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Funding Boost To Support Victorian Apprentices

18 October 2018

Thousands of Victorian apprentices and trainees will get the support they need to finish their training and get a job thanks to a funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government.

Visiting Ballarat Group Training, Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today announced $9.3 million in funding for Victoria’s 23 Group Training Organisations (GTOs) to support 7,000 apprentices and trainees per year over the next three years.

GTOs employ apprentices and trainees and place them with host employers – including rotating between employers to ensure they gain the broad experience they need get a qualification.

They provide a one-stop-shop to make it easier for employers to deal with the multitude of service providers and agencies associated with the training apprentices, delivery of off-the-job training and compliance with employment conditions.

This investment follows the re-introduced Trade Papers by the Labor Government, which serve as a signal to employers that someone 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 and apprenticeships, address skills shortages and ensure all Victorians can access the training they need to get a good job.

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

“Group Training Organisations play a crucial role supporting Victorians to develop the skills they need to get long-lasting and rewarding jobs.”

“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.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard

“This funding means apprentices and trainees will receive the support they need to finish their apprenticeship with a wide range of skills and experience – giving them the best possible start to their career.”

Quotes Attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight

“We’re strengthening apprenticeships and traineeships to give people in the Ballarat region the skills they need to get a job.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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