Career Investment

Objective

The company encourages employees to improve themselves through the undertaking of external education courses. Ongoing learning is considered essential as one means of ensuring employees gain the business, interpersonal and management skills necessary to do their jobs now and in the future.

Applicability

Assistance is provided to all full-time and part-time permanent employees undertaking part-time courses (not full-time); who have at least one year's service with the company and the course meets the criteria set out below.

Criteria - Organisation

To assist in the achievement of the above objective, the company will provide study leave and reimbursement of some expenses on the basis that the course:

  1. Provides identified competencies required by the organisation of its people.
  2. Supports the businesses' objectives now and in the future.
  3. Improves career prospects and development opportunities.
  4. Is conducted by an accredited college or university and awards certificates of accreditation, undergraduate, masters or doctoral degree.
  5. Subjects taken are directly relevant to the current or expected work duties.
Criteria - Individual
  1. The individual is performing their job satisfactorily and continues to do so.
  2. Demonstrates continuous satisfactory academic progress.
  3. Is considered capable of successfully completing the course.

Benefits

Time Off

(a) Up to four hours' study leave off per week during periods of schedule classes, where course attendance is greater than nine hours per week (this is granted on the basis of reasonable make up of work requirements);

(b) A day off prior to a major exam (except if the exam is on a Monday) and the day of the exam only.

Level of Company's Financial Support

The company will reimburse a maximum two thirds of the course costs, including HEC’s and costs associated with periodical residential requirements (but excluding books) per year. The two thirds maximum is further limited to no more than $2,000 per annum.

All reimbursements will be in arrears for successful passes of subjects taken.

Approval

For courses of one year's duration or more, approval is required at the beginning of each year, whilst courses of less than one year's duration must be approved before commencement, in order for reimbursement of course expenses to be considered.

Information to Staff

Continuing Business & Professional Education Assistance for Employees Undertaking Part-Time Studies

MAINCO Melbourne part-time studies policy has been developed to encourage employees to continue their Business and Professional education as a means of:

  • Developing job related knowledge and skills
  • Raising the level of expertise within the organisation
  • Providing opportunities for individual growth

Who is Eligible?

Assistance is available to all Permanent full-time and part-time employees, with 12 months' service (or more), wishing to undertake an approved course of study.

What is an approved course?

An approved course is one which is clearly related to an employees present position or immediate perceived career path.

What are the Benefits?

Fees

On the successful completion of each subject in the course, the Company will reimburse a maximum two-thirds of all compulsory registration, tuition and fixed costs such as examination and institution fees and any Government levy applied per annum. The level of support is further limited to not more than $2,000 per annum.

Note: Reimbursement excludes textbooks, since they remain the property of the individual.

Where an approved course requires periodical residence at the place of instruction, the employee will be reimbursed for the cost of accommodation and reasonable transport.

Time Off

Up to four hours per week where scheduled course attendance is greater than nine hours.

When required to sit for examinations, as part of the course, appropriate time off will be allowed.

As well, one day’s study leave for examination in addition to the above (providing the exam is not on a Monday).

This is granted on the basis that your work does not suffer.

What are the Conditions?

The assistance is offered subject to:

  • Continued satisfactory worker performances
  • Satisfactory academic progress
  • Appropriate arrangements being made for absences
  • The course being of relevance to the skills and knowledge of the employees required by the Company now and in the future

How to Apply

Application forms are available from your Manager.

Each application must be discussed with your Manager, prior to enrolment as automatic assistance cannot be assumed.