Apprenticeship mentoring program tried and tested in Qld

The BUSY at Work employment and apprenticeship organisation has welcomed the federal government’s Budget commitment to an apprenticeship mentoring program that, in its pilot in Queensland, has seen youngsters stick with their apprenticeships for longer.

Statistics show that, on average, apprentices who participate in the mentoring program were up to 15% more likely to complete their program than those who do not have a mentor.

BUSY At Work CEO Vivienne Mallinson said the program had helped address many issues between apprentices and their employers, and the broadening of the program through increased funding was a proven way to help address Australia’s skills shortage.

“The pilot was originally devised to help local businesses fill long-term skills shortages and we think the success is due to the unique face-to-face interaction between BUSY At Work mentors, employers and apprentices,” Mallinson said.

The program will support apprentice candidates in choosing the right trade for them as well as provide targeted mentoring and assistance, but it’s good for the employers as well, many of whom do not have the time or experience to manage the issues that arise for young people.

“BUSY At Work mentors help young apprentices with a variety of day-to-day issues from teaching apprentices how to complete government paperwork, through to showing apprentices how to catch a bus to work or simply read a timetable,” Mallinson said.

For more information, visit www.busyatwork.com.au/.