$80mil Housing Investment To Support Local Apprenticeships
Media Release — 3 November 2009
Today’s announcement that the Australian Government has given provisional approval for $80million in social housing projects in Far North Queensland will support the creation of apprenticeships in the local building and construction industry according to Cairns-based Skill360 Australia, the nation’s foremost Group Training Organisation.
“A lot of building and construction subcontractors have been considering taking on an apprentice but have been hesitant to do so due to the uncertain economic conditions. Initiatives such as these provide confidence that it’s a good time to make such an investment in training,” said Troy Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Skill360 Australia.
There is also welcome news for companies in Cairns that currently have sufficient workload for an apprentice, but are unsure about their business prospects in twelve month’s time. Mr Williams says the solution rests in the group training model, where Skill360 Australia employs the apprentice and places them with host employers.
“Group training is ideally suited for building and construction companies who are confident that they can hire an apprentice now, but not sure whether they will be able to do so in a year or so,” Mr Williams said.
Under the group training model, such as that managed by Skill360 Australia in Cairns, if a host employer finds themselves unable to sustain an apprentice, the apprentice is then placed with another employer so that their training can continue.
Costs associated with employing an apprentice through a group training scheme are invoiced to the host employer on a weekly basis. The complexities of awards, calculating leave entitlements and site allowances are all managed by Skill360 Australia who pays the apprentices directly.
“We take care of complicated issues such as compliance with awards, payroll management and monitoring the apprentice’s progress,” Mr Williams said.
Skill360 Australia employs the apprentices, organises their training, provides career guidance and mentoring. The host employers are simply responsible for providing them with on-the-job experience.
“Group training allows employers to get on with the job of providing apprentices with real-life work experience, while Skill360 Australia takes care of the administrative workload.” Mr Williams concluded.
Builders and contractors benefiting looking to take on an apprentice should contact Skill360 Australia, which currently has a number of quality candidates ready to start as first year apprentices.
Ends.
Media Contact:
Troy Williams - CEO, Skill360 Australia
t: 1300 933 358 (Intl: +61 7 4046 4000)