NEW SERVICE TO SUPPORT QUEENSLAND APPRENTICES

A new initiative by the State Government will provide apprentices and employers with ready access to information and advice about training and apprenticeship employment issues.

Minister for Education and Training, Rod Welford, said the new telephone hotline service would provide a valuable source of information for apprentices and their employers.

“As part of our Government’s $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan, we want to encourage more people to undertake apprenticeships,” Mr Welford said.

“To achieve this, we are putting into place a range of strategies including shorter durations, completion bonuses and industry alliances.

“To complement these strategies, we want to support apprentices and employers and help them get information easily about any training or workplace issues that may arise.

“The telephone hotline will be staffed by trained consultants who’ll be able to answer questions on a wide range of topics such as how to become, or employ, an apprentice, contracts, rights and responsibilities and training providers.

“The service is called Apprenticeships Info and the number is 1800 210 210.

“There will also be a website - www.apprenticeshipsinfo.qld.gov.au - and an email service - apprenticeshipsinfo@qld.gov.au – which will complement the telephone hotline.

Mr Welford said a number of initiatives had been implemented under the Queensland Skills Plan to make apprenticeships more attractive.

“In November, I announced that durations for up to 75 apprenticeships would be reduced as a way of making them more attractive and turning out competent tradesmen and women in a shorter time,” he said.

“We have also increased travel and accommodation allowances for eligible apprentices and are working with employers to reduce workplace harassment.

“There is a lot of very good work being undertaken as part of the Queensland Skills Plan and this latest initiative is another positive step forward to encourage apprentices.”

Media contact: Greg Milne or Marnie Stitz on 32371000