Up to 200 apprentices and trainees in small to medium businesses are set to gain more support through the new Mentoring for Success program launched today.
Mentoring for Success responds to calls from industry to help improve retention rates for new apprentices and trainees, and delivers on recommendations from the Premier’s Economic and Social Recovery Advisory Council and last years.
It also comes as part of the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s plan to ensure we have the skilled workforce needed to deliver new growth as we recover from COVID-19.
Under this $1.5 million program, up to $6,000 will be available per apprentice or trainee in a small business for wrap-around mentoring and support services.
While Tasmania has the highest apprentice and trainee completion rates in the country, we know there is more to do. Extra support for apprentices and trainees in the early years of training is shown to have significant ongoing positive impacts and improve retention rates.
Importantly, we also know that small businesses have lower apprentice and trainee retention rates than larger employers who are able provide HR and employee support.
Mentoring for Success encourages small businesses to support an apprentice or trainee through the expertise of Group Training Organisations (GTOs).
GTOs provide centralised support for apprentices and their employers, including HR support along with expert advice and guidance on training. They are proven experts at delivering above average retention and completion rates for apprentices and trainees.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is investing more than $43 million to boost jobs for apprentices and trainees in Tasmania, to give businesses the confidence to employ more Tasmanians.
This includes $10.5 million towards the Australian Government’s $21 million JobTrainer Fund, delivering up to 7000 additional free training places specifically for youth and the unemployed.
Program Guidelines are available from www.skills.tas.gov.au
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