2013 Better Linkages between Employment and Training Initiative:
Feedback on the Request for Proposal (RFP) process
The Better Linkages between Employment and Training Initiative differed in several respects to
previous ETD initiatives. While a good number of applications were submitted, there were relatively
few successful applications in the first round so it was decided to seek feedback to inform the
planning of further rounds.
All Employment Service Providers (ESPs) and those Registered Training Organisations (ESPs) who had
attended the briefing workshop for the initiative but did not then submit an application were invited
to participate in a teleconference seeking their feedback.
Seven RTOs and eight ESPs responded and provided feedback.
Two RTOs and three ESPs did not respond to several invitations to provide feedback.
Feedback meetings were also held with unsuccessful applicants.
Key elements of the feedback received
Reasons given by RTOs for deciding not to submit applications included





Risk to RTO business
Complexity of project/proposal
Timing in relation to other commitments, events
Insufficient time to prepare an application
Problems engaging with ESPs to partner with
Reasons given by ESPs for deciding not to partner with an RTO and submit an application








Internal organisational barriers, e.g. change of staff, poor internal communication, limited
staff to attend meetings with RTOs
Benefits to business assessed as insufficient for resources required
Insufficient time to prepare an application, given the need to work with other organisations
Late information and lack of clarity about intention of project
The proposal required too much paperwork
Initial contact by RTO was not followed up
A specific proposal was not deemed acceptable
Felt they already have good contacts with a number of RTOs
All RTOs and ESPs who provided feedback advised they would be interested in participating in a
future Better Linkages initiative.
Date created: 21/08/2013
1
Suggestions for future Better Linkages Initiatives

Improved training options, for example:
 Re- training opportunities for people with lapsed training/qualifications
 Combined English and vocational training
 More innovative, engaging, varied training opportunities
 Need for small group training
 Combining training that will get people jobs with training that will engage clients
 Shorter, lower level courses for clients that find it difficult to engage
 More training opportunities in Tuggeranong
 Basic LLN course for adults

Improved pathways to employment
 Need linkages with employers
 Improved work experience opportunities
 Tools to help us sell the value of qualifications to employers
 Tools and strategies to improve the transition from training to employment

Tools to assist in advising clients
 Assessment tools to use to determine jobseeker suitability for particular
training/employment opportunities
 Tools to help us sell the value of training to job seekers
 Strategies to keep clients engaged

Improved support to clients
 Better, easier provision of wrap-around community services to clients

Communication/ Information sharing
 Improved communication flow between ESP and RTO in relation to individual clients
 Information for RTOs about people with disabilities
 Bridging the “language gaps” between RTOs, JSAs, community agencies
 Networking opportunities, using existing forums
 Facilitating ESP linkages with school trade training centres
 Ensuring RTOs understand what it takes to work with clients with complex needs
 Researching and mapping the characteristics and needs of JSA clients in the ACT

Improvements to the RFP process
 RFP process should involve more input from the ESP
 Emphasise the innovation, don’t set too many boundaries
 More clarity around criteria
 More engagement with RTOs as well as JSAs before the project was launched
Date created: 21/08/2013
2