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.
1 May 2009
Training link a significant step
Group Training Australia (GTA),
the single largest network employing over 40,000
apprentices and trainees, today welcomed an announcement by the Council of Australian
Governments (COAG) to encourage unemployed young people to engage in training, and
provide guaranteed education and training places to those under 25 years of age.
GTA Chief Executive Officer Jim Barron said the Compact with Young People, an initiative
that includes encouraging unemployed 17 to 20 year olds who have not completed Year
12 to engage in training, is a significant step toward the next generation of skilled people.
“This announcement signifies critical acknowledgement of the importance of training to
the future employment and wellbeing of our young people.
“Providing guaranteed and compulsory training positions for unemployed
youth will
enable them to gain the skills they need to be ready to take up jobs when the economy
recovers.
“With such a large number of young people entering the training market, it is important
that the scheme is adequately funded to ensure that the training received is of the
highest quality.
“As the single largest employer network of apprentices and trainees, GTA looks forward
to playing its part in ensuring
those engaging in training can work towards an
apprenticeship or traineeship that will create employment opportunities for the long-
term”.
Group Training Australia also welcomed the recognition by COAG of the vulnerability of
apprentices and trainees in the current economic climate, and the creation of a taskforce
to support the engagement and retention of apprentices. GTA looks forward to being
involved in work of the taskforce.
Media Contact:
Renata Davis, Foresight Communications
02 9241 2811, 0438 525 413, rdavis@forescoms.com.au
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