Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Karen Andrews announced the commencement of the program at Gold Coast tourism icon Sea World, alongside ambitious apprentices who are developing their skills and contributing to the local tourism industry.
“I’m very pleased to be announcing the 24 organisations which have been selected through a comprehensive tender process to deliver the new Industry Specialist Mentoring for Australian Apprentices (ISMAA) program.
“The new program, funded by a $60 million investment from the Turnbull Government, will substantially build upon support provided through the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network and aims to significantly increase retention and completion rates for apprentices in industries undergoing structural change,” Minister Andrews said.
“An industry specialist mentoring service will be provided to Australian Apprentices in industries as diverse as automotive repair, manufacturing, mining, construction, tourism and health.
“Mentors will be highly skilled and possess detailed knowledge that will allow them to address particular career and skills development concerns related to their industry.”
Minister Andrews said the successful organisations will provide regular one-to-one mentoring services with their expert knowledge of the industry and support for apprentices in the crucial first two years of training.
“The new industry mentors will help both apprentices and businesses, especially those who need it most to stay on track to complete their apprenticeship,” Minister Andrews said.
“As well as assisting apprentices in industries going through structural change, around the country the mentoring program will also support people who’ve been retrenched, those who have experienced long term unemployment, those previously not engaged in employment or training, mature aged Australians, and people from regional areas.”
For more information, visit: https://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/
