The State Government has launched a television and media advertising campaign aimed at increasing the number of apprentices and trainees in Western Australia.
The State Government has launched a television and media advertising campaign aimed at increasing the number of apprentices and trainees in Western Australia.
Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan said more employers willing to take on apprentices and trainees were needed in the push to skill WA's workers for the future.
"Statistics show there are more than 35,000 apprentices and trainees in WA but only 10,000 employers who train them," Mr McGowan said.
The minister said he would like to see the number of businesses taking on apprentices and trainees in WA rise by 50 per cent over the next five years.
Late last year, the State Government boosted services for employers by introducing the new ApprentiCentre and employing more field staff to help and support employers, apprentices and trainees.
The Minister said the new campaign would include a television and cinema advertising blitz over five weeks, supported by print advertisements in major metropolitan and youth newspapers, and advertising on regional radio stations.
The campaign coincides with the launch of a new website to link employers with enthusiastic workers.
According to Mr McGowan, the Carpenter Government has committed an additional $190million for trade training and infrastructure since February 2005.
The advertising campaign will call on young people to consider an apprenticeship or traineeship for a career and link them to the ApprentiCentre website and new jobs board at http://www.apprenticentre.wa.gov.au
"The unique new website features apprentice and trainee jobs across all industries and will allow people looking for an apprenticeship or traineeship in WA to register their details," the Minister said.
"Employers will also be able to use the site to post vacancies free of charge and search the database for potential applicants.
"People who have signed up to the site will receive email and SMS alerts when jobs come up which match their interests, ensuring that employers are matched with the right applicants.
"The site already features more than 150 vacancies across the State, so it's clear there are plenty of opportunities on offer."
In January 2008, there were 35,680 apprentices and trainees in WA.
