OLD PAGES > Apprenticeship Project Addresses Region's Skill Shortages - 5 Apr

Apprenticeship Project Addresses Region's Skill Shortages - 5 April 2006

Local employers wanting to take on an apprentice were advised help is at hand, with the extension of the project which has to date placed over 180 of the regions youth into apprenticeships with local employers.

“The Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands New Apprenticeship Project has been extended thanks to a Federal Government funding grant under the Department of Education, Science and Training’s National Skill Shortages Strategy.

“The Project seeks to address the major challenge facing many employers in the Illawarra, namely the growing scarcity of skilled tradespeople,” said Mark Grimson, CEO of the Illawarra Business Chamber.

“The Project was a clear example of local organisations working together to find a truly Innovative approach to key challenges facing our region.

The Project will continue to seek to re-engage local employers, particularly SME’s in the provision of trade training, whilst creating a pathway into trade apprenticeships for “at risk” young people in the region.

“Phase 2 aims to place an additional 100 young people into apprenticeships over the next 12 months and will also see the Project expanded into the Southern Highlands, as well as extending its scope to include the Aged Care and Child Care sectors.

“The fund has enabled the IBC to employee a project officer for a further 12 months to co-ordinate the Project,” Mr Grimson said.

“The Project Officer, Louise Dwyer who comes with a wealth of experience in this field, will be involved in promoting pre-vocational course graduates to local employers, whilst working closely with TAFE teachers, local Job Network Providers, group training companies and NACs”, he said.

The funding of Louise’s position will also allow the Pilot to leverage the State Government’s funding of additional pre-apprenticeship courses currently underway at TAFE.

Mr Grimson also paid special tribute to local Federal MP’s Joanna Gash, Senator Connie Fierravanti-Wells and Jennie George for their joint efforts and support of the Project.

The Illawarra Apprenticeship Committee is made up of employer, training and community organisations including the Illawarra Business Chamber, Illawarra Area Consultative Committee, Australian Industry Group, South Coast Labour Council, Australian Metal Workers Union, TAFE, Work Skills Illawarra, local Group Training Companies and New Apprenticeship Centres.

“Employers wanting to find out more about the Pilot should contact Louise Dwyer at the IBC on 4229 4722,” said Mr Grimson.

For further information Contact: Mark Grimson at IBC on 4229 4722 / 0409155240.