Gippsland Group Training is among 24 organisations around Australia selected to help more than 40,000 apprentices working in industries experiencing structural change.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester today welcomed an announcement Gippsland Group Training, which has offices in Morwell, Churchill, Korumburra, Warragul and Bairnsdale, would provide intensive support to apprentices working in civil construction during their first two years of training.
Industry experts will provide regular one-to-one mentoring services and support apprentices for two years, as part of the new Industry Specialist Mentoring for Australian Apprentices (ISMAA) program.
“This is program is a practical way we can support people as they enter the workforce and begin their training,” Mr Chester said.
“Support from mentors will also be available through other industry organisations for those working in cafes and restaurants, manufacturing, automotive repair and maintenance, meat processing, construction and building installation services.
“Highly-skilled mentors will have the knowledge to help apprentices to address their concerns about career and skill development to boost retention and completion rates for apprentices in industries undergoing change.”
CEO Mark Knox said Gippsland Group Training, trading as Apprenticeships Group Australia (AGA), recently celebrated its 10,000th successful apprentice and trainee graduate.
“Our proud history of 35 years’ service to industry in Gippsland will underpin our delivery of mentoring services to more than 650 apprentices over the next two years,” Mr Knox said.
“AGA’s completion rates sit well above state and national averages and we are proud to have the confidence of the Australian Government to work with civil construction employers and to target our efforts to work intensively with apprentices to help them stay engaged, complete their training and achieve great things in their careers.”
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Karen Andrews announced the start of the program.
“The new industry mentors will help both apprentices and businesses, especially those who need it most, to stay on track to complete their apprenticeship,” Minister Andrews said.
“I’m very pleased to be announcing the 24 organisations which have been selected through a comprehensive tender process to deliver the new Industry Specialist Mentoring for Australian Apprentices program.”
The mentoring program is funded by a $60 million investment from the Coalition Government and will build upon support provided through the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network. It will also help those who’ve been retrenched, experienced long-term unemployment or previously not engaged in employment or training, as well as mature aged Australians.
For more information, visit: https://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/.
