The Government called for proposals for the project, with organisations encouraged to develop ideas or trial projects that can be delivered across Australia, utilising the world-class technology of the National Broadband Network to help more people access education and training.

Applications are invited from a range of recognised education and skills service providers, such as Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and TAFEs, schools, universities, industry representatives, community organisations, and not-for- profit organisations.

Minister for School Education, Peter Garrett, said education and skills service providers are well placed to produce innovative projects across a range of areas from early childhood to adult education.

“This is a first step towards delivering projects that will provide all Australians with improved access to online education, training and skills services,” he says.

“Services developed through the program have the potential to allow students and teachers to access more information to support their classroom activities, and to collaborate with students and teachers around Australia.”

Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Stephen Conroy says proposals need to have the potential to deliver high quality, accessible and sustainable online content/tools to Australian schools, TAFEs, universities, workplaces and homes over the National Broadband Network (NBN).

“Projects need to be designed to take advantage of high-speed broadband available through the NBN, and need to target NBN early rollout communities that will first benefit from the new network,” Senator Conroy says.

Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, Chris Evans, said projects should be designed to encourage professional learning and skills development in the workplace.

“Winning ideas will be designed to improve productivity and initiatives that help people, particularly those working in regional locations, access the information they require to learn, work and live,” Senator Evans says.

“We are committed to ensuring that all Australians have access to education and training services that will equip them with the skills they need to succeed in future study or work.

“The NBN-Enabled Education and Skills Services program is just one of many fundamental Gillard Government education and training reform initiatives to support the long term productivity and economic growth of Australia.

Mr Garrett said the initiative builds on the investment of over $2.4 billion in the Digital Education Revolution, providing Australian students with the learning tools required for success in today’s digital world.

The call for proposals will close on 3 February 2012. Successful projects will be announced early in 2012.

For more information on the NBN-Enabled Education and Skills Services program, including detailed application information visit: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Department/Pages/nbneducationandskills.aspx