The EDA National Education and Training Program is the accredited professional development course for Australian economic development professionals. Core and elective modules deliver knowledge, skills and insight, using practical case studies, a global perspective and adaptable tools to help you build a strong and resilient local economy.
Accreditation
Core and Elective EDA modules are recognised activities for EDA members seeking accreditation as an Australian Certified Economic Developer (ACEcD).
To achieve Australian Certified Economic Developer (ACEcD) accreditation, participants must be a member of EDA and complete:
- Four CORE Modules (CORE Module 1.1 – CORE Module 1.4)
- At least two ELECTIVE modules.
- Successful completion of assessment for each module
To achieve accreditation, modules can be completed across multiple calendar blocks but must be completed within 3 years.
Existing ACEcD members will be awarded 10 CPD points upon successful completion of each module. For further information about EDA’s ACEcD accreditation program click here.
Assessment
Assessments will be conducted for each module via short, on-line tests during the session and longer form, essay format following the session.
The Training Team
EDA modules are delivered by economic development experts with real life experience, who have been trained in delivering the EDA modules.
Delivery Modes
EDA training is designed to be delivered either face to face or via virtual delivery. Small groups and regular break out sessions ensure quality delivery, collegial interaction and interactive learning.
All modules are full day training – from 10am to 5pm (approx). Sydney time.
EDA Module fees
Fees are noted in the respective training.
Face-to-Face Training
- Western Australia | 15 – 19 April 2024
- Melbourne | 17 – 21 June 2024
- Sydney | 9 – 13 September 2024
Register interest for face-to-face training
Virtual Training
- February/March 2024
- May/June 2024
- July/August 2024
- October/November/December 2024
Modules
CORE: 1.1: Overview of Best Practice Economic Development
This module provides a synopsis of the economic development strategies and approaches in Australia, and around the world, and how this is reflected in public policy. Download the module overview.
CORE: 1.2: Strategic Planning for Economic Development
This Module sets out the best practice principles for developing an economic development strategy. Participants will examine the core elements of good strategic planning in a way that is directly relevant to local economic developers and their constantly changing environments. Download the module overview.
CORE: 1.3: Measuring & Evaluating Economic Development
This module provides a practical framework for measuring and evaluating economic development activities, and how to communicate outcomes in the context of broader economic trends. Download the module overview.
CORE: 1.4: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entrepreneurship & Inclusive Economic Development
The inclusion of this module reflects Economic Development Australia’s commitment to inclusiveness and equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and aims to build capacity in the economic development sector to ensure better facilitation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ engagement in Australia’s market economy. Download the module overview.
ELECTIVE 2.1 – Local Business Development, Retention & Expansion
This Module provides participants with a practical toolkit for supporting and strengthening a region’s existing businesses to attract investment and grow the local economy. It explores different ways economic development can leverage local economies. Download the module overview.
ELECTIVE: 2.2 – Industry Clusters to Build Competitiveness
This module will provide an overview of why geography and spatial relationships matter to local and regional economies, and the particular role that clusters play in supporting economic growth. The importance of innovation, and how clusters can increase regional innovation and competitiveness will be a particular focus. Download the module overview.
ELECTIVE: 2.3 – Investment Attraction & Export Development
This module will equip economic development professionals to understand the core principles of facilitating investment and when to apply the principles of investment attraction. This module will also explore ways to assist businesses develop export markets and will cover what legal and cultural implications should be considered when doing business with key international markets. Download the module overview.
ELECTIVE 2.4 – Industry Development
Industry development refers to the process of identifying and implementing actions to support the growth of particular sectors in a local economy. The process of identifying sectors, and the actions to support their development is therefore crucial in administering scarce economic development resources. Download the module overview.
ELECTIVE 2.5 – Building Partnerships & Advocacy
This module provides key learnings into how to establish and support relationships, how to stimulate competition and position a city or region more competitively. The module will cover how economic development professionals can work together with complementary disciplines to realise shared outcomes. Download the module overview.
ELECTIVE: 2.6 – Resilience, Risk & Economic Recovery
This module provides participants with an overview of some of the key risks to local economies and the key principles of economic recovery to implement following a disaster, crisis or downturn. Download the module overview.
ELECTIVE: 2.7 – Sustainable Economic Development
This module provides insights and tools for economic development practitioners to increase the sustainability of their local economy and achieve circular economy outcomes. Download the module overview.
EDA reserves the right to change or cancel the dates advertised. A minimum of 12 students per module are required for the session to proceed.