Geelong Manufacturing Council and Industry Capability Network Victoria (ICN) last week signed a formal collaboration agreement to support Geelong and regional SMEs to take advantage of opportunities available to work on major projects.
ICN supports SMEs, promoting opportunities to compete for work on major projects, aided by local content considerations. The organisation partners with government in implementing the Local Jobs First policy, identifies local capability and assists with the project procurement process.
ICN Victoria CEO, Dianne Smith said, “We are delighted to strengthen what is a long running relationship between our two organisations. This MoU cements a shared commitment to support local industry participate in major projects.”
Activities promoted under the MoU include an expansion of ICN’s Regional Showcase series, including an annual Geelong event, regular project briefings for GMC members, and ongoing promotion of local capabilities for major projects.
GMC members will be invited to free training sessions to help their chances of success in major projects. Training will include workshops on gaining access to ICN Gateway resources, as well as sessions on how to get the most out of ICN’s VMC (the go-to system particularly, during bid phase of project procurement).
The collaboration aims to identify and share new business opportunities with GMC members and identify local industry capability throughout Geelong and the region.
“We see this as an important collaboration which will yield benefits for local investment and employment – and supports our GMC/ENG members to gain better access to opportunities,” GMC CEO, Jenn Conley said.