Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Karen Andrews, has called on Australians to have their say on the future of the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network.
Minister Andrews released a discussion paper last week on the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network, following a recent evaluation of the AASN model of delivery.
“The release of this discussion paper is the start of a process to build on the successes of the AASN model to date,” Minister Andrews said.
“For three years now, AASN providers have been supporting Australian Apprentices and employers to succeed in their apprenticeship arrangements. We’re looking to collect innovative ideas that will further enhance those services.
“Ithaca Group’s evaluation of the AASN model of delivery was completed in February 2018. It found the current model is comprehensive and widely supported by stakeholders, but also identified areas for improvement.”
The Department of Education and Training will tender later this year for the delivery of Australian Apprenticeships Support Services to commence from mid-2019.
The process will be informed by the Ithaca Group evaluation and consultations with interested parties.
Andrews said the Turnbull Government is committed to building a high quality Australian Apprenticeships system to better support apprentices and respond to the needs of employers and the economy.
“The announcement of the Government’s $1.5 billion Skilling Australians Fund aims to deliver up to 300,000 more apprenticeships and traineeships, pre- and higher-level apprenticeships and traineeships Australia-wide over the next five years," she said.
“This means that getting the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network model right is more important than ever.
“The discussion paper and consultations sessions are integral in bringing innovative ideas together and ensuring the system delivers for everyone who uses it.”
Consultation sessions will be held in the coming weeks with stakeholders via webcast and in-person for all states and territories to further explore issues raised in the discussion paper.
Interested parties are invited to respond to the discussion paper by July 31, 2018.
The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) Industry which is experiencing a serious skills shortage is well aware of the need to improve Australia's apprenticeship numbers.
Head RAC teacher at western Sydney TAFE, Stephen Smith, believes apprenticeships are no longer valued.
“This is one reason why employers are unable to attract apprentices and wages are rising as a result," he said.
Another problem, Smith said, is the invisibility of the RAC trade.
“The world needs to know that we build and maintain the machines that keep them comfortable, keep their food fresh and ice-creams frozen," Smith said.
“Many apprentices move between a number of employers each year; the apprenticeship mechanism appears to be broken.”
Information on contributions or details on consultation sessions are available on www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/AASN-Discussion-Paper