Mentors for apprentices will aid retention rates

Australian apprentices will receive more support in the form of industry-based mentors and advisers, Senator Chris Evans, Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, has announced.

Under the Australian Apprenticeship Mentoring Package, hundreds of mentors and advisers will provide support to more than 12,000 apprentices, with projects driven by industry needs and targeting all occupations in emerging or demonstrated skills need.

“This new approach is centred on the needs of industry and puts them at the heart of the apprentice system,” Evans said.

The first allocation of the program will receive $18 million from the government. The program will see industry working directly with students, parents, job-seekers and schools to provide advice on the best training choices, as well as individual support throughout their apprenticeships.

“Completion rates for Australian apprenticeships are currently around 50%, which is far too low,” said Evans.

“This support and advice will help increase retention rates, particularly in the crucial first year of training, and address the critical skills needs of the economy.”