An investment from the Victorian Government will see the creation of a new apprenticeships body, Apprenticeships Victoria.
This will allow thousands of apprentices and trainees to be better connected with real learning and job opportunities.
Apprenticeships Victoria will coordinate and oversee the delivery of apprenticeships in the state, around 1,500 of which will be through Victoria’s Big Build infrastructure program.
The idea is to create better pathways for people into the workforce and to help foster connections between employees and industry.
The $33 million for Big Build Apprenticeships will provide 1,500 opportunities to Victorian apprentices and trainees each year, for four years to kickstart their careers on some of the state’s largest projects.
A walk-in apprenticeships hub will also be opened in Melbourne CBD, where workers can go to get information about opportunities.
Opportunities on the Big Build program will include working on projects such as the new Footscray Hospital, North East Link and Warrnambool Learning and Library Hub.
Ten per cent of construction hours on these project will be completed by apprentices and trainees at a minimum.
Apprenticeships Victoria will encourage school leavers and young people to get involved, with priority given to workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic, disadvantaged Victorians and those under-represented in the construction industry.
Related stories:
- Apprentices complete training to enter growing infrastructure industry
- Construction support company opens applications for 40 apprenticeships
- SA Govt provides incentives for businesses to hire local apprentices