OLD PAGES > Illawarra Industry Apprenticeship Project to assist Skill Shortages - 7 Jun

Illawarra Industry Apprenticeship Project to assist Skill Shortages and Youth

The Illawarra Business Chamber is delighted to launch today the Illawarra Industry Apprenticeship Project following a commitment by the Federal Minister for Vocational and Further Education Andrew Robb to fund the Project for the next three years.

IBC President Terry Wetherall, said the commitment by the Federal Government will enable the Project to make a significant contribution in addressing skill shortage challenges in our region, whilst also making a real difference to many of the region’s youth, in providing a pathway into an Australian Apprenticeship.

Mr Wetherall said the Project would build on the success of the previous Apprenticeship Projects funded by the Federal Government, which over the last three years have assisted over 300 young people find apprenticeships with local employers across the region.

This project seeks to provide a further catalyst to address what is clearly a significant mismatch between the skills of the region’s unemployed and those required by employers.

In addition, given the general aging of the existing workforce, the Project will focus on encouraging local small and medium employers to re-engage the employment of apprentices, particularly in traditional trade areas.

At the same time the Project will provide those looking for an apprenticeship who may currently be unemployed or at risk of disengaging from school, or simply looking to re-train, with the necessary skills to improve their overall job readiness.

I would particularly like to acknowledge the great support we have received from Illawarra based Liberal Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells and Joanna Gash MP, who have made personal representations to the Minister on behalf of the region regarding the Project, he said.

Mr Wetherall also acknowledged the bi-partisian support the project has received, particularly acknowledging the involvement of Jennie George MP and the support from the NSW State Government and TAFE Illawarra.

Mr Wetherall said the success of the previous projects had been due in no small part, to the strong community support it has received from many sectors.

I am therefore confident that this commitment by the Federal Government will be very well received by our local community, acknowledging the important role this project will play in addressing some of the serious challenges faced by the Illawarra region.

For further information contact Mark Grimson on 4229 4722 or 0409 155 240.