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.
8
December 2009
Landmark reforms usher new opportunities for apprentices
Group Training Australia (GTA), the single largest network employing up to 40,000
apprentices and trainees,
has welcomed the announcement of a new national training
regulator, as well as steps to strengthen the apprenticeship system
at the Council of
Australian Governments (COAG) meeting yesterday.
CEO of Group Training Australia, Jim Barron said the announcements place a renewed
focus on the importance of apprentice commencement, retention and completion.
“COAG has taken genuine strides to deliver a thoroughly modern, flexible and targeted
training system.
“It is long overdue that we are about to achieve both a nationally consistent system of
provider regulation and a renewed focus on the critical importance of apprenticeships to our
future skills needs.
“This represents a quantum leap in training reform with the agreement to fortify the
apprenticeship system and place the focus on helping apprentices gain a solid future.”
COAG agreed on actions to strengthen the apprenticeship system including to:
develop and implement a more seamless apprenticeship access, re-entry, deferral
and support system
develop and implement nationally-consistent standards for training plans
develop and introduce a reformed pre-apprenticeship system
review apprenticeship and traineeship incentives to target better quality outcomes,
including strengthened financial support for skill shortage areas
strengthen mentoring and support for out-of-trade apprentices and those at risk
facilitate arrangements for effective implementation of competency-based
progression and completion for apprentices
“GTA is particularly pleased to see a major focus on pre-apprenticeships, and a commitment
to review financial incentives to ensure that the bulk of funds go to highly skilled trades, as
well as skill shortage areas,” said Mr Barron.
“It is critical for Australia’s social and economic future that we create a skilled and productive
workforce by giving apprentices every opportunity and support.
“For decades the VET system has been marred by a jurisdictional straightjacket between the
states and Commonwealth. GTA looks forward to working with authorities to help bring about
the necessary improvements to the system that will deliver results where they matter the
most.”
MEDIA RELEASE
GTA also welcomed COAG’s endorsement of
the new Green Skills Agreement which will
implement greens skills into Training Packages from 2010 and progress the integration of
sustainable skills into the Australian workforce.
Media Contact:
Bob Bowden, Foresight Communications, 02 9241 2811, 0412 753 298,
bbowden@bowmac.com.au
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