Extra Support To Help Apprentices Finish Their Training

The Andrews Labor Government is helping Victorian apprentices finish their training with $3.7 million in extra funding for vital programs to support their welfare.

Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert was in Ballarat today to announce the funding and to meet with local apprentices at Alstom Australia.

Alstom currently employs two apprentices, hosts a further three apprentices, employed by GTO Ballarat Group Training (BGT), and also supports five school based trainees from Ballarat Secondary College.

From the funding, $2.7 million will be used to extend the Apprenticeship Support Officer (ASO) program for another year.

The officers provide support and guidance to thousands of young apprentices during their first year of training with 25 Apprenticeship Support Officers based at TAFEs across the state.

On top of extending the support program, the Labor Government will invest $1 million to work with TAFEs, Group Training Organisations and employers to identify ways to help apprentices complete their training.

According to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research, only 56 per cent of apprentices that commenced nationally in 2010 completed their apprenticeships.

The Labor Government is making sure every Victorian has access to the training they need to get a real job.

While in Ballarat, Mr Herbert attended the Group Training Association of Victoria’s mid-year conference.

Group Training Organisations contract apprentices and trainees and host them out to employers who might otherwise not take such a person due to the administrative burden.

They also provide much needed extra support to apprentices, trainees and employers.

Earlier this year, the Labor Government announced $9.3 million over three years for GTOs.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training Steve Herbert

“We know that some apprentices need an extra hand to finish their training, this $3.7 million in extra funding will mean many more are able to get the skills needed to get a real job."

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight

“This funding will mean more Ballarat locals have access to support to help the finish their training.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard

“We’re investing in apprentices and trainees in Ballarat so they get the skills they need to get a job.”