One Nation’s apprenticeships program a proven success
MEDIA RELEASE
A senior Australian Government minister has praised the success of a new apprenticeships program that was achieved by One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson.
Australia’s Regional Apprenticeship Program was negotiated by Senator Hanson late last year, and has been so successful that it has been repeated for a second time.
It effectively has provided valuable training in trades careers for more than 3100 young Australians in rural and regional areas – with more training places to come.
Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator Michaelia Cash, described the program as “a success” during Senate Estimates hearings, adding that “the take up was very good, the feedback we have received to date is very good”.
Senator Hanson used the senate estimates hearing to push for further extensions of the program.
“Just on the apprenticeship scheme, you know how I am passionate about this, and I’m glad the government took up my initiative with the apprenticeship scheme… I understand that was rolled out in January this year…?” the Senator asked.
Linda White, of the Employment Department’s Workforce and Apprenticeships office, responded: “Round one was rolled out on the first of January; I can let you know that, in that round, 1629 places were taken up; there are still a couple of places left in the Northern Territory. There was no time limit for when the places to be taken up, we expect those will be taken up in due course.”
Senator Hanson: “So you rolled out the program again in July?”
Ms White: “Yes, on the first of July we had phase two of the program; as of the 30th of September, 1558 places had been taken up. We still have 11 in what I would regard is a due diligence check, where we are confirming that the arrangements are satisfactory, and there’s still 63 places remaining on round two.”
Senator Hanson: “Will you consider rolling out another one, because I do have businesses asking, about putting on apprentices?”
Minister Cash: “It is a pilot program as you know, but, certainly, based on the success of the first round, we did make a decision – because it is additional apprentices, so it’s over and above, or new apprentices; the take up was very good, the feedback we have received to date is very good, and, in particular, because it is concentrated on rural and regional small businesses.”
The Regional Australia Apprenticeship Program secured by Senator Hanson sees the Federal Government pay 75% of the apprentice’s first year’s wage, followed by 50% in the second year and 25% in the third year.
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