Senator Chris Evans, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations, today announced the government’s intentions to modernise and simplify the Australian apprenticeship system in a step closer to harmonising the laws and regulations of the system.
The reform aims to create a simpler, more user-friendly system that reduces industry costs and increases apprentice completion rates.
“State and Territory Ministers have already agreed on a set of principles to underpin the harmonisation process and are eager to get on with the job of reforming the system,” Senator Evans said in a media release.
Several high-profile Australians have been enlisted as ambassadors to promote the benefits of completing an apprenticeship. Among them are Greater Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy, chef and restaurateur Neil Perry, TV star Jody Rigby, former Geelong captain Cameron Ling, and former NRL star Andrew Ryan.
“For each of these high profile Australians, getting an apprenticeship was the first step to entering the workforce and forging a successful career,” Senator Evans said.
The recommendations put forth are outlined in the Apprenticeships for the 21st Century Final Report of the Expert Panel in January, intended to advise the government on reform options for the apprenticeship system.
The report outlines the need to reform skills shortages, completion rates, investment in training by employers, among others.
The government agreed with all the recommendations but one; they did not wish to reinforce the need for shared responsibility in the system by establishing an employer contribution scheme, where employer contributions would be matched by the government.
The government responded that the industry will voluntarily cooperate in a genuine partnership to improve the Australian Apprenticeships system.
