A new campaign to help drive reinvestment in training and education by Goldfield’s businesses launched this week.
Since 2012 there has been a steep decline in the number of people starting apprenticeships and traineeships across WA.
This six-month television campaign by Apprenticeship Support Australia, which is contracted by the Federal government to deliver Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) services, will highlight how businesses can capitalise on the many benefits apprentices and trainees bring to the workforce.
By increasing apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities businesses can boost the Goldfields local economy, reduce unemployment, and train staff to suit their individual business needs.
CCI’s Apprenticeship Support Australia Manager Lena Constantine says apprenticeships and traineeships are great tools to re-skill or introduce people into the workforce with almost any job role able to gain a nationally recognised qualification.
“With over 500 qualifications to choose from, we are confident that training opportunities exist for your business at every level, with the additional benefit of guaranteed support from our local Goldfields team,” she says.
The State Government is also taking steps to improve apprentice and trainee numbers.
The State Training Board will undertake extensive consultation with industry over the coming months to look at ways to increase the take up of apprenticeships and traineeships across WA.
Industry, small to large employers, apprentices and trainees will be consulted.
Chair of the State Training Board Jim Walker says there has never been a more important time for training in WA and they are ready to work with the sector to identify training and skills needed.
“Through comprehensive consultations, we will ensure local businesses, both in Perth and the regions, will have a greater say in what is needed from the training sector in order to support employment opportunities,” he says.
Constantine welcomes the announcement by the State Government.
She says CCI, which is represented on the State Training Board by Ray Sputore, is keen to get involved in the consultation process.
Apprenticeship Support Australia is a free service that assists employers to understand how they can use training in their business.
They undertake eligibility assessments for any financial incentives an employer may be able to access, and support the employer and apprentice all the way through the training to make sure it’s a seamless process.
►For more information on apprenticeship and traineeship packages, skills in demand and employer incentive eligibility, go to apprenticeshipsupport.com.au or call 1300 363 831.
