What Is a Training Benchmark and How Does Upskilling Help Grow Your Business?
What the Training Benchmark Scheme is
Basically, if an employer/business owner seeks to sponsor an overseas worker for a Subclass 457 Temporary Working visa, Subclass 186 ENS visa and/or Subclass 187 RSMS (Temporary Residence Transitional) Visa, then he or she will need to prove that the business has paid a sum of their salary to the training of working Australian Citizens and/or permanent residents.
What is Training Benchmark B?The Benchmark Training B is defined in the legislation as Recent expenditure, by the business, to the equivalent of at least 1% of the payroll of the business, in the provision of training to employees of the business.
With the focus and reference of Training Benchmark B, it is an industry process that gives businesses the opportunity to upskill its employees and boost workplace efficiency on both a professional and personal level.
What Do You Need to Be Eligible to Meet Training Benchmark B?
To meet the Training Benchmark B requirements, you (business) will need to show evidence that you/business have been training your current employees (Australian staff) whilst holding a training schedule and/or plan for continual training etc.
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In short, an industry ‘Training Fund’ is a form created by the legislation, that is responsible for providing funding for training of competent workers in certain industries.
What Happens If You Aren't Eligible for Benchmark B?
As an employer, if you haven’t been training your existing employees or do not have any staff to train, you probably need to apply for what is called 'Benchmark A' (higher investment training - usually around 2%) – it is recommended that you seek advice from your migration representative prior to commitment.
Which Industries Are Eligible for the Application of Citizenship Employment?
One of the most frequent questions that we get asked as an education provider is, "who can apply for this"? Well, basically ANY type of business or employer can apply!
What Are the Advantages and Benefits of Benchmark Provisions?
- 1. Employers only need to spend 1% of their payroll for the training of their Australian citizen and/or permanent resident employees. Note: changes to this will be made March 2018.
- 2. Little staff turnover - cost efficient from not needing to train new employees. I.e. recruitment costs, additional onsite staff training etc.
- 3. Gives you the opportunity to up-skill your own employees and improve workplace productivity, which adds direct value to the bottom line of the business.
Will Upskilling Improve My Business?
This question gets thrown around frequently and therefore has employers concerned about their return on investment (ROI) when investing funds into their employees training and skills development.
In a nutshell, the outcome of upskilling employees is far more advantageous for your business than any other component of online training. The reasons are as follows:
- Employees work standards shift, they become more functional and skilled in certain fields giving your business better edge over competitors who choose to remain complacent.
- Industry updates and requirements are met with legislation guidelines - fewer acts of improper work ethics and codes.
- Higher teamwork collaboration takes form due to the same level of knowledge and skills.
Who Can Provide this for my Business?
Northwestern Institute can offer this training to your employees via a tailored package of industry specific units and courses that are designed to be simple, effective and still improve your employee’s knowledge, productivity and their portfolio, from MS word to Business Administration we have options for you.