GTA calls for funding for proven training programs

Investment in training is vital to ensure job opportunities for young Australians, Group Training Australia (GTA) says. The national body for group training organisations (GTOs) has called for continued government support to enable apprentices and trainees to begin and complete their training.

Any further funding cuts could result in further layoffs and unemployment for apprentices and trainees, GTA said in a federal Budget submission.

According to GTA’s CEO Jim Barron, cuts to programs in recent years, together with a softening economic outlook, have made it difficult for young people looking for a skilled trade, as well as employees trying to retain these staff.

“It is not exaggerating to say that some employers are close to breaking point and it won’t take a great deal to see them laying off apprentices and trainees,” Barron said.

“That would have a disastrous flow-on effect because many would find it hard to move into other jobs, and it means a considerable investment in our future skilled workforce has probably been lost.”

Barron said that while he supports the government’s focus on targeted funding that directly results in jobs, it makes sense to redirect funding to proven training programs that are directly linked to employment.

“We have seen in recent years an explosion of funding for some apprentice mentoring and support programs that simply duplicate what GTOs have successfully undertaken for many years,” Barron said.

“It is also prudent to ensure that funding is targeted at programs that link training to jobs - rather than training-for-training’s sake.

“When every dollar counts, it is imperative that funding is not dispersed among scores of untested initiatives but is targeted at developing real skills in high-need areas that will result in jobs that business needs.”

GTA’s 2014 federal Budget submission is available here.