Program Overview: Employment and Training
The Employment and Training Program comprises of two subprograms:
1. Community Development Employment Program (CDEP); and
2. Community Training Program (CTP).
PROGRAM – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (CDEP)
2010/12 CDEP PROGRAM FUNDING
Objective
To provide Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal people living in the region with the opportunity to voluntarily work in community managed activities that contribute to economic, social and community development and cultural maintenance.
Description
The TSRA currently manages a CDEP for approximately 1,750 participants across 19 Torres Strait Island communities, including Bamaga and Seisia in the Northern Peninsula Area. It enables unemployed Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people to undertake work on activities chosen by the community or an organisation and is an attractive alternative to unemployment benefits. Three service providers manage the CDEP projects: the Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC), Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council and Community Enterprises Australia Ltd.
The CDEP facilitates community development by implementing projects prioritised by the communities themselves. The Program is flexible and can link with other programs, such as the Business Funding and Community Economic Initiatives Schemes, the Major Infrastructure Program (MIP), various Australian and Queensland Government housing schemes, the Community Training Program (CTP), apprenticeships, and various accredited training programs provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments. It also involves funding for land and sea management, and environmental and landscaping programs.
Funding
In 2007-2008, the TSRA was allocated $33,618,148 for CDEP and committed $32,762,205 of these funds to projects in the Torres Strait region, achieving 93.1% expenditure of commitment. As at 30 June 2008, there were 1,750 active participants in three CDEP schemes, covering 19 communities. Expenditure for the year was $30,495,733, comprising wages totalling $22,661,470 and recurrent/capital funds totalling $7,834,263 (including $77,927 expended as support activities).
Achievements
A process of CDEP reform commenced this year, utilising the following measures:
• Reducing the number of CDEP service providers across the region
• Investigating the amount of Local, State and Commonwealth Government agency positions currently being subsidised by CDEP
• Working with the newly formed Regional Councils to streamline CDEP across the region
• Managing the Community Training Program (CTP) to include only those CDEP organisations with structured training programs for participants
• Increasing the use of host agreements with employers
• Implementing new CDEP guidelines in areas with a recognised job and labour market
• Increasing the transition of CDEP participants to full time employment.
Projects this year included: Council and CDEP administration, fuel depots, public transport, landscaping, land-care and environment management programs fostered by the TSRA’s Land & Sea Management Unit, recycling, contract cleaning, hydroponics, cemetery maintenance, road and drainage construction and maintenance, nursery projects, livestock management, an abattoir, stevedoring, mechanical workshops, tourism and hospitality, community policing, women, youth, culture and church projects, work experience as teachers’ aides and health care assistants, fishing, seafood processing and marketing, take-away enterprises, a supermarket and other retail outlets, construction and maintenance of buildings, a quarry, sea walls, levee banks, screen-printing, art and crafts, child care, and broadcasting.
PROGRAM – COMMUNITY TRAINING PROGRAM (CTP)
Objective
To improve individual and community skill levels to enable communities and individuals to improve self-management and become more competitive in the mainstream labour markets.
Description
This component provides community organisations with the opportunity to apply for funds to upgrade skills in administration and financial management in service industries and trades, as well as training for environmental issues, health, heritage, culture and land management. This training can take the form of formal courses, on-the-job training, a mixture of both, or the employment of tradesmen assuming responsibility for apprenticeships.
Through this component, financial assistance may also be provided to a staff member from a sponsoring organisation to undertake a full-time accredited course at a recognised tertiary educational institution.
Funding
In 2007-2008, the TSRA allocated and committed $1,029,000 for CTPs in various Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations, achieving 100% expenditure over commitment. $1,000,000 went to CDEP organisations and $24,000 rolled over from last year went to the Torres Strait Islander’s Media Association for specialised staff training. A further $5,000 was committed to two school-based projects.
Achievements
During the year a total of 32 separate training projects were approved across 13 communities. Nineteen of these projects were in trades, where CTP funds paid tradesman for the training of apprentices and trainees. These projects accounted for 93% of CTP funds and included plumbing, carpentry, welding, electrical, painting, mechanics, and butchery, and involved both apprentices and trainees. Other training included accounting (MYOB), plant operation, web design, dangerous goods handling, chainsaw operation, screen and lino printing, horticulture, management and hospitality.