Richard Carleton, Mike Willessee, John Seale and Jane Campion: these are just a few of the names who have benefited from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's 70-year commitment to training.

The ABC was presented with the ANTA Board Award at the 2003 Australian Training Awards in recognition of both the corporation's current role and history as a trainer for the national broadcasting industry.

The pre-eminent industry training ground for professionals in the media, broadcasting and film industries, the ABC has trained some of the biggest names in the business, with many going on to achieve national and international success.

ABC's director of human resources Colin Plamer said the Australian Training Award has been well received by the ABC Board and members of staff.

"It has been great to receive this external recognition from ANTA for our commitment to training and development rather than just patting ourselves on the back," Mr Plamer said.

"The external and independent recognition we have received with the award has shown us that we have been, and continue to be, on the right track for the future," he said.

The ABC was once the only provider of training in the Australian broadcasting industry sector. Even now, when there are numerous programs in universities and colleges, the ABC is still seen as a key training ground for Australian broadcasters and the role model for training in the industry.

The Corporation has worked with Cultural Research Education and Training Enterprise Australia (CREATE AUST) in the development of Training Package qualifications and its move to delivery of nationally recognised training.

In 2003, the ABC will continue to expand its training programs, with a particular emphasis on nationally recognised training for its own staff.

"We are making fantastic progress and there are areas within the ABC that are well and truly leaders in training, including production and editing, camera operators and radio," Mr Palmer said.

"There are currently 700 training programs available to the ABC's 4700 staff and by the end of 2003 the number of staff participating in accredited programs will have doubled," he said.

The ABC is rapidly becoming recognised for achievements in multimedia and digital technology, which have been successfully supported by nationally recognised training.

The Corporation is also planning to develop and introduce national cross-media training programs so journalists and radio broadcasters can be given skills in television, radio and online mediums.

The ABC was also one of four finalists for the Employer of the Year Award and was presented the industry award for cultural, arts and media.