Apprenticeship Office news and updates

Western Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector’s brightest stars celebrated tonight at the 2022 WA Training Awards presentation event at Crown Perth, with eight individual and five organisations announced as this year’s winners. Now in their 28th year, the awards recognise the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees, employers and training organisations with individual winners receiving $3,000; and WA winners could go on to represent the State at the Australian Training Awards in Adelaide on Friday 18 November 2022. This year, the awards attracted a surge in applications coinciding with record student enrolments in government-funded VET courses in 2021.

South Metropolitan TAFE was named as WA Large Training Provider of the Year 2022, and was among five organisation winners that were recognised as industry leaders and important contributors to the work to build a pipeline of skilled local workers.

The 2022 WA Training Awards are made possible thanks to continuing support from the State Training Board, MEGT, Apprenticeship Support Australia powered by CCIWA, Construction Training Fund, the Electrical and Communications Association of Western Australia, Maxima and the Training Accreditation Council WA.

At the event this evening, Acting Education and Training Minister Rita Saffioti said that “The WA Training Awards provide an opportunity to shine a light on the brightest stars in the VET sector, showcasing excellence and outstanding achievement. The McGowan Government has invested significantly in training in recognition of its vital role in keeping WA’s economy strong and giving all Western Australians the opportunity to work in their dream career. Congratulations to all of the 2022 winners, who are to be commended for their dedication to their vocational training and for being exemplary ambassadors for the Western Australian training sector.”

Read the full media statement here

WA Training Awards 2022 winner profiles

WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year: Wayne Ryder

From school captain to captain of his football team, Wayne has paved the way for Aboriginal men walking a similar journey. One of his proudest achievements was creating the Waakal Moort Kaadadjiny Festival, a health and wellbeing festival for at-risk Aboriginal people. Wayne began working for Palmerston Association as a Community Aboriginal Worker, supporting individuals affected by drugs and alcohol following his lived experience. He later won a scholarship to study a Diploma of Leadership and Management with the Australian Institute of Management.

WA Apprentice of the Year: Megan Hazelden

Growing up on a farm watching her parents work on machinery, Megan knew she wanted to become a mechanic. Now completing a Certificate III in Engineering, she is well on her way to reaching her goal of becoming a Mechanical Fitter at Wagerup Refinery. Throughout her apprenticeship, Megan has had the opportunity to represent women in the industry, presenting at schools and student career nights about career opportunities. Winning South Metropolitan TAFE’s Apprentice of the Year 2021 gave her the confidence to encourage women to apply for an apprenticeship in mechanical fitting.

WA Cultural Diversity Training Award: Feng Yang

A birthday wish from Feng’s daughter for better lunches to take to school changed Feng’s life, and began his journey into a new and exciting career. After moving to Australia from China and wanting to make his daughter proud while learning more about nutrition, Feng enrolled in a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at South Metropolitan TAFE. Aside from mastering different cuisines, Feng’s communication skills have improved, his daughter’s lunch box is the most popular at school and Feng is working towards his goal of becoming a chef.

WA International Student of the Year: Yu-Chien (Eva) Cho

It was the interactive learning environment in the training restaurant at South Metropolitan TAFE that captured Eva’s attention and cemented her decision to study a Diploma of Hospitality Management. Eva’s career pathway started in Taiwan, but since moving to Perth, she has completed a Diploma and is now studying towards the Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management. Eva says her oral and written communication skills have improved immensely and she has gained an appreciation of working with students from other cultures.

WA School-based Apprentice of the Year: Sophia Pitaro

Driven to gain as much experience as she can while attending high school, Sophia has already completed a Certificates in Events Management, Tourism and Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways. Now embarking on a traineeship through North Metropolitan TAFE, Sophia is completing a Certificate III in Sport and Recreation and has completed qualifications including her First Aid, Lifeguard and CPR Certificates while gaining on-the-job experience with BlueFit — Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre.

