Tasmanian apprentices are now benefitting from a new $60 million Federal Government initiative to support them through their training and give them the best possible chance of securing a great job and career.
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills today visited a residential construction site at Mount Nelson to meet one of the first Tasmanian apprentices who’ll be supported through the Industry Specialist Mentoring for Australian Apprentices Program.
“Caidan Workman began his carpentry apprenticeship in 2017 and will be receiving intensive one-on-one mentoring support from the Housing Industry Association, which won a contract to mentor apprentices in the construction sector,” Minister Andrews said.
The program in Tasmania will support Australian Apprentices in a range of industries such as the automotive and electrical industries.
“The completion rate for those who begin a trade apprenticeship currently stands at only 59 per cent, which is an issue the Turnbull Government is addressing through this program.
“Boosting apprenticeship completion rates will mean more skilled workers for Tasmanian industries and that’s vital to the state’s economic growth.
Minister Andrews said the specialist mentoring is on top of current support services offered to apprentices.
“It’s unfortunate that many young people give up their training for a variety of reasons not related to their ability and the specialist mentoring will provide hundreds of young Tasmanians with the best possible chance of making it through the apprenticeship,” Minister Andrews said.
“I congratulate HIA on the commitment they’ve shown to guiding young apprentices like Caidan and I look forward to seeing more fully qualified tradesmen and women in coming years.
“Like every other state, Tasmania needs more skilled workers in emerging and growing industries like construction, tourism and health and the mentoring program is one part of our plan to address the issue.
“Tasmania will also benefit from the Turnbull Government’s new Skilling Australians Fund that will create an extra 300,000 apprentices and trainees across Australia over the next four years.”
