The ambitious #GC101 campaign to get 101 young people into
an apprenticeship on the Gold Coast in less than two months is on the verge of
reaching its goal.
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Training and
local Federal Member Karen Andrews said the campaign is now just two short of
its target with a week to go.
“99 young Gold Coast people are now on the path to a
rewarding job and career through a variety of apprenticeships and we are very
confident we’ll meet, and maybe exceed, our target of 101 by the end of the
year,” Minister Andrews said.
“Full credit and thanks must go to all those Gold Coast
employers who got on board and to Australian Apprenticeship Support Network
provider, BUSY At Work, who coordinated the campaign.
“To see the looks of excitement on the faces of many of
those young people who are now learning new skills to become highly valued
employees has been very rewarding,” Minister Andrews said.
On top of the 99 new young apprentices, another 181 students
have signed up to school-based traineeships so they’ll have the skills to go
into jobs once they finish Year 12.
BUSY At Work CEO, Paul Miles, said the response from
employers was fantastic, “We're so pleased with the way the GC101 campaign has
progressed and cannot thank Gold Coast employers enough for all their support.
“We're confident we'll hit 101 and we're also very
happy that so many additional school-based and mature aged opportunities were
created beyond the GC101 youth positions,” Mr Miles said.
Assistant Minister Andrews said she’s now looking at
expanding the program.
“The Gold Coast has shown how it can be done and the success
of this campaign means it’s something we can look at doing nationally.
“The #GC101 campaign has not only helped tackle youth
unemployment, it’s also helped raise the status and value of apprenticeships,
which will provide the skilled workforce Australia needs to help grow our
economy.”
