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Government of South Australia - Department of State Development

    News

    30th Jan 2025
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    AnnouncementsWorkforceSmall and Family Business

    Support for Whyalla-based workers and businesses

    Workers navigating redundancy, job loss or reduced hours can now access personalised career counselling to support their transition into another role or career.

    The South Australian Government is partnering with local support organisations to assist those who have experienced job loss, interruption to training, or business challenges associated with the reduced capacity of Whyalla’s steelworks.

    Delivered by RDA Eyre Peninsula (RDAEP) in partnership with Resources and Engineering Skills Alliance (RESA), the Career Transition Service aims to equip each participant with a tailored career plan, which may include referrals to free accredited training.

    This training, subsidised by the South Australian Government for contractors and workers impacted by the current downturn in Whyalla’s steelmaking, includes access to opportunities such as:

    • Fee Free TAFE and other vocational education and training (VET) courses available on the Subsidised Training List,
    • Recognition of Prior Learning,
    • Accredited occupational tickets and high-risk licences (e.g. forklift, whitecard, first aid, confined space, elevated work platform).

    To receive career counselling and access to these no-cost training opportunities, contact the Career Transition Service.

    Explore the Career Transition Service

    Support for small businesses in Whyalla

    Small businesses can access financial, diversification, and other business advice through the Small Business Fundamentals Program.

    Delivered by the RDA Eyre Peninsula (RDAEP), the Program has been expanded by the South Australian Government to provide additional support to Whyalla-based businesses.

    This includes workshops for businesses to develop a capability statement, helping participants position themselves to compete for work on local projects.

    Contact RDAEP to browse upcoming workshops, seek business mentoring, or access financial advisory services.

    The Small Business Commissioner SA can help businesses with dispute resolution, such as seeking payment of unpaid invoices.

    Visit RDA Eyre Peninsula

    Support for apprentices impacted by the downturn in Whyalla steelmaking

    Apprentices experiencing any disruption to their employment, including job loss or a reduction in hours, are encouraged to contact the Apprentice Employment Network SA (AEN SA) via telephone (08) 8346 2227 or aensa.com.au/contact-us.

    AEN SA, in partnership with the South Australian Skills Commission and group training organisations operating in Whyalla, is working to connect all impacted apprentices with new host employers. Fees associated with the transfer to a new employer will be waived.

    An Apprentice Retention Program also ensures apprentices can progress with their off-job training while a new employer is identified, and be paid wages throughout.

    Apprentices who are entering their final, fourth year of study will be prioritised for early completion of their apprenticeship.

    Impacted apprentices can also contact the South Australian Skills Commission on telephone 1800 673 097 or email skillscommission@sa.gov.au for further support.

    Contact AEN SA

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