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Media Release
CHANGES TO VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION FROM JULY 1
June 30 2006
The Australian Government Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, the Hon Gary Hardgrave MP, said today that key changes to Australia’s vocational and technical education sector that come into effect from July 1 2006 will make it significantly more responsive to addressing skills needs.
“Vocational and technical education is increasingly playing an important role in the prosperity of our nation, and this Government has taken the task of managing the sector very seriously," Mr Hardgrave said.
“The Australian Government is aware of skills needs across a range of industries and is firmly committed to expanding career options for all Australians."
“In this financial year the Australian Government is investing a record $2.5 billion in vocational and technical education."
The changes which come into effect from July 1 2006 are:
Rebranding
The name “Australian Apprenticeships” will formally replace the scheme known as New Apprenticeships, and the name "Australian Apprenticeships Centres" will replace New Apprenticeships Centres. Australian Apprenticeships, will reinforce that apprenticeships are a first-rate career option and as professionally, financially and personally rewarding as a university pathway.
Australian Apprenticeships recognise a truly national and sophisticated training pathway with a choice of more than 500 careers and the opportunity to simultaneously train, study and earn an income.
Associated with this rebranding is a colour scheme change and the adoption of the slogan – Your Life. Your Career. Your Future.
The Australian Government’s range of incentives and initiatives under the New Apprenticeships scheme will be moved seamlessly to Australian Apprenticeships.
Australian Apprenticeships Support Services
The new contract period (2006-2009) for Australian Apprenticeships Support Services (formerly New Apprenticeships Centres) will commence on July 1.
These key services will be provided by 30 organisations operating from more than 340 full-time and part-time sites across Australia at an estimated cost of $156 million in 2006-2007. Regional coverage will be expanded through an extensive network of field staff providing these services in 22 regions across Australia.
The new contracts have strengthened and given greater focus to a number of areas of Australian Apprenticeships Centre (AAC) activity, specifically: early intervention and ongoing support; retention and completion; linkages with other key players in the Australian Apprenticeships market; achieving better participation for Key Priority Groups; and marketing and promotion.
In addition, AACs will facilitate Australian Apprenticeship placements either by becoming a Job Placement Licensed Organisation (contracted through the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations), or by establishing formal linkages with Job Network Members and/or Job Placement Licensed Organisations.
Introduction of Australian Apprenticeships Incentives for Diploma and Advanced Diploma Qualifications
Incentives will be payable to employers of Australian Apprentices undertaking some higher level qualifications. Prior to this, incentives were payable only to those undertaking qualifications at Certificate levels II to IV.
The Australian Government has provided $10.6 million over 4 years to encourage workers to enter occupations such as childcare and health areas.
Language, Literacy and Numeracy Programme (LLNP)
The Australian Government has invested over $56 million for LLNP in 2006/07. New three- year contracts commence on July 1 for language, literacy and numeracy and related services. The services will be delivered by 35 providers from a range of community, private and public sectors.
Language, literacy and numeracy training and assessment will be delivered by 33 providers, while one provider will deliver verification services, and one provider will deliver distance mode training and assessment services.
Welfare to Work Implementation of Changes
An extra 12,300 training places across Australia will become available through the Welfare to Work reform package.
The Australian Government is providing an additional $42.6 million over three years to encourage increased workforce participation for those who have the capacity to work, including people with a disability, parents, the very long term unemployed and mature people.
“Building on the Australian Government’s strong commitment to vocational and technical education, evidenced by our record 4 year $10.8 billion commitment, these changes herald an exciting new era for vocational and technical education,” Mr Hardgrave said.
“I look forward to all Australians realising the great opportunities that await them, and the contribution they will make to our nation as a whole, if they choose a vocational pathway.”
Minister Hardgrave’s Media Contact: Nikki Voss 0402 896 100
Dept of Education, Science and Training: Julianne Stewart 02 6240 7175
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