Government subsidies driving more apprenticeships

The State Government has announced that hundreds of vocational courses will be subsidised to provide South Australians better opportunities to enter the workforce by taking on an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Minister for Industry and Skills, David Pisoni said funding for an additional 383 courses will be available from early January.
“This will be in addition to the 326 qualifications currently available under a training contract and represents a much greater choice for students and employers for subsidised training,” he said.

“These additional courses bring the total number of subsidised apprenticeships and traineeships to more than 700 and reflects a growing need for higher-level technical skills to meet demand in key industries such as Defence, IT, cyber security, construction, mining and energy.”
Minister Pisoni said South Australians will also have access to almost 50 electro-technology and higher- level apprenticeship courses in areas such as cybersecurity, health, disability services, and electronics.
“We are ensuring there is a strong connection between study and work, and balancing our response to what industry is saying they need most,” he said.
“Whether a student, a job seeker or a career changer, apprenticeships and traineeships offer rewarding, well-paid and lifelong careers with plenty of opportunities to move up or help start a business.”
Minister Pisoni said students and employers will have a greater choice of providers and courses, while the Marshall Liberal Government is reducing red tape by streamlining and simplifying training providers’ access to an increased number of courses.
“This supports the aim of the Skilling South Australia initiative to create an additional 20,800 apprenticeships and traineeships over four years, a $203 million investment supported by the Australian Government under the Skilling Australians Fund National Partnership Agreement,” he said.
“As part of Skilling South Australia, we are offering additional learner-support services to help apprentices and trainees stick with their course and finish their qualification.
“We’re also almost doubling travel and accommodation allowances for regional and remote apprentices and trainees and providing further support to buy the equipment required for an apprenticeship.
“We’ve committed to introducing flexible apprenticeships for school students, so they can complete the first year of their apprenticeship and start earning while still achieving their SACE.
“We’re making it easier for businesses to employ an apprentice or trainee.”
For more information call 1800 673 097 or visit vet.skills.sa.gov.au.