- Published:
- Thursday 1 June 2017
The Andrews Labor Government’s support for apprentices and trainees is helping businesses in Macedon.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas visited JAKs Body Repairs in Romsey today to meet its two young apprentices and business owners benefiting from the government’s investment in apprenticeships and traineeships.
The Victorian Budget 2017/18 provided an $8.2 million boost for Apprentice Support Officers, to make sure apprentices under the age of 25 get the support they need to finish their training and get the jobs they want.
Twenty-five support officers will be based at TAFEs across Victoria, so they can continue mentoring and helping young apprentices with family, work and training issues that could affect their apprenticeship.
JAKs Body Repairs is a family-owned panel shop with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Owners Alex and Krystal Spiteri currently employ two apprentices, both of whom are getting invaluable, on the job experience.
Earlier this month, the Labor Government established a new Apprenticeship and Traineeship Taskforce – chaired by Victorian Skills Commissioner Neil Coulson.
The taskforce is looking at the barriers stopping people from taking up apprenticeships and traineeships, and whether issues are specific to particular industries or broader in nature.
Since 1 January 2016, at least 10 per cent of work carried out on Victoria’s major projects has been undertaken by apprentices, trainees or engineering cadets under the Labor Government’s Major Projects Skills Guarantee.
Through Skills First, the government is overhauling Victoria’s training and TAFE system, guaranteeing funding to secure the future of TAFE and ensuring Victorians have the right skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
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.”
“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 Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“You simply can’t beat the hands on learning opportunities that apprenticeships provide, they’re vital for young people who want to learn a trade.”
“JAKs Body Repair has taken on apprentices to help them get the skills and experience they need and I encourage other local businesses to do the same.”