Education

Education is at the core of the co-operative model. It is one of the international cooperative principles to support the empowerment of members and ensure that the benefits of the model are handed on.

While 8 in 10 Australians are members of a co-operative or mutual, only 3 in 10 know it.

Public awareness of co-ops and mutuals is not the only issue. Co-operatives and mutuals are largely absent from education. This means co-operative and mutual businesses are poorly understood by key professions such as accounting and law. Therefore, professional advice costs more for co-operatives and mutuals than other forms of business.

The BCCM provides education and training about co-operatives and mutuals through our own programs and in partnership with education partners.

BCCM’s courses and training

Education is a strategic priority of the BCCM. We educate people and policy makers about the benefits of co-ops and mutuals and advocate for education about the model to be included in mainstream education. The BCCM works to improve the provision of relevant education about the co-operative and mutual business model.

Our industry courses are designed to meet your team’s education and training needs from the frontline to the board table.

We are delighted to launch our first comprehensive program of industry-relevant education and training for directors, executives and employees of co-operatives and mutuals. Developed with industry, for industry, you can now choose from a program of training across key competencies in the areas of governance, management and employee induction.

We have partnered with leading education and training providers to bring BCCM members and non-members a high-quality and engaging education and training program.

Our education team can also discuss our bespoke education offerings to cater to in-house and customised training needs.

Contact our education team to discover how we can help with your education and training needs.

Generous discounts for all courses apply to BCCM members. Find out how you can become a member.