The apprenticeship sector today welcomed the NSW government’s reform plans for the vocational education and training (VET) sector flowing from the landmark Gonski-Shergold Review.
The government’s acceptance of all the recommendations of the review puts NSW on a path to a world-class system where vocational careers are valued, promoted and better facilitated through secondary schools.
“We are pleased that the NSW Government is taking firm steps to reform the VET system so that apprenticeships and vocational careers are clearly understood by school leavers and are better integrated into the broader skills needs of the state,” Jason Sultana, Executive Officer of the Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT said.
“It’s not a matter of choosing between VET or university – both have a valued role in skills development, and many people will move between them over the course of their careers,” he said.
“Bringing the VET and university systems closer together in terms of skills development, and supporting this with a new careers agency, Careers NSW, will give more young people a chance to fully understand what skills and further study will be needed to fulfill their career aspirations.”
The decline in VET and the shift away from VET to university outlined in the Gonski-Shergold report is a real concern and is not consistent with an economy that will need significantly more skilled workers as the economy recovers from the pandemic.
“There is much that can be done in secondary schools to open students’ eyes to the vast array of vocational choices on offer, and a need to actively overcome the unintended bias that often equates VET with lower academic ability,” Mr Sultana said.
It is sometimes not appreciated just how many rewarding and engaging apprenticeships and traineeships are available. Currently, there are openings for hundreds of people in apprenticeships and traineeships across our network.
Group training organisations (GTOs) have a long record of recruiting and placing apprentices and trainees with host businesses, helping to arrange their formal training and assisting them through to completion.
Under the model of group training, GTOs are the legal employers of the apprentice and trainees and are responsible for recruitment, matching to a host business, meeting all employer obligations, including paying wages and entitlements, arranging formal training and assessment, and providing pastoral care and support.
About the Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT
The Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT is the peak body representing its network of 29 Not for Profit Group Training Organisations (GTOs) employing apprentices and trainees throughout New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. www.aennswact.com.au, www.iwantanapprenticeship.com.au
Jason Sultana is available for comment.
Jason Sultana p: 0419 466 584 E: jason@aennswact.com.au
