Patron - Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
GTA is the national peak body representing the network of over 150 Group Training Organisations (GTOs) employing
over 40,000 apprentices and trainees throughout Australia.
11 May 2010
Budget reaction
Group Training Australia (GTA), representing the single largest network employing
apprentices and trainees,
today welcomed a major injection of funds into
training and skills
development contained in the Federal Budget.
The Budget provides a very welcome and valuable contribution to sustaining jobs for young
people at a critical stage in the economic recovery,” said the Chief Executive of Group
Training Australia, Jim Barron.
“The focus on new training places is a sensible measure that will help ease the blight of
youth unemployment, and direct skills at areas of industry need as we emerge from the
economic downturn.
“The creation of additional training places, the focus on critical areas of skills shortage, and
measures to modernise apprenticeships are to be applauded. There is a much-needed focus
on quality of apprenticeships through funding to training organisations to help improve the
current rate of apprentice completions.
“The extension of the Kickstart program will be welcomed across the industry as an important
further step in ensuring that apprenticeships are encouraged and retained. The program has
already achieved its initial target and the additional funding will help protect both apprentices
and their employers.
“While welcome, it will be important that the program is carefully monitored
to ensure that
apprenticeships are not only started but also completed, and that young people are not laid-
off once the funding ceases.
“It is important that we have sustainable apprenticeships that create skills for the long term
and to address the skills shortages that are already emerging.
“The group training network welcomes the initiatives contained in the Budget and looks
forward to playing a positive role in helping to ensure skills and training for Australians,” Jim
Barron said.
Media Contact:
Bob Bowden, Foresight Communications, 02 9241 2811, 0412 753 298,
bbowden@bowmac.com.au
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