The Victorian State budget, released today, shows the government understands the importance of the time-tested Apprenticeship model, with $52 million devoted to services delivered via GTO supporting organisations:
- $33 million to expand opportunities for apprentices and trainees through a flagship Big Build training pathway
- $19 million to introduce innovative new models for apprenticeships and traineeships, providing enhanced support for apprentices including those most at‑risk of dropping out
Apprenticeship Employment Network Executive Director Gary Workman has welcomed the Victorian State Government’s ongoing support for apprenticeships and traineeships in the 2020-21 budget. The government today announced that $1 billion will be invested into TAFE and training. “The initiatives that the Victorian government continues to support are incredibly important in helping people find their way into stable and secure jobs and that employers have the skilled staff they need and therefore provides a strong foundation for economic recovery,” said Mr Workman.
$33 million will be dedicated to employ up to 1,500 apprentices and trainees across the Big Build infrastructure program each year. By leveraging group training organisations with infrastructure programs, high-quality skills pathways are being afforded to apprentices and trainees. The Department of Education and Training will establish a new department to ensure the employment and training in this new approach. These initiatives will allow more access to opportunities for disadvantaged Victorians and women who are already the most affected by the pandemic.
The government also announced $19 million for innovative new models that will enhance support for apprentices, especially those most at-risk of dropping out. Up to 80,000 new Free TAFE and subsidised training places was also revealed. The subsidies will further assist those affected by economic disruption, including young people, migrants, vulnerable Victorians and retrenched workers.
The Apprenticeship Employment Network looks forward to working with the Victorian government to ensure the initiatives are used to the best possible advantage for people to gain new skills, secure a job and that there is a sustainable pipeline of highly skilled workers available to businesses.
Gary Workman, Executive Director of the Apprenticeship Employment Network is available for comment.
Parnell: 0412228282
Email: parnell@agendac.com.au