The Andrews Labor Government is creating the skilled workforce of the future to boost prosperity and grow our economy with a new taskforce to drive apprenticeships and traineeships.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney joined Victorian Skills Commissioner Neil Coulson and apprentices in Docklands to launch the taskforce, which will include industry, employers, training organisations and unions.
Mr Coulson will chair the taskforce, which will look at barriers stopping people from taking up an apprenticeship or traineeship and whether issues are specific to particular industries or if there are broader systemic issues.
The Apprenticeship and Traineeship Taskforce, which will report its findings to government in October, includes members of:
- Apprenticeship Employment Network
- Australian Council for Private Education and Training
- Australian Industry Group
- Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Victorian TAFE Association
- Victorian Trades Hall Council
The Labor Government is supporting apprentices with the Victorian Budget 2017/18 including $8.2 million for Apprentice Support Officers to make sure first year apprentices get the support they need to finish their training.
While the Labor Government has stemmed the decline of apprenticeships in Victoria, training continues to decline across the country, largely due to a drop in confidence because of Malcolm Turnbull’s neglect of the training system.
The Turnbull Government’s silence on a new National Partnership on Skills Funding is of real concern to the Labor Government.
The agreement, worth around $130 million to Victoria this financial year, ends in June and Malcolm Turnbull is yet to say whether there will be a new deal.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“Trades shouldn’t be playing second fiddle to university. That’s why we’re working to grow apprenticeships and traineeships in Victoria and this taskforce will help us drive that.”
“Apprentices and trainees are the backbone of our training system and the future of our workforce. It’s so important we continue to grow numbers so we have a strong economy.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Skills Commissioner Neil Coulson
“Whilst some people see university qualifications as a guarantee for young people’s futures, traditional trade apprenticeships have historically proven to be a pathway to employment.”
“Through this Taskforce we will be consulting widely to ensure that extensive input is sought from all groups on this issue.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020