The Morrison Government is making it easier than ever for employers to recruit, train and retain apprentices.

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, today announced the seven providers that have been chosen to deliver the expanded and improved Australian Apprenticeship Support Network services nationally.

“The Australian Apprenticeship Support Network is a key component of the Morrison Government’s investment in vocational education, training and apprenticeships, to support the skills needs of employers and industry,” Minister Cash said.

“We are improving the Support Network to help get even more apprentices enrolled and trained up for rewarding careers and to help meet employers’ skills needs.”

“I welcome the new arrangements that recognise the unique service requirements for the outer regional areas of my home state of Western Australia which will ensure that WA continues to have the skilled workforce it needs to grow and prosper into the future.” 

The Support Network provides personalised advice and support services to employers and apprentices, from pre-commencement of an apprenticeship to completion, including targeted services for individuals who need extra support.

Following a review in 2018, improvements to the Support Network include:

• Strengthened sign-up processes to better support apprentices in the critical first six months of training
• An additional incentive for providers to attract new employers to take on apprentices
• A re-designed Performance Management Framework to ensure improved outcomes and a greater focus on quality and consistency
• Improved Gateway Services to help employers find the right apprentice for their business.

After a competitive tender process conducted by the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, seven successful providers have been chosen to provide services to employers and apprentices across 10 regions, from 1 February 2020. 

Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships the Hon Steve Irons MP highlighted the selection of providers in rural and remote areas of the country.

“This will allow more Australians to engage with providers and will deliver on the Morrison Government’s commitment of training an additional 80,000 apprentices over the next five years,” Assistant Minister Irons said.

The successful organisations delivering these services are listed below.

For further information on the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network visit: www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au

Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Providers commencing 1 February 2020