The project employs one part-time member of staff, the Training Brokerage Co-ordinator, whose primary role is to identify training needs of the human services sector on the Central Coast, broker training to meet those needs, and to carry out relevant evaluation and assessment of training that is delivered.

In addition to this, the Training Brokerage Co-ordinator provides a training consultancy service to community organisations on the Central Coast at a negotiable rate. This "consultancy" element enables community organisations to further benifit from the projects expertise whilst generating additional funds which may help sustain the project after the current funding ceases.

• to provide affordable and relevant training for human service providers on the Central Coast
• to provide affordable and relevant training for Management Committees and volunteers on the Central Coast

This will be achieved by:

• developing mutually beneficial partnerships with other key training providers and agencies on the Central Coast
• contributing to the training and development of local people so as to minimise the need to import resources from outside of the local area
• playing a key role in the development of a Central Coast Training Forum which will aim to work towards the development of a multidisciplinary Central Coast training strategy

How are training topics decided upon?
The Training Brokerage Co-ordinator carries out and utilises existing training needs analysis, and collects anecdotal evidence relating to the training needs of the Central Coast community sector. Once gaps have been identified, appropriate trainers are contracted and regular training calendars developed and distributed throughout the sector.

What sort of training is provided?
A variety of training topics are offered dependant upon need. Some will be accredited and some will be non-accredited depending on availability, suitability and again, need.

How do I communicate my training needs?
You can contact the Training Brokerage Co-ordinator who will be happy to discuss your training needs.

Who delivers the training?
A variety of high quality, specialist trainers are used to deliver the training. Where possible, local trainers are contracted, however, agencies such as NCOSS and the School of Volunteer Management are also utilised.

How are quality standards monitored?
Every training session is evaluated by the participants, the trainer and the Project Co-ordinator. Feedback is then collated and acted upon appropriately so as to ensure that the highest possible training is provided at all times.

How much does the training cost?
The project is not-for-profit and we aim to keep all training "affordable" by offering a sliding fee scale which is created for each course individually.

How do I find out about what training is being offered?
If you would like to ensure that you are kept informed of what training is being offered, please call the Project Co-ordinator who will put you on the mailing list.

Where is the training run?
The training is provided at a variety of community based venues across the Central Coast.