Professional development is an ongoing process designed to enhance: an individual’s ability to do their job effectively and build their potential for career advancement. Professional development is most effective when it addresses identified organisational capability and capacity gaps in alignment with individual needs.

The LAI’s professional development activities are based on organisational needs identified

• by the partner organisation
• as the result of some form of needs analysis, or
• in areas recognised as strategically important to future requirements.

Professional development activities arranged by LAI include Australia Award Short Courses, general training, customized training, on the job coaching, and the establishment and support of professional networks and communities of practice.

A significant proportion of the LAI HRD team effort is used identifying, designing and delivering training programs.

A specific training course is one that is broadly generic and therefore can be delivered to a wide range of people and organisations. The competencies and knowledge the program addresses are recognised as important to most, if not all, organisations. For example; the LAI Effective Leadership program and our Introduction to Workforce Planning course.

Customised training is designed and delivered in response to an identified existing or future capability gap in an organisation. This can be targeted at any area where an organisation recognises the need for higher levels of performance. For example; Interpretation and Translation Skills, Minute Taking and Report Writing, and Proposal Formulation and Drafting.

Australia Awards Short Courses are targeted programs of intensive training for selected cohorts to address subject knowledge, transferable skills and specific technical skills. They are formal study or training opportunities delivered by an approved Australian higher education provider or an Australian Registered Training Organisation in Australia and/or in partner countries.

The LAI administers Australia Awards on behalf of the Government of Australia. Australia Award Short Courses offer participants a unique and prestigious opportunity to undertake study, research and professional development provided by highly regarded Australian institutions.

Most courses include an Award Project where the participant demonstrates their learning through applied project work in their workplace. The most successful Award Projects are supported by the participant’s line manager and organization.

These courses contribute to the long-term objectives of promoting growth and stability in our region, as well as strengthening links between people and organisations to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation.