Here’s a reminder about funding available through the Commonwealth Government for the mentoring of Australian Apprenticeships. The following is an excerpt from skills connect:
The Australian Apprenticeships Mentoring program is targeted at industries and occupations with current or emerging skills need and Australian Apprentices who may face barriers to participation and may be at risk of withdrawing…
…Mentoring projects may also involve support for employers and supervisors in order to better support Australian Apprentices.
Who does the Mentoring program target?
The Mentoring program is targeted at Australian Apprentices:
- in industries or occupations with demonstrated skills need, particularly those employed in small to medium enterprises; and
- who may face additional barriers to participation.
What are the priority groups?
Australian Apprentices who may face additional barriers to participation include one or more of the following priority groups:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian Apprentices;
- Australian Apprentices from regional and remote areas;
- Australian Apprentices with disability;
- Australian School based Apprentices (i.e. an Australian Apprenticeship which is undertaken part-time while the Australian Apprentice is at school);
- Female and male Australian Apprentices in non-traditional occupations;
- Australian Apprentices who have experienced long term unemployment (e.g. stream 4 under Job Services Australia classification);
- Australian Apprentices who are mature workers (e.g. those aged 45 years and older);
- Australian Apprentices who are considered vulnerable youth (e.g. young people 25 years and under with identified barriers to participation); and
- Australian Apprentices who have been impacted by industry/sector structural change and may need additional support as they undertake their training.
Industry-led proposals are encouraged
Approximately $15 million is available to fund mentoring projects through Australian Government Skills Connect in 2011-12.
For the whole story – and links to the DEEWR website, please visit skills connect here
Also – let us know – are you interested in this sort of assistance? Do your apprentices and your business fit within the criteria above? EUPA is committed to help you get the best information and will help to connect you with the right people.
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