WA Trainee of the Year: Brittany-Leigh Wragg

Being one of the first students to study a Certificate III in Defence Industry Pathways Program, Brittany cites the unwavering support from the team at South Metropolitan TAFE and Programmed Training Services that helped her feel confident about her chosen career pathway in a male-dominated industry. Brittany-Leigh has sampled different job roles while undertaking work placement rotations and gained real-life experience, all while building up a network of industry contacts. She hopes to begin an apprenticeship in defence on completion of her traineeship.

WA Trainer of the Year: Stephen Delaney, Bibra Lake (MPA Skills)

For 20 years, Stephen has delivered training to his students with a pastoral and holistic approach. He readily participates in training to upskill, as well as adapting and improving his teaching style to navigate modern-day challenges. At MPA Skills Painting and Plumbing, Stephen’s passion is training pre-apprentices which he says is “challenging and rewarding” but where he can make the biggest impact. Stephen did not think he would be training for as long as he has been, but two decades later, he is as passionate as ever and loves making a difference in people’s lives. Stephen says training students is a privilege. Imparting confidence, support and knowledge to pre-apprentices is what he finds the most rewarding. He is responsible for leading landmark art projects around Perth for which his pre-apprentices have proudly completed, including the Salvos Store in Maylands and the Morley City Library.

WA Vocational Student of the Year: Caitlin Bezuidenhout

Inspired after visiting her nanna at an aged-care facility, nine-year-old Caitlin was determined to make a positive change in the industry. Still at school, Caitlin is completing her Certificate IV in Preparation for Health and Nursing studies through Health Science Hub and her Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) through Australian Medical Association WA. Through her work placement with Baptistcare, Caitlin has been able to gain hands on experience and is passionate about creating positive energy in her workplace.

WA Small Employer of the Year: Matera Electrical

Starting with just four staff, Matera Electrical has grown to over 90 employees, aiming for excellence in safety standards and high-quality work within the construction and oil and gas industries. With roughly 80 per cent of employees actively engaged in training, and spending on average 200 hours per month in training, the company is committed to a team-focused approach, fostering positive change and prioritising communication and training to ensure staff are fully engaged and equipped for superior results.

WA Large Employer of the Year: Byrnecut

Byrnecut is one of the world's leading underground contract miners with over 3,800 employees. Byrnecut’s training programs undergo continuous improvement, with input from experienced operators and management to ensure quality learning opportunities. With 21 per cent of employees undertaking a traineeship or apprenticeship within WA, Byrnecut are committed to world-class training and development, individualised learning plans, unlimited support and access to thousands of resources and networks to set employees up for successful, long-term careers with the company.

WA Industry Collaboration Award: Making Tracks (Department of Justice)

Making Tracks is a collaborative industry training and employment network of partnerships for prisoners across WA to ensure VET delivery within prisons is relevant and appropriate to the needs of both the prisoners engaged in training and the businesses that go on to employ them. Through collaboration with employers in key industries, the program reduces the stigma ex-prisoners face when seeking employment, while meeting the needs of the labour market, contributing to the economy and reducing reoffending.

WA Small Training Provider of the Year: Taylorweir International School of Hairdressing

Taylorweir International School of Hairdressing (Taylorweir) is the longest established private hairdressing RTO in WA. The training delivery focuses on a client-driven approach, ensuring that students achieve their best outcomes with support from their employers and the outstanding teaching skills of the organisation's trainers. With over 480 enrolled students, Taylorweir’s 25-year journey continues to be one of learning, growth and change which has allowed it to maintain its position as a leader of hairdressing and barbering education in Australia.

Large Training Provider of the Year: South Metropolitan TAFE

South Metropolitan TAFE is one of WA’s most diverse training providers. The college offers more than 340 qualifications, from foundation courses to apprenticeships and traineeships, to advanced diplomas and skill sets. The college is dedicated to working collaboratively with industry, ensuring their partnerships support economic and community development. With 12 campuses throughout the southern corridor; including major campuses in Bentley, Carlisle, Fremantle, Murdoch, Rockingham, Thornlie and Mandurah, South Metropolitan TAFE has more than 28,000 students across their Perth campuses as well as offshore students in a number of countries.

