and the Diploma are currently under review and it is anticipated there will be more choice with regard to the delivery models in the future. The mental health and addiction contextualised resources for levels 2 and 3 are an option for the Innovation programme for mental health and addiction employers. 

Support an application for qualifications outside of the six qualifications listed in the guidelines document.
A:  There may be an opportunity to include other qualifications. Applicants are asked to provide details of which qualification they would like the Fund to support and the rationale behind it. Qualifications must fall within Careerforce’s current TEC coverage.

Q: Is there going to be a contract between the Careerforce Training Innovation Trust and the successful applicants?

A:  Yes. 

Q: Are there any anticipated changes to existing qualifications e.g.  Review of the NC in Community Support Services (Core Competencies) L3?

A: Yes. Both the NC in Community Support Services (Foundation Skills) L2 and the NC in Community Support Services (Core Competencies) L3 are being reviewed. The review, if accepted, will increase the amount of choice with regard to electives. The existing qualifications will stay “live” on the NQF in terms of enrolments for two years after the registration date of the new qualifications. Therefore, the existing qualifications will be available for most of the Innovation Programme three year duration.

Q: Does this fund fit into the Disability Strategy?  

A:  We would hope so. Your application if related to the disability sector should include how it supports the Disability Strategy.

Q: If a national organisation is proposing to open up to other providers (employers), would they need to have the other employers on the application or just need to signal that that is the intent?

A: All parties are identified and agree to the application. It is not sufficient to signal intent.

Q: Who will fund the verification and evaluation of the programme if required?

A: The Trust will fund any verification of outcomes if required. Careerforce will fund any independent research projects that may be required.

Q: Who would own the Intellectual Property of a programme funded by the Workplace Training Innovation Programme?

A: The Intellectual Property (IP) is owned by the employer(s) however, agreement would need to be reached regarding the accessibility by the rest of the sector in the longer term to maximize the benefits of the resource development.

Q: Is there likely to be significant changes made to the Workplace Training Innovation Programme application and guidelines following feedback from the Roadshows?

A: Significant changes are not anticipated.

Q: In terms of the Workplace Training Innovation Programme, what does the term “workplace” mean?
A: A “workplace” as referred to in the documentation is an employer who has trainees and is undertaking the workplace national qualification-based training.

Q: Would the Careerforce “rebate” scheme continue to apply to workplaces who also submit an application for the Workplace Training Innovation Programme?

A: Yes. Careerforce will continue to support the costs incurred by the employer or individual who is paying for the workplace assessment via the rebate scheme.

Q: Will there be another round of funding available or will all the funding be committed in 2010?

A: It is anticipated that up to the full $3 million will be allocated depending on the quantity and quality of applications received.

Q: When will each financial year start and finish? 

A:  The payment schedule is related to the milestone reports and dates.

Q: Will the Trust review progress on the Workplace Training Innovation Programme annually?

A: Yes. The Trust will review the Workplace Training Innovation Programme report on a quarterly basis to ensure that the outcomes are being achieved.  Feedback about the programme is also welcomed at any time by sending an email to melanyjayne.davies@careerforce.org.nz. The initial Workplace Training Innovation Programme outcomes will be reviewed in terms of them meeting the needs of the Health and Disability sector in 2013.

Q: Our workplace currently delivers the National Certificate in Community Support Services (Foundation Skills) L2, however we wish to now seek funding to support the learning and assessment capability for delivering the National Certificate in Community Support Services (Core Competencies) L3. Would this meet the criteria for the Workplace Training Innovation Programme?

A: The Level 3 qualification for you is new and therefore appears to meet the criteria.

Q: Will the Trust support an application for a qualification(s) that may come on-stream in the 3 year period that may not yet be registered on the NQF?

A: The Trustees agreed to leave the current application as it is, however, the Trustees confirmed that they would consider applications that included potential new qualifications.

Q: Can an employer discuss their innovative idea to get a steer as to whether it would be likely to be considered? 

A:  No, in the interest of being fair to all, the process will remain where questions are answered on the website for all to see. Advice can be sought on whether an application appears to fit within the funding criteria.