Federal member for Page Kevin Hogan said Northern Rivers and Clarence Valley apprentices, people looking for a new career, and employers will now get more help than ever before with the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network starting today.
He said the Apprenticeship Network was the Australian Government’s new programme to help employers to recruit, train and retain apprentices.
“Apprenticeship Network services will be delivered by a number of organisations in the local region, including Verto Ltd, who will operate from Ballina,” Mr Hogan said.
“Additional outreach services will also provide the full suite of support services using face-to-face communication, online technologies and phone calls. Outreach services will be based in Casino, Grafton and Lismore”
“Apprenticeship Network providers will target support services to the individual needs of employers and apprentices, from pre-commencement to completion.”
These include:
- new pre-commencement services that will match the right apprentice with the right apprenticeship and the right employer;
- new in-training assistance, including mentoring, that will help apprentices at-risk of non-completion, and employers, to work through obstacles; and
- new assistance for those who may be unsuited to an apprenticeship to identify an alternative pathway.
“These reforms mean that the Northern Rivers and Clarence Valley’s 1,564 apprentices will get to realise the full benefits of an apprenticeship, and the rewarding careers that can come as a result,” Mr Hogan said.
“I look forward to working with the new Apprenticeship Network providers in our region to help employers recruit, train and retain apprentices.”
Assistant Minister for Education and Training Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham said the Apprenticeship Network was part of the Australian Government’s significant reform of apprenticeship support.
“The Australian Government has also introduced Trade Support Loans of up to $20,000 each to help apprentices with the costs of living and tools while undertaking an apprenticeship, and is providing financial incentives to around 80,000 employers of apprentices each year,” Senator Birmingham said.
“These services, which are being delivered from more than 100 extra locations around the country, will help apprentices and employers to navigate the training system, making it easier for people to become an apprentice, and for business to employ apprentices.”
For more information please visit www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au or call the referral line on 13 38 73.
