Apprenticeships Info celebrates first birthday

The State Government’s apprenticeship information service has celebrated its first 12 months of offering free advice, referrals and support about apprenticeship, traineeship and training options for Queenslanders.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said Apprenticeships Info was set up a year ago to provide apprentices and employers with ready access to information and advice about training and apprenticeship employment issues.

“As a key part of the $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan, Apprenticeships Info has helped the Government deliver on its promise to improve support to apprentices during their training and to help combat skills shortages throughout the state,” Mr Welford said.

“More than 330,000 customer transactions, including more than 150,000 phone and email enquiries, have been conducted by the Apprenticeships Info team since the service began a year ago.

“As well as providing verbal and written advice, the team has also developed a range of material for apprentices, trainees, employers, training providers and parents.

“Brochures, fact sheets and a comprehensive website offer detailed training information and a range of self-help options for interested people.”

Mr Welford said in addition to Apprenticeships Info, the Skills Plan had introduced a number of other strategies to support the increasing numbers of young Queenslanders undertaking apprenticeships and traineeships.

“Recent figures released by the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research show Queensland apprenticeship commencement and completion rates are increasing at a much faster rate than the national average,” he said.

“That is why, in conjunction with Apprenticeships Info, our Government has introduced strategies such as the Train to Retain initiative, which promotes safe and supportive workplaces that maximise apprentices’ learning experiences, and the $1000 Early Completion Bonus.”

For more information on Apprenticeships Info, go to www.apprenticeshipsinfo.qld.gov.au.

For more information on the Queensland Skills Plan, Train to Retain and the $1000 Early Completion Bonus, go to www.trainandemploy.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000