Upskilling your workforce in sustainability
Businesses throughout NSW are already incorporating sustainability and energy efficiency ways of thinking into their business processes and operations.
Sustainability improvements merely mean being more efficient in your business processes and resource usage, reducing wastage - doing more with less.
Energy efficiency speaks for itself, but goes far beyond merely turning off lights. It requires a critically examining the ways you use, monitor and manage energy usage as a business, throughout your operations.
To operate in a more sustainable and energy efficient manner, and reap the business benefits that can flow as a result, your workforce needs to be equipped with the appropriate skills and knowledge.
Examples of the benefits gained and opportunities uncovered by some businesses that have embraced sustainable thinking, can be found on our Case Studies page.
On this page:
What you need to know
The issues of climate change, sustainability and carbon reduction have led to increased regulatory pressure and stakeholder expectations changing the way we need to view our business operations. Training in sustainability and energy efficiency can help the business community to meet these challenges, and to take full advantage of the growing range of business opportunities opening across all sectors.
More information on how moving towards a low carbon economy might affect your business can be found at the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.
A wealth of information sites and resources exist to help organisations moving towards improved sustainable and energy efficient business practices. A selection of these can be found in our resources section.
How to get the know-how
The need for sustainability and energy efficiency expertise affects all businesses and their staff, from an office worker who needs knowledge on reducing waste and energy usages, through to a builder who needs the skills to advise on and correctly install the latest energy and water-conservation techniques. There are five main options for getting your staff 'green-skilled'.
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Vocational Education and Training (VET) – training provided by government-backed agencies like TAFE and private organisations known as Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). These bodies provide training which is accredited, and the qualifications gained are recognised across Australia.
Our Course Finder tool has information on a range of training courses that are available. Alternatively you can contact your nearest State Training Services centre on 13 28 11 to discuss your training needs and the options available. -
Industry Associations – these often deliver training which is recognised by their industry. The training may or may not be accredited and nationally recognised, enquiries should be made to the association if these elements are important to you and your workers to be trained.
They are also a good first stop for information. Many hold information sessions on what training is available, what skills are being sought by the industry, or are expected to be in the future, and what skills programs they run. -
Group Training Organisations (GTOs) – work with employers to employ apprentices and trainees, and to organise their training. Many specialise in a particular industry, like plumbing or electrical. Read more here.
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Private Consultants – can provide in-house training for your staff and will tailor it for your needs. The training they provide may or may not be accredited, or recognised by industry bodies.
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Recognition of Prior Learning – your staff may already have sets of skills that they have learned, that with a little more effort can be turned into a recognised qualification. See our section on Skills and Trade Recognition for more details.
What help is available
There are many support programs and tools to help you to green your business. Our resources area offers links to a selection of these to get you started.
Training subsidies may be available though the NSW Department of Education and Communities' Green Skills and Energy Efficiency Strategy, for courses with appropriate content. Contact your State Training Services centre on 13 28 11 for more information and to discuss the skills development needs of your business.
The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) has Programs to help businesses lower their business costs and reduce their impact on the environment.
The Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program provides a participating business with a subsidised energy assessment and tailored action plan, to reduce their energy usage. The Program offers rebates of up to $5,000 for energy efficiency improvements.
The Sustainability Advantage Program aims to help medium to large organisations improve their environmental performance by building capacity in key sustainability areas. Through the Program participating organisations gain access to expert consultants, supporting tools and networks of like minded organisations working towards similar goals. The program requires an 18 month commitment and a modest financial contribution.
