The overall objective of the Fast-Track Apprenticeships Program is to increase the number of qualified tradespeople gaining employment in industries experiencing skill shortages.
Australia needs a skilled and knowledgeable workforce, capable of meeting the current and future demands of industry. One way to achieve this is to encourage greater participation in apprenticeships by removing time-based restrictions on qualifications. Apprentices will achieve their qualifications earlier by becoming competent in a shorter period of time.
Grant funding of up to $50,000 (GST exclusive) is available to Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to work with industry and local employers to develop and implement apprenticeship pathways. These pathways should reduce the amount of time taken to complete entire apprenticeships (not just off-the-job components) in a way that ensures quality and meets the needs of industry, employers and apprentices.
New Funding round 2008/2009 for Fast-Track Apprenticeships
Status of 2007/2008 Funding for Fast-Track Apprenticeships
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) is
calling for a second round of applications for funding up to $50,000 (GST
exclusive) for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to develop and implement
‘Fast-Track Apprenticeships’.
Applicants should outline how their proposed activity will reduce the amount of
time taken to complete entire apprenticeships (not just off-the-job components)
in a way that ensures quality and meets the needs of industry, employers and
apprentices. Prospective RTOs will also need to demonstrate how they will work
with industry and local employers to develop and implement apprenticeships
pathways for this purpose.
Applicants should address:
Applicants will need to download the following documents:
(143KB)
(184KB)Registered Training Organisations seeking further information email: fast-track@deewr.gov.au
Alternatively you may telephone (02) 6240 7219 or (02) 6240 9046.
Applications for funding close on Friday 30 May 2008 5pm and should be
emailed to fast-track@deewr.gov.au
The selection process for the first round of funding for the Fast-Track
Apprenticeships Grant Funding Program has been finalised.
All applicants are being contacted directly by the department with the outcome
of their expression of interest.
A list of the proposals which were assessed as suitable for funding is available
to view below:
List of proposals suitable for funding
(pdf 14KB)
Download and
print Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fast-track apprenticeships initiative about?
The overall objective of the Fast-Track Apprenticeships Program is to increase the number of qualified tradespeople gaining employment in industries experiencing skill shortages.
Funding is being provided to RTOs to work with industry and/or local employers to develop and implement apprenticeship pathways that reduce the time taken to complete entire apprenticeships (not just off-the-job components) in a way that ensures quality and meets the needs of industry, employers and apprentices.
The Fast-Track Apprenticeships Program increases opportunities for apprentices to be signed off when they are competent, reducing the amount of time taken to complete apprenticeships. This is because all references to fixed durations for apprentices have now been removed from legislation, regulations and awards covering apprenticeships as a result of work undertaken by the Council of Australian Governments.
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How do I apply?
To apply for funding under the Fast Track Apprenticeships Program download and
read the ‘Information for Registered
Training Organisations applying for Funding under the Fast-Track Apprenticeships
Program 2008/2009’ and the ‘Annexure
A - Application for Funding’ documentation.
The ‘Applications for Funding’ document must be submitted to DEEWR by Friday 30 May 2008 5pm and should be emailed to:
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Am I eligible?
To be eligible for grant funding you must be:
For more information about eligibility, and engagement with
industry/employers, read the ‘Information
for Registered Training Organisations applying for Funding under the Fast-Track
Apprenticeships Program 2008/2009’ and the ‘Annexure
A - Application for Funding’ documentation.
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If I am an apprentice
can I apply for funding?
No. Only RTOs are eligible for grant funds. Information on Australian
Apprenticeship incentives can be found at:
http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/Australian_Apprentice/
Can I submit an application for funding for more than one Fast-Track
Apprenticeship activity?
Yes. DEEWR will consider applications for funding from RTOs seeking funding for
more than one Fast-Track Apprenticeship activity, but is not bound to accept or
fund any or all of the proposals from that organisation. A separate application
for funding must be submitted for each activity.
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When do applications close?
The 2008/2009 application for funding closes on 30 May 2008. There will
be a third round of funding in 2009.
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How will I know if my
application is successful?
The department will contact preferred applicants once the selection process has
been finalised. Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified.
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How is funding provided?
Successful applicants will sign a funding agreement with DEEWR. DEEWR will
monitor the implementation of each Fast-Track Apprenticeship activity to
evaluate and assess the impact and success of the funded activities
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Will the fast-track apprenticeship initiative be targeting skill shortages?
Yes. The department welcomes proposals that will address skill shortages within
regions and in response to industry demand. This includes those occupations on
the National Skills Needs List.
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Which apprenticeships are covered?
Activities to be funded under the Fast-Track Apprenticeship initiative will generally relate to Certificate III or IV qualifications that articulate to trades which are in skill shortage.
As the definition of an apprenticeship and traineeship can vary from state to state we have not provided an exclusive list. The focus is on apprenticeships; however the department will consider innovative proposals for Certificate III or IV qualifications with a nominal duration of 36 months or more.
The department welcomes all innovative proposals, but those addressing areas of skill shortages will generally be given a higher priority than other proposals. This would include proposals which respond to a demonstrated industry and/or geographic demand for employment.
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Are apprentices undertaking a fast-track apprenticeship eligible for existing
Australian Apprenticeship incentives?
Yes. Apprentices and employers involved in fast-track apprenticeship activities
can apply for Australian Apprenticeship incentives for which they are eligible.
For more information go to:
http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/Australian_Apprentice/
