The Training and Development and Study Assistance Policy establishes a comprehensive framework for supporting employee learning, professional development, and tertiary education that aligns with both individual career aspirations and the Company's strategic business objectives. It outlines the eligibility criteria for study assistance, the distinction between Company-sponsored training and employee-initiated studies, funding arrangements, approval processes, work-back obligations, repayment conditions, and employee responsibilities throughout the study period. The policy also provides a structured process for applying for financial assistance, managing academic progress, and ensuring that training and development investments contribute to organisational capability, employee growth, succession planning, and long-term talent retention.

What's Included

1. Introduction

• Purpose of the policy
• Employee learning and development
• Study assistance framework
• Relationship with leave and training policies

2. Scope

• Employee eligibility requirements
• Minimum service period
• Performance requirements
• Management discretion
• Business needs assessment

3. Policy

• Learning and development objectives
• Employee growth and career development
• Study assistance funding
• Work-back agreement requirements

4. Application of the Policy

• Difference between study assistance and Company-sponsored training
• Tertiary education support
• Short courses and business training
• Accredited qualifications
• Career development criteria

5. Study Assistance Funding

• Company funding contribution
• Employee funding contribution
• Registration and tuition fees
• Excluded study expenses
• Textbooks, accommodation and travel costs

6. Conditions for Granting Study Assistance

• Permanent employment requirements
• Line Manager motivation
• Budget approval process
• General Manager and EXCO approval
• Performance requirements
• Study period obligations
• Work-back period
• Successful course completion requirements

7. Repayment of Study Assistance

Termination of Employment

• Resignation during studies
• Dismissal during study period
• Repayment obligations
• Pro-rata repayment calculations
• Completion of service obligation
• Exceptions for no-fault terminations

Withdrawal or Failure

• Withdrawal from studies
• Course failure
• Repayment of study assistance
• Future funding eligibility
• Repeating failed modules

8. Study Assistance Procedure

Training and Development Discussions

• Performance review discussions
• Development planning
• Budget considerations

Application Process

• Study Assistance Application Form
• Line Manager approval
• HR submission
• General Manager and EXCO review

Study Assistance Agreement

• Work-back agreement
• Employee obligations
• HR administration

Administration and Monitoring

• Payment of course fees
• Academic progress reporting
• Examination schedules
• Results submission
• Monitoring by HR
• Confidentiality of Company information used in coursework