As announced in the recent Federal budget, the Australian Government is establishing a Skilling Australians Fund, prioritised towards apprenticeships and traineeships in occupations in high demand that currently rely on skilled migration, or with future growth potential, including in regional Australia.
The Skilling Australians Fund aims to increase the number of apprentices and trainees by 300,000 over four years.
In developing this new strategy, the Hon. Karen Andrews, Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, has been hosting a series of stakeholder consultation sessions.
Apprenticeship Support Australia attended a recent Perth session, represented by Nathan Bentley, General Manager Workforce Solutions. With a range of stakeholders including Group Training Organisation’s and Job Active providers, there was open and honest discussion around possible options for achieving the increase in apprentice and trainee commencements.
It is pleasing to see the commitment from both Federal and state governments on boosting apprenticeships and traineeship numbers. This will not only create more opportunities for employment, increase the skill level of those already employed, but also create more opportunities for employers to help build the workforce of tomorrow.
Read the Department of Education and Training Media Release here.
