The Productivity Places Program is a great way to improve your skills so you can find employment.

The Program provides new training places in skills employers want and is designed to help you secure employment.

The Program is part of the Australian Government's Skilling Australia for the Future initiative.

The training will be delivered by training organisations in your local area.

You can gain a new qualification or upgrade an existing qualification.

Initially only qualifications at the Certificate II or Certificate III levels will be offered. From 1 July 2008, higherlevel qualifications will be available.

If you are looking for work, the Australian Government will fully fund training under the Program.

Training will only be available in industries experiencing skill shortages.

The duration, timing and location of courses will depend on the qualification you choose. If you are registered with an employment service provider, you need to talk to your provider about what courses are on offer and the type of training most suitable for you.

For a list of industries where training places will be available, go to www.productivityplaces.deewr.gov.au and click on the 'for people looking for training' link.

Select the PDF document below to view all qualifications offered with DTA.

To be eligible for a training place, you need to be currently looking

for work. You also need to be an Australian citizen or a permanent

resident of Australia and be over the age of 15.

Some other eligibility criteria apply. These are available from your local training organisation, employment service provider or from the website www.productivityplaces.deewr.gov.au.

*Please note, full-time students and people who are self employed

are not eligible for the program.

If you are registered with an employment service provider, such as Job Network or Disability Employment Network, you need to contact your provider to discuss your interest and obtain a referral to Direct Training Australia.

If you are not registered with an employment service provider, you need to apply directly to Direct Training Australia on 1300 307 500 or via email (see link below).

If you are interested in an Australian Apprenticeship under the program, you will need to contact your Australian Apprenticeships Centre.

If you are a CDEP participant, you will need to get a referral letter from your CDEP manager or supervisor.