Continuing Professional Development Program

Continuing Professional Development Program

This program comes into effect on 1 March 2004 for the Building and Construction Industry, introducing new requirements for holders of building and trade licences and nominated qualified supervisors to undertake continuing professional development on an ongoing basis. The qualified supervisors are restricted to those who hold a current supervisor certificate that has been nominated and linked to a contractor licence.

The Continuing Professional Development Program has been developed, following the inquiry into residential building in NSW, in apparent consultation with the major building industry associations, professional associations and TAFE NSW.

Whilst mandatory for all contractors and nominated supervisors linked to a current licence, the scheme will be administered by way of self-certification at the time of renewal. Under the Scheme, participants will be required to accumulate 100 CPD points each three years.

There are 7 categories of CPD activities available and points can be awarded from activities such as attending information/trade nights through to structured training.

I have received constituent approaches on this issue and I trust businesses will contact me to discuss their concerns.

Programs to Assist Small Business

The New South Wales Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD) has a number of programs and initiatives to assist small business. They include:

Small Business Expansion Program
This initiative provides support for small business to innovate and grow. It assists client firms (with annual turnover of up to A$5 million) with a subsidy to offset the cost of employing consultants or participating in accredited group programs.

High Growth Business Program
This program is aimed at helping high-growth businesses to achieve their export potential by working closely with clients to identify areas of their business that need strengthening or customising in order to develop on an international basis. Firms with an annual turnover of up to A$30 million are eligible to participate.

Women in Business Mentor Program
This program provides a link between emerging female entrepreneurs and experienced business owners. It aims to enhance business success by making assistance and experience available to businesswomen.

E-Commerce Business Reviews
DSRD recognises the importance of e-commerce to maintaining business competitiveness. Small and medium businesses can benefit by utilising the services of a consultant to: evaluate their e-commerce potential; strategically plan adopting e-commerce; and facilitate the support process of adopting e-commerce.

Technology Diffusion Program
The TDP was set up to assist small business to identify, evaluate and adopt new technologies and management practices through: technology awareness groups; diagnostics and technology implementation consultancies; technology awareness events; and provision of self-help tools.

Small Business Advisory Centres
There are 50 Small Business Advisory Centres across New South Wales to provide free, confidential assistance. The centres provide information and training required to succeed in business.

More information can be obtained from the New South Wales Department of State and Regional Development's website at www.business.nsw.gov.au or by phoning 66224011.