Visit the WA Training Awards website to find out more

As Western Australia continues to prepare for current and future defence work, the importance of occupations such as engineers, technicians and cyber security and ICT professionals to this growing sector has never been clearer. WA’s defence industry workforce has received a boost, with a new initiative launched to support upskilling of workers into critical roles.

Eligible employers across the defence industry can now access the new Defence Industry Existing Worker Incentive (DIEWI), which provides financial assistance of up to $6,375 to offer existing workers the opportunity to upskill through an existing worker traineeship (EWT). The new $1.08 million program will support career progression of 120 existing workers into critical paraprofessional and professional roles, equipping them with the skills needed to meet the demands of technological advances across the industry.

Under the DIEWI, existing worker traineeships are available in three key industry qualifications:

• Certificate IV in Cyber Security;
• Diploma of Applied Technologies (Applied Technologies Technician); and
• Diploma of Engineering – Technical (Engineering Draftsperson).

All three qualifications are also heavily subsidised, with course fees reduced by 72 per cent through the State Government’s successful Lower fees, local skills program, keeping training affordable and accessible across a range of in-demand occupations.

Through the Western Australian Defence and Defence Industries Strategic Plan, the WA State Government has committed to making defence a priority sector; recognising its vital importance for economic diversification and job creation. The new DIEWI is among the $11 million worth of initiatives in the 2022–23 State Budget aimed at boosting WA’s defence-ready workforce, which will help to deliver a pipeline of skilled workers for this priority sector. It also builds on the State Government's previous $18 million investment to boost WA’s defence industry capabilities and trades workforce.

The DIEWI program is delivered by South Metropolitan TAFE, the largest defence industry training provider in the State, with the ability to customise the training to meet business needs.

For more information about DIEWI, go to jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/diewi

Announcing the new incentive, Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said “Western Australia’s world leading defence industry plays a vital role in the State’s economy and economic diversification. This new initiative will help build the skilled defence workforce required for the future, by supporting career progression of existing workers into critical roles. This is a great opportunity for WA businesses to take up this financial incentive to upskill their workers.”

"Western Australia is home to some of the world’s most innovative defence suppliers, and the Defence Industry Existing Worker Incentive will help businesses to maintain their competitive edge and strong workforces, amid technological advances across the industry.” said Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia.

Read the full media statement here

The WA State Government has today launched a new Skilled Migrant Employment Register to attract workers to key industries, helping to deliver the skilled labour needed to support Western Australia’s strong economy and jobs market.

The free register, available now, can be accessed through the WA Migration Portal and has been designed to support skilled migrants to settle in WA while giving employers visibility of new talent. The register will also support regional employers by linking migrants who indicate preferred employment in regional areas to employment opportunities in country WA. It is free for both employers and prospective migrants.

For more information visit www.migration.wa.gov.au

In addition, six more building and construction occupations have been added to WA’s skilled occupation list to support the continued high level of activity in the sector. These include project builders; surveyors; building inspectors; building and engineering technicians; roof tilers; and airconditioning and refrigeration mechanics.

New statistics also show the McGowan Government’s efforts to rebuild the training sector over the past five years are delivering incredibly strong results, including in building and construction and electrical apprenticeships and traineeships.

• There are now more than 10,000 building and construction and electrical apprentices and trainees currently engaged in WA  — an all-time record.
• Building and construction apprenticeship completions rose from 3,166 in 2020 to 4,046 in 2021 — a 28 per cent increase.
• Building and construction apprenticeship commencements have increased by more than 150 per cent in the past 12 months compared to the 12 months prior  — up from 1,065 in May 2020 to 2,232 in May 2022.
• Electrical apprenticeship commencements have nearly doubled over the past two years  — from 1,146 in May 2020 to 2,232 in May 2022.
• The number of building and construction apprentices in training has increased from 2,583 in May 2020 to 4,558 in 2022 — a 76 per cent increase.
• The number of electrical apprentices in training has increased from 3,377 in 2020 to 4,872 in 2022 — a 24 per cent increase.

There have also been significant increases in those undertaking apprenticeships for electrical mechanics and gas fitting, bricklaying, carpentry and joinery.

