$12 million has been invested through the Victorian Budget 2022/23 to boost the Apprenticeship Support Officers (ASO) program, with the goal of supporting apprentices in their journey from the classroom to the workplace.
The ASO program gives tailored support to apprentices, including advice on training and employment, safety and workplace concerns, mental and physical wellbeing, housing and financial difficulties, drug and alcohol issues.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney said we know how important the Apprenticeship Support Officers program is to Victorian jobseekers and employers in supporting and retaining apprentices.
“Only a Labor Government supports great TAFE and training opportunities for Victorian jobseekers – supporting skills demands experienced now and into the future by industries right across the state.”
ASOs also work with employers to support them in providing high-quality workplace conditions, appropriately resolve conflict, and deliver great training opportunities – to address skills demands and increase apprentice completion and retention rates.
The program made about 80,000 contacts with apprentices in 2021 alone and will support even more as Victoria continues to lead the nation in apprenticeship commencements – which doubled to almost 50,000 in the 12 months to September 2021.
Some of the most popular apprenticeships were Automotive and Engineering, with a 141.7 per cent increase, and Electrotechnology and Telecommunications, with a 177.3 per cent increase, according to data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research.
