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MORE APPRENTICESHIP SERVICES FOR RURAL AND REGIONAL AUSTRALIA

12 April, 2006

The Minister for Vocational and Technical Education the Hon Gary Hardgrave MP today announced there will be more field officers in regional and rural Australia offering Apprenticeship services for businesses and anyone wanting to take up an apprenticeship.

Mr Hardgrave said offers have been made to 30 organisations across Australia to deliver New Apprenticeships Support Services on behalf of the Australian Government from 1 July 2006. The announcement follows a national call for tenders in October 2005.

“The increased one on one services in rural and regional Australia is in addition to the more
than 300 New Apprenticeships Centres which will operate from 1 July,” he said.

“Enhanced services will contribute to the participation, retention and completion of Apprenticeships with New Apprenticeships Centres facilitating placements and becoming genuine one-stop-shops for those seeking to hire Apprentices or to take up an Apprenticeship as a career path.

“I am especially delighted that services from 1 July will focus on increasing participation in School-based Apprenticeships and in skills need occupations, particularly the trades.

“New Apprenticeships Centres will be critical in establishing trades School-based Apprenticeships through the Australian Technical Colleges and providing advice to employers, students and parents on progress towards making School-based Apprenticeships in trades available in those jurisdictions where these arrangements cannot be accessed.

“Importantly, there will be an increased requirement to assist those most disadvantaged in the community including people with a disability, Indigenous Australians and mature aged workers into Apprenticeships.”

Mr Hardgrave said the Australian Government will spend a record $2.5 billion this financial year on vocational and technical education, including more than $280.6 million on a range of initiatives to increase participation in Apprenticeships.


A list of organisations offered contracts is attached.

Media Contact:
Mr Hardgrave’s Office: Nikki Voss 0402 896 100

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