Apprentices and trainees from small businesses who recently lost their jobs are now able to connect with prospective employers to explore ongoing work, through a new national service launched today.
The Apprentice and Trainee Re-engagement Register will support apprentices and trainees displaced as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, by connecting them with a network of employers across the country.
The register enables apprentices and trainees who were in a training contract with a small business at March 1 to upload details such as qualifications, work experience and resumes.
Employers of any size, including Group Training Organisations, are able to register their details and post a vacancy for an apprentice or trainee.
Employers who re-engage apprentices or trainees displaced from a small business may be eligible for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of the apprentice’s or trainee’s wage, under the government’s Supporting Apprentices and Trainees initiative.
The register is hosted by the National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN) and supported by the Australian Government, as part of the economic response to the coronavirus.
The Chief Executive Officer of NAEN Dianne Dayhew said the register will be a critical support measure for many apprentices, trainees and employers impacted by business shutdowns.
“This will give apprentices and trainees a chance to retain their skills and safeguard their livelihoods by gaining access to businesses where they can have a fresh start and be reemployed.
“For employers, it is a great opportunity to engage an apprentice or trainee who comes with existing training and employment experience under their belt,” Ms Dayhew said.
“It has been a challenging start to 2020, but I think all employers recognise that conditions will bounce back and skilled employees will be in demand.
“We need to do everything possible to maximise the investment in our skilled apprentices and trainees and give them the chance to gain meaningful jobs and continue their careers,” she said.
NAEN will be working closely with State Training Authorities, Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) providers, employers, GTOs and the Commonwealth to ensure that apprentices and trainees have the very best chance of staying in work and completing their training.
NAEN’s network represents GTOs across the country that are the legal employers of thousands of apprentices and trainees who are placed with host organisations where they undertake their work and formal training.
Under group training, apprentices and trainees can be rotated to different host employers if business slows or if additional experience is required. The network has decades of experience in mentoring and supporting apprentices and trainees, so is well-equipped to
deal with the current conditions.
See the Apprentice and Trainee Re-engagement Register
Media Contact: Bob Bowden, Foresight Communications Ph 0412 753 298 bbowden@bowmac.com.au