Queensland Acting Minister for Training and Skills Development Mark Ryan

Palaszczuk Government Invests In More Apprentices For Queensland

Victor P Taffa

Palaszczuk Government is committed to growing the number of apprentices across the state to ensure Queensland has the skilled workers it needs for the future.

Acting Minister for Training and Skills Development, Mark Ryan said four organisations will share in $495,000 to promote the exciting opportunities an apprenticeship can provide.

“Apprenticeships and traineeships set people up for lifelong careers and are vital for growing the Queensland workforce.” Minister Ryan said.

“All four organisations will match the investment, resulting in almost $1 Million towards promoting apprenticeship programs across their industries throughout Queensland.”

Successful recipients are:

• National Electrical Contractors Association,
• HGT Australia Ltd (Novaskill),
• Smart Employment Solutions,
• National Retail Association.

Director of Training at the National Retail Association, Ms. Yvonne Williams, was thrilled at hearing the good news.

“This money, matched with our own, will enable us to create an awareness among Queensland retailers of the available funding subsidies for traineeships and accredited training.” Ms. Williams said.

“We will assist retail employers to engage with the traineeship model at state-wide workshops, as well as providing a one-point contact for traineeship opportunities.”

Minister Ryan said retail is the second largest employing industry in Queensland, with a workforce of more than 245,000 people.

“National Retail Association will be delivering workshops across the state throughout the year.” Minister Ryan said.

“National Electrical Contractors Association will capitalise on the growth in electrical trades, including the emerging industry subsectors like electro technology.”

“HGT Australia Ltd (Novaskill) will be promoting apprenticeships across a variety of industries through a wide-ranging multimedia marketing campaign, aimed at motivating apprenticeship sign-ups through various multimedia and social media platforms.” Minister Ryan said.

“While Smart Employment Solutions will focus on carpentry, electrical and engineering pathways.”

“These combined activities will see a promotional campaign over the next 12 months to encourage awareness and the benefits of apprenticeships, not only to students and job seekers, but to employers as well.” Minister Ryan said.

Minister Ryan said the AAF is providing up to $1 Million in 2018–19 to support activities and campaigns to increase the number of businesses taking on apprentices in Queensland.

“This is one way the Palaszczuk Government is growing the economy and encouraging more people into apprenticeships.” Minister Ryan said.

Minister Ryan said that industry groups, peak bodies and businesses are being encouraged to apply, and it is through these opportunities that industry and the Queensland Government can further promote the value of apprenticeships to Queenslanders as a rewarding career choice.

Advancing Apprentices Fund allocated Round 1 funding in 2018 to the 3 industry groups:

• Restaurant and Catering ($236,000),
• Hardware Australia ($40,540),
• Apprentice Employer Network ($50,000).

Advancing Apprentices Fund Round 2 successful recipients are:

• Smart Employment Solutions $68,500 (plus industry $68,500 = $137,000)
• National Retail Association $118,000 (plus industry $120,000 = $238,000)
• National Electrical Contractors Association $277,500 (plus industry $277,500 = $555,000)
• HGT Australia Ltd (Novaskill) $31,000 (plus industry $31,000 = $62,000)