New opportunities for apprentices
[Tuesday, 8 December 2009]

Landmark reforms usher new opportunities for apprentices

Group Training Australia (GTA), the single largest network employing up to 40,000 apprentices and trainees, has welcomed the announcement of a new national training regulator, as well as steps to strengthen the apprenticeship system at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting yesterday.

CEO of Group Training Australia, Jim Barron said the announcements place a renewed focus on the importance of apprentice commencement, retention and completion.

“COAG has taken genuine strides to deliver a thoroughly modern, flexible and targeted training system.

“It is long overdue that we are about to achieve both a nationally consistent system of provider regulation and a renewed focus on the critical importance of apprenticeships to our future skills needs.

“This represents a quantum leap in training reform with the agreement to fortify the apprenticeship system and place the focus on helping apprentices gain a solid future.”

COAG agreed on actions to strengthen the apprenticeship system including to:

· develop and implement a more seamless apprenticeship access, re-entry, deferral and support system
· develop and implement nationally-consistent standards for training plans
· develop and introduce a reformed pre-apprenticeship system
· review apprenticeship and traineeship incentives to target better quality outcomes, including strengthened financial support for skill shortage areas
· strengthen mentoring and support for out-of-trade apprentices and those at risk
· facilitate arrangements for effective implementation of competency-based progression and completion for apprentices

“GTA is particularly pleased to see a major focus on pre-apprenticeships, and a commitment to review financial incentives to ensure that the bulk of funds go to highly skilled trades, as well as skill shortage areas,” said Mr Barron.

“It is critical for Australia’s social and economic future that we create a skilled and productive workforce by giving apprentices every opportunity and support.

“For decades the VET system has been marred by a jurisdictional straightjacket between the states and Commonwealth. GTA looks forward to working with authorities to help bring about the necessary improvements to the system that will deliver results where they matter the most.”

GTA also welcomed COAG’s endorsement of the new Green Skills Agreement which will implement greens skills into Training Packages from 2010 and progress the integration of sustainable skills into the Australian workforce.