FREE and accredited online training will be offered in conjunction with TAFE NSW, the University of Newcastle and Novaskill as part of the City of Newcastle coronavirus response.
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The council on Thursday announced it would help offer packages including customer behaviour, digital and social media marketing, and management and finance. The 14 programs also include community engagement and leadership skills.
Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the program was designed to help a business community that continued to reckon with a post-lockdown slump.
"The small business sector has been required to adapt quickly in order to survive the unprecedented effects of COVID-19 on our community," Cr Nelmes said.
"This training is targeted at providing local businesses and their staff with an ongoing benefit during the recovery phase and beyond, as the economy returns to a 'new normal' state.
"By upskilling our local workforce and empowering people to learn, we can help provide a sense of positivity and support for the business community as they work to recover from this period of extraordinary economic and social disruption."
Enrolments are open through the three education organisations for anyone who works for a business within the Newcastle local government area that employs 20 or fewer staff.
Each staff member is eligible for one of the training packages, which run until the end of November.
TAFE NSW regional general manager Jason Darney congratulated the council for making education part of its response to the pandemic's economic blow.
"TAFE NSW short courses are perfect for training small business professionals in vital skills, which can be applied immediately to improve business functions," Mr Darney said.
"The customised program of short courses support the specific needs of small businesses moving forward in the recovery phase of COVID-19."
University of Newcastle pro vice-chancellor business and law Professor Tony Travaglione said the council plan aligned with the university's desire to respond to regional challenges.
Novaskill general manager Amanda Saunders said the courses would help workers prepare for "the new normal we are all now facing".
Full details on how to enrol are available at the council's website.
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