The Australian Apprenticeships Advisers Program (Advisers Program) was announced in the 2011-12 Budget as part of the $101 million Australian Apprenticeships Mentoring package. The package forms part of the Australian Government’s initial response to the recommendations of the Apprenticeships for the 21st Century Expert Panel.
With funding of about $21 million over two years, it is expected that the Advisers Program will support around 140 Australian Apprenticeships Advisers and complementary resources. The Advisers Program will support occupation/industry specific information to potential Australian Apprenticeship candidates, to assist them in choosing the right Australian Apprenticeship for them.
The Advisers Program will focus on, but not be restricted to, providing information to school leavers who are considering a career in a skilled occupation currently experiencing skills shortage, and who would like to know more about an Australian Apprenticeship in that occupation. It is expected Australian Apprenticeships Advisers will form linkages with career advisers and/or VET co-ordinators in local schools to support the delivery of the Australian Apprenticeships information.
The Program will support potential Australian Apprenticeship candidates through the provision of occupation and industry specific information to assist them to make an informed decision. The Program will provide the opportunity for potential Australian Apprenticeship candidates to ask industry professionals questions about their chosen occupation/industry and learn about the benefits and challenges associated with that career path. It is anticipated that advisory support will be available nationally, for example, through the use of telephone hotlines, online chat rooms and web-based information resources, along with targeted face to face advice.
The Australian Apprenticeships Advisers Program Guidelines have now been released and the Program is open to receive applications for funding. The Program Guidelines, application for funding and an example of a Funding Agreement are available below on this Australian Apprenticeships website.
Applicants will also need to electronically submit a Financial Viability form with their application for funding – this form is available on request from the email address provided below.
Further information on Australian Apprenticeships Budget measures can be found on the Budget 2011 page and further information on Budget measures can be found at www.deewr.gov.au/budget.
Email mentoringpackage@deewr.gov.au or call 13 38 73 (8.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday)