The Apprenticeship and Traineeship Taskforce was launched earlier today by Minister Gayle Tierney MP, Minister for Training and Skills following the State Government’s commitment to apprentices and trainees in the 2017/18 Victorian Budget.
The aims of the Apprenticeships and Traineeship Taskforce are to:
- consider the opportunities and barriers relating to the uptake of apprenticeships and traineeships across industries in Victoria
- determine whether issues raised are industry specific or more broader systemic issues
- seek specific experiences of individual apprentices, employers and training providers, and
- determine actions that could be put in place to address the issues raised.
Apprentice numbers have plateaued in Victoria and are declining in all other states except for Tasmania, while approximately 50% of school leavers in Victoria are pursuing a higher education pathway.
“Apprentices and trainees are the backbone of our training system and the future of our workforce. It’s so important we continue to grow numbers so we have a strong economy,” Ms Tierney said. “Trades shouldn’t be playing second fiddle to university. That’s why we’re working to grow apprenticeships and traineeships in Victoria and this taskforce will help us drive that.”
The Apprenticeship and Traineeship Taskforce – chaired by the Victorian Skills Commissioner, Mr Neil Coulson – will be represented by:
- Apprenticeship Employment Network
- Australian Council for Private Education and Training
- Australian Industry Group
- Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Victorian TAFE Association
- Victorian Trades Hall Council
- Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority
- Department of Education and Training, and
- Six employers who have significant commitment to apprentices and trainees
“We commend the Victorian State Government for their commitment to raising the apprenticeship and traineeship uptake in the state,” Dean Luciani, Chair of the Apprenticeship Employment Network, said. “We are committed to working with the Victorian Skills Commissioner and other Taskforce members on this important issue.”
The Taskforce will report its findings in October 2017.