The state government has announced it will accept all recommendations of the Apprenticeship Taskforce report, either in full or in-principle.
Victoria’s Apprenticeship Taskforce was established through the 2023-24 state budget and is chaired by former ACTU president Sharan Burrow AC, alongside representatives from unions, industry, and apprentices.
Among the taskforce’s recommendations is the establishment of a dedicated regulator for apprentices and trainees.
The state government has given in-principal support for the regulator which is designed to to improve outcomes for Victoria’s 77,000 apprentices and help them stay in their chosen fields.
On Wednesday, the government announced a $9 million package to address other taskforce recommendations aimed at improving safety and mental health support for apprentices and trainees.
These include creating a pilot program of a central helpdesk service where
where apprentices and trainees can go for all types of workplace support.
Other reforms to funded include more support for employers of apprentices, greater inclusion and safety for women apprentices, modernising laws that govern the apprenticeship system, and fostering better collaboration between agencies and the federal government.
Apprenticeships Taskforce chair Sharan Burrow said apprenticeships and traineeships were crucial to building a skilled workforce for the future.
“Supporting young people and adults retraining to get the qualifications they want has to be a priority with workplace education to ensure inclusive environments backed by regulatory oversight,” Ms Burrow said.
To read the taskforce’s report and the government’s response, visit: apprenticeships.vic.gov.au/apprenticeships-taskforce/.
