Victorians who have successfully completed their apprenticeship over the last five years will have their trade formally recognised following the re-introduction of Trade Papers by the Andrews Labor Government.
The previous Liberal Government scrapped Trade Papers as part of their savage cuts to TAFE and training, meaning Victorians who have completed their apprenticeship only receive a VET qualification recognising their formal training – making it harder to get a job.
People who complete an apprenticeship work hard and deserve recognition of their trade – which is why industry, training providers and apprentices have been calling for the return of Trade Papers since the Liberals took an axe to them.
Trade Papers are a separate certificate awarded to those who successfully complete their formal training through an apprenticeship. They serve as a signal to employers and customers that this person has done the hard yards and is able to apply occupational skills on-the-job.
Skilled workers are in high demand across Victoria, which is why the Victorian Budget 2018/19 is investing an additional $644 million to strengthen TAFE, address skills shortages and ensure all Victorians can access the training they need to get a good job.
This investment includes $43.8 million to reintroduce Trade Papers, implement new independent assessments, update learning materials, and to create quality apprenticeships and traineeships for the modern economy.
The Labor Government is also supporting school-based apprentices and trainees through a $49.8 million boost to Head Start – a new model that supports students to stay at school to finish their VCAL, VCE or apprenticeship.
To make it easier to access training and pathways to an apprenticeship, the Government is investing $172 million to make 30 priority TAFE courses and 20 pre-apprenticeship courses that lead to jobs that are most in demand from Victorian employers tuition free.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“Apprentices are the backbone of our training system and the future of our workforce – that’s why we’re giving them the recognition they deserve.”
“When the previous Liberal Government scrapped Trade Papers as part of their devastating cuts to TAFE and training, they sent a clear message that they don’t value trades or apprentices.”
“We’re strengthening apprenticeships and traineeships to give every Victorian the skills they need to get a job.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020