A bold new campaign aimed at driving up numbers of apprentices and trainees is set to launch in Western Australia this month.
The three month campaign titled “Let’s get WA Working Again” aims to highlight the importance of WA businesses recruiting locally, and creating opportunities for people to either upskill or reskill.
Apprenticeship Support Australia, which is contracted by the Federal government to deliver Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) services, is advocating for more businesses to consider the apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities that they may be able to offer to the broader workforce.
Apprenticeship Support Australia Manager, Lena Constantine, says while aimed at employers, the campaign is designed to get as many West Australians as possible thinking about ways to revitalise their local economy, regardless of their postcode or chosen industry.
“This campaign was born out of a willingness to show WA employers and those in the job market that we’re all in this together,” Constantine says.
“We know that unemployment has been rising, we know that businesses are doing it tough, and we want to be able to remind people – particularly employers – that there are ways to achieve growth even when there’s a downturn.
Constantine says now is the right time for employers to be taking on an apprentice or trainee.
“Many local businesses may be feeling the pinch at the moment, however if we stop training now, we’ll get caught with skill shortages when the economy picks up again,” says Constantine.
“This campaign is designed to put the focus on employers leading by example. Apprenticeships and traineeships are great tools to re-skill or introduce people into the workforce. They allow employers to train staff to a national standard, while learning the unique ins and outs of their business.
“By taking on a training recruit now, you’re ensuring that when business picks up again, you’re properly equipped to handle the influx.”
The Apprenticeship Support Australia team wants to put the focus on those employers that are training and skilling up the WA workforce for the future. Employers and apprentices are encouraged to post positive stories on their training, tagging their posts #waworkingagain.
The Apprenticeship Support Australia team can support your business to employ an apprentice or trainee. Based in 14 locations throughout the WA, the team can visit you no matter your location.
► If you would like to learn more about apprenticeships and traineeships and how they can work for your business, please contact Apprenticeship Support Australia today on 1300 363 831 or visit apprenticeshipsupport.com.au.
