The Apprenticeship Employment Network (AEN) will help give young people the opportunity to apply for full-time employment in the Victorian Public Service and local government as part of the newly announced Victorian Apprenticeship Recovery Package.
The program will provide young people aged 15 to 24 with an opportunity to work for a minimum of 12 months while completing an accredited traineeship or apprenticeship. The Victorian Apprenticeship Recovery Package particularly aims to increase the participation of disadvantaged young people in the workforce while assisting communities to meet future skill and employment needs.
At least 300 new apprenticeship and traineeship places will be available throughout the public service, with training qualifications offered in a range of industrieshe :
- Business administration and IT
- Landscaping / parks and gardens
- Automotive mechanic
- Building maintenance / plumbing / electrical / carpentry
- Child care, Aged care, community services
- Sport and recreation
Places will be advertised on the AEN website, through local group training organisations and by state and local governments for people between the ages of 15 and 24, who are encouraged to apply.
“The Apprenticeship Employment Network is very pleased with this significant funding announcement that recognises the value of educating young people while they’re in a working environment. We know that secure, on-the-job apprenticeships and traineeships are vital to developing skills unique to specific qualifications, vocations and industries,” said Gary Workman, AEN Executive Director.
Dean Luciani, AEN Chair said, “We thank the Government for their leadership in the Victorian Apprenticeship Recovery Package. In this time of uncertainty with high youth unemployment it is particularly important that we create apprenticeships and traineeships and develop valuable skills for careers and the broader economic recovery. Government has an important role to play while business regains confidence to train more young people.”
Two young women already undertaking their practical traineeships in Victorian schools have been able to advance their studies while in COVID-19 Stage 3 lockdowns.
Nicole Costello, a Bacchus Marsh-based trainee in Administration and Finance said, “I am enjoying participating in a traineeship as it has allowed me to return to study whilst still working full time. I was looking for a change in career but wasn’t sure going to university was for me. Doing an traineeship in business has allowed me to gain further formal educational training whilst getting on the job experience and learning firsthand about the world of finance and business administration.”
Lauren Salter has praised her employer, Buninyong Primary School for their innovative approaches to training and said, “I chose to do a traineeship as it was a great opportunity to experience real workplaces. I earn while I acquire knowledge and skills that will help me in any future career path.”
The Victorian Apprenticeship Recovery Package is funded by the Victorian Government through the working for Victoria fund, The package offers young people full-time apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities in the Victorian Public Service or local government and will be offered in all regions of the State.
Gary Workman, Executive Director of the Apprenticeship Employment Network, is available for comment.
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Amy Leiper 0414 643 446
Jacqui Munro 0424 925 238