The Mentoring Package is part of the Australian Government’s Building Australia’s Future Workforce package which was announced by the Australian Government on 10 May 2011 in the 2011-2012 Budget.
The Mentoring Package comprises two grants programs, the Mentoring Program (approximately $80 million, 2011-12 until 2014-15) and the Australian Apprenticeships Advisers Program (around $21 million, 2011-12 until 2012-13).
The overarching aim of the Mentoring Package is to increase the retention rates of Australian Apprentices, particularly in the first 12 months of training, in order to improve completion rates and support the supply of skilled workers in sectors and occupations where there is a current or emerging skills need.
The Advisers Program under the Australian Apprenticeship Mentoring package targets , but is not restricted to, school leavers who are considering a career in a skilled occupation with demonstrated skills need, and would like to know more about an Australian Apprenticeship in that industry or occupation.
The Mentoring Program under the Australian Apprenticeships Mentoring package is targeted at Australian Apprentices:
Projects which link the Mentoring Program and Advisers Program are encouraged. Refer to the relevant Program Guidelines and program application form for more information.
Applications for funding can be submitted to the Department at any time. Early applications are encouraged to ensure availability of funding. The Department may also, at its discretion, call for applications through formal Funding Rounds.
Refer to the relevant Program Guidelines and program application form for more information.
Under the Mentoring Program, funding will support targeted mentoring to help Australian Apprentices successfully progress through their Apprenticeships. Mentoring may also involve support to their employers or supervisors to encourage a positive employment relationship and better support for Australian Apprentices. The Mentoring Program is targeted to Australian Apprentices who may face barriers to participation. It is anticipated that Mentoring Projects may focus on the first year of training when Australian Apprentices are most at risk of withdrawing from their Apprenticeships, however this will depend on the needs of the cohorts targeted for support.
Industry led partnerships are encouraged under the Mentoring Program.
Organisations eligible to apply for funding include:
Refer to the Mentoring Program Guidelines for more information.
Under the Advisers Program, funding will support Apprenticeships Advisers to provide industry or occupation specific information to potential Australian Apprenticeship candidates to help them make an informed decision in choosing the right Apprenticeship pathway. The Advisers Program primarily targets school leavers. Projects under the Advisers Program could also provide information and resources to potential and existing employers of Australian Apprentices to support effective recruitment in that occupation or industry.
Industry-led partnerships to deliver projects under the Advisers Program are encouraged. It is envisaged that Adviser Projects will demonstrate multi-jurisdictional coverage, or clearly target a regional need. Industry-led partnerships can enable Adviser Projects to be delivered by organisations which individually might not have all of the required expertise, but in partnership with another specialised organisation could meet the requirements to more effectively deliver projects under the program. These industry bodies may include, but are not limited to, Industry Skills Councils, Peak Industry Bodies and Employer and Employee Associations.
Refer to the Advisers Program Guidelines for more information.
Email mentoringpackage@deewr.gov.au or call 133 873 (8.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday).
Interested in visiting Australia to commence in training or employment? Your first point of contact before planning to commence training or employment while visiting Australia should be the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship who provide visa advice. You can contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) via their website at www.immi.gov.au.
The Accelerated Australian Apprenticeships initiative will supersede and expand the Government’s previous competency based progression initiative, Smarter Apprenticeships ($19.9 million – 2010-11 to 2013-14), announced in the 2010-11 Budget. This program was not implemented as the Government decided to await the release of the Apprenticeships for the 21st Century Expert Panel report to inform next steps. The new package is a more substantial investment in driving reform in this area.
As a result of the 2010-11 Federal Budget the Fast Track Apprenticeships Program has ceased, with all current projects to be completed prior to 30 June 2011. Case studies of funded projects
As part of the 2010 Federal Election campaign, the Australian Government announced the introduction of the Trades Apprentice Income Bonus from 1 January 2011.
The Trades Apprentice Income Bonus forms part of the Government’s continuing response to maintain the increase in commencements and retention of people in skills shortage traditional trade apprenticeships as the Australian economy continues to recover from the impact of the global recession.
The Trades Apprentice Income Bonus has been incorporated into the Tools For Your Trade payment initiative and will be paid on top of existing payments currently available to Australian Apprentices.
From 1 January 2011, eligible Australian Apprentices will receive an additional tax exempt bonus of up to $1,700 as they reach milestones in their training.
This means that the Tools For Your Trade payment initiative, which previously provided up to $3,800, will now provide up to $5,500 to eligible Australian Apprentices over the life of their Australian Apprenticeship.
Payments will be made as follows:
Part-time Australian Apprentices receive payments at the three, 24, 48, 72 month and completion points.
Australian Apprentices who commence or recommence their Australian Apprenticeship on or after 1 January 2009, and who are undertaking a Certificate III or IV level qualification leading to a trade occupation listed on the National Skills Needs List.
Australian Apprentices who are undertaking the following qualifications may also be eligible for the Tools For Your Trade payments:
Australian Apprentices will be eligible for those payments where the relevant milestone point for payment falls on or after 1 January 2011.
Where an Australian Apprentice has already received payments under the Tools For Your Trade payment initiative, they will only be eligible for the increased payments where the relevant milestone point falls on or after 1 January 2011.
For example, where an eligible Australian Apprentice is eligible for the first three Tools For Your Trade payments prior to 1 January 2011, they will only receive the increased payment amounts for the fourth and fifth payments where they are payable after 1 January 2011.
Australian Apprentices who commenced or recommenced their Australian Apprenticeship on or before 31 December 2008 will not be eligible for the increased payments from 1 January 2011. Payments to Australian Apprentices who are eligible for the Tools For Your Trade payment initiative will be made as follows:
Part-time Australian Apprentices receive payments at the three, 24, 48, 72 month and completion points.
Contact an Australian Apprenticeships Centre.
To find an Australian Apprenticeships Centre, call the Australian Apprenticeships Referral Line on 13 38 73 or visit the Australian Apprenticeships website at www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au.