These training and skills initiatives — including the $195 million Reconnect WA program — are working to address Western Australia’s workforce needs and help sustain the State’s very strong economy. In 2021, the State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) was expanded to include 164 occupations; including 28 building and construction occupations to support WA's economic recovery.

The State Government is also working to attract building and construction workers to WA through the Build a Life in WA campaign. Since the campaign’s soft launch in the UK and Ireland on 3 July, visits to the Build a Life website have increased by 101 per cent and referrals to SEEK have increased by 151 per cent from users in the UK and Ireland.

Launching the register, Premier Mark McGowan said “My Government continues to work with industry to meet WA’s workforce needs. Our very strong economy continues to require skilled labour in a diverse range of industries and these measures are another important proactive step to address these issues. The new register will provide an opportunity for employers to connect with skilled migrants, identifying the capabilities they need, and adding to the pipeline of skilled workers in demand in WA. “

Read the full media statement here

Western Australia’s Jobs and Skills Centres (JSCs) are taking their employment advice and assistance on the road, with an exhibit at Recruit WA. Recruit WA will co-locate with the Perth Tradie Expo at Ascot Racecourse from today until Sunday (17—19 June) to showcase a range of careers in the construction, mining, infrastructure, engineering and transport industries and connect jobseekers and employers.

Jobs and Skills Centres will be on hand to show jobseekers how they can explore exciting training pathways to employment, as well as inform employers about the many initiatives available to them. JSCs are one-stop-shops for free, friendly and professional careers, training and employment advice. Whether you’re looking for an apprenticeship or traineeship, need help finding an employer, or considering a pathway into a trade through a pre-apprenticeship or pre-traineeship, Jobs and Skills Centres can help you on your journey.

With WA’s strong economic position and record high job vacancy rates, there has never been a better time to upskill or learn a trade. The WA State Government is continuing to support jobseekers and employers through a range of new initiatives to future-proof the workforce, with career changers, jobseekers and under 25s in the box seat to start a life changing career.

Initiatives to boost the trades workforce include the highly successful Job Ready programs, which through the combination of a short course and work placement provide pathways to employment, apprenticeships and traineeships in chef, bricklaying, infrastructure (civil construction) and driller’s offsider roles.

“The McGowan Government is investing in a range of initiatives to support the training sector, as well as working closely with industry to address skill shortages," said Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery. “Right now there is a large number of exciting programs and projects happening right across Western Australia, creating a pipeline of work and fantastic opportunities across many industries. Western Australia’s Jobs and Skills Centres are the gateway to the local VET sector, with free services and accessible to everyone – be sure to pay them a visit at Recruit WA.”

To find out more about Job Ready programs and how the Jobs and Skills Centres can help you with your next career move, visit jobsandskills.wa.gov.au or call your local centre on 13 64 64.

Thanks to the WA State Government’s strategic investment in the training sector, more Western Australians than ever are getting the skills needed by local industry.
 

• WA’s vocational education and training (VET) sector is experiencing a major surge, with new data showing more than 150,000 publicly funded course enrolments were reported in 2021 – the highest ever recorded – with the number of students enrolling in training up 21 per cent from 2020. 
• WA employers are also signing up apprentices and trainees at record levels — for the first time ever, 10,000 apprenticeship and traineeship contracts have been registered in the first three months of 2022. In March 2022 alone there were over 4,000 registrations – the highest monthly number on record.

So far this year, publicly funded private providers have continued to show solid growth. TAFE enrolments remain at historically high levels, up almost 30 per cent compared to the same point in 2019.

The substantial growth in publicly funded VET courses reflects the State Government’s significant investment in the training sector and initiatives resulting from the WA Skills Summits that respond to workforce issues raised by industry leaders at the Perth and Regional Skills Summits including:

• extending the highly successful Lower fees, local skills initiative;
• supporting mature age apprentices;
• boosting Aboriginal youth employment opportunities; and
• extending the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Reengagement Incentive.

Industries that have a critical need to upskill workers — including civil construction, childcare, and aged and disability care — can now also access low fee existing worker traineeships to help meet the skills needs of these sectors.

The State Government is also investing $215.8 million for essential infrastructure upgrades to TAFE colleges across the State, as well as a further $25 million to modernise equipment to support training demand. Building on the McGowan Government's significant work to revitalise the TAFE sector, the 2022—23 State Budget invests an additional $76.5 million in targeted opportunities for Western Australians to take up quality jobs — this includes additional funding to keep TAFE fees low; boosting the defence industry's professional and paraprofessional workforce; supporting WA's in demand construction industry; and helping mature age jobseekers into jobs.

"Our Lower fees, local skills initiative has been greatly successful, delivering the highest VET course enrolments on record." said Premier Mark McGowan today. "Ensuring we can provide affordable training options for Western Australians doesn't just benefit individuals, it benefits the whole State by providing a steady supply of skilled local workers."

"As part of our efforts to revitalise the TAFE sector, we continue to invest significantly in quality training that is not only accessible, but can connect people to local jobs." added Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery. "Making training affordable for all Western Australians is an essential strategy in creating jobs and addressing skills shortages.".

Read the full media statement here

The WA State Government today announced a $14.3 million investment in the 2022—23 State Budget to support the development of Western Australia’s construction industry workforce, and provide financial support to apprentices and trainees.

The $14.3 million Construction Training Fund (CTF) investment includes $4.5 million for a new tool rebate to support apprentices and trainees purchase trade-related tools and safety equipment, enabling eligible apprentices and trainees to claim up to $500 each for purchases made between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023.

To support the introduction of a new apprenticeship pathway for the civil construction sector, the CTF is providing eligible employers with a wage gap subsidy to cover the difference in wages paid between the new apprenticeship and outgoing traineeship. The $5.1 million program will run over the next four years.

The State Government’s Skills Summits in 2021 identified access to a driver’s licence as a common barrier to employment as an apprentice. The new initiatives from CTF includes a $1.3 million initiative to assist young people with gaining the experience and skills they need to obtain a driver’s licence for entry into a construction trade apprenticeship; and an additional $1.6 million of incentives for employers and apprentices involved in rebuilding disaster-affected regions to support communities impacted by the Wooroloo bushfires and Cyclone Seroja. Under the scheme, employers can claim up to an additional $6,000 from the CTF over two years and apprentices can receive up to $2,000 over the same period.

A further $1.9 million has been allocated to identify and promote training in trades with a declining number of workers through online resourcing for target employers, advertising and apprentice mentoring programs.

For more information on these initiatives, visit ctf.wa.gov.au.

“My Government is committed to investing in training Western Australians to build a skilled workforce for now and for the future." says Premier Mark McGowan, announcing the new initiatives today.  “These important initiatives, delivered through the Construction Training Fund, will support the Western Australian construction industry to attract and retain workers. The tool rebate will provide financial support to thousands of construction apprentices in regional and metropolitan areas, helping them to follow their chosen career path and promote safety in their workplaces. Similarly, the driver’s licence training support will help to remove barriers to apprenticeship employment by providing young people with skills and experience to safely operate a vehicle.”

Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said “The McGowan Labor Government has been working directly with industries to increase the capability of their workforces and produce more skilled workers to meet growing industry demand. This suite of initiatives, funded through the 2022—23 State Budget, responds to workforce issues raised by industry leaders at what is a critical time for building and construction. The civil construction apprenticeship program will improve the quality of training in civil construction and create robust career pathways into the industry, with the $5.1 million wage gap subsidy to ensure a pipeline of junior and mature-age qualified apprentices. The McGowan Government is also investing to get more tradies on the ground in disaster-hit areas to help with recovery efforts, with $1.6 million in incentives on offer for apprentices and trainees who go where they’re needed most.”

Read the full media statement here

The State Government has joined with Western Australia's civil construction industry to establish a new pilot program to increase the number and quality of new workers entering the sector. This pilot program will help build a skilled local workforce in the civil construction industry to support the State Government's $13 billion commitment to civil infrastructure projects over the next four years.

Under the program specific civil construction qualifications in WA are changing from a traineeship to an apprenticeship, extending training from 24 months to 36 months with the aim of improving skills and employment opportunities. The move will result in the first cohort of civil construction apprentices, who will receive a trade certificate on completion of their Certificate III qualification, boosting qualified civil construction trades.

Funded by the Construction Training Fund (CTF) and developed in conjunction with the Civil Contractors Federation WA (CCFWA) and Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), the $5.99 million program will cover a wage gap created by the transition, ensuring employers and apprentices are not disadvantaged by the transition to the new qualifications.
 

• A wage subsidy of up to $14,000 will be provided to employers who employ junior apprentices (under 21), and there will also be wage gap funding for 50 direct employment mature age civil construction apprenticeships.
• The CTF has also increased its base grant for employers from $8,000 to $10,000.

The CTF apprenticeship support grant is available to eligible employers, and is intended to cover the costs incurred by the employment and training of an apprentice during the term of the training contract. Throughout the four-year pilot program, it is anticipated that around 250 junior apprentice wages will be subsidised and more than 1,200 new apprentices are expected to commence in the civil construction sector.

For more information, please read the CCPP FAQs available at dtwd.wa.gov.au/apprenticeship-office#useful-fact-sheets or at ctf.wa.gov.au.

Announcing the pilot program today, Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said “The McGowan Government is committed to building a skilled local workforce. This program will improve the quality of training in civil construction while creating robust career pathways into the industry and ensure a pipeline of junior and mature age qualified apprentices. This initiative was developed extensively with industry, and will go a long way in assisting the civil construction industry to train employees and deliver on key civil infrastructure projects.”
 

Read the full media statement here

Traineeships offer employers the opportunity to skill up their workforce, through nationally recognised and accredited vocational education and training (VET) qualifications. Training can be customised and aligned to business operations, and because they are delivered mainly through on the job training, trainees do not require long absences from the workplace. 

Employers may also be eligible for financial incentives and wage subsidies of over $20,000 — depending on individual circumstances — to assist with the costs of hiring a trainee.

Setting up a traineeship for your business takes just a few simple steps, and free services are available to help employers through the process. We have developed new information for employers, including a guide: Traineeships — A quick guide for employers that outlines the process of hiring a trainee and commencing a traineeship, and a series of useful case studies highlighting the financial incentives available to eligible employers — available on the Jobs and Skills WA website. There is also a list of all traineeships available in Western Australia, in all industry categories. 

View Traineeships — A quick guide for employers    

With financial incentives and a range of quality training available, there's never been a better time to grow your business through traineeships! 

All Department of Training and Workforce Development offices, including:

• Apprenticeship Office; 
• the Jobs and Skills WA Resource Unit;
• Muresk Institute;
• Migration Services;
• the Office of the State Training Board;
• TAFE International (TIWA);
• the Training Accreditation Council (TAC); and
• the Training Markets branch 

will be closed from 4.30 pm WST on Friday 24 December 2021 — reopening at 8.30 am WST on Tuesday 4 January 2022.

Please note that the ground floor reception desk area at the Optima building in Osborne Park will also be closed during this period. The Prospect Place building in West Perth will also be closed over this time.

You are welcome to contact us via email during the closure period, and we will respond when our offices reopen from 4 January.
 

• General enquiries to the Department: info@dtwd.wa.gov.au

• Contact details for other branches are here

We would like to wish all of our customers, colleagues and stakeholders a safe and happy festive season — we look forward to working with you again in 2022.

Apprenticeship Office customers

The 13 19 54 Apprenticeship Office Helpline will not be operational during this time. Please email your enquiries to ApprenticeshipOffice@dtwd.wa.gov.au and they will respond to your enquiry when they reopen in the new year.
 

• Training contracts can continue to be lodged during the closure, and will be assessed from when the office reopens on Tuesday 4 January 2022.
• Training contracts changes can still be submitted via the Western Australian Apprenticeship Management System (WAAMS) online client portal during the closure period.
• Emails or other training contract related requests received during the closure will be actioned from 4 January 2022.

Jobs and Skills Centres

The metropolitan and regional Jobs and Skills Centres will also be closing over the Christmas and new year period. Please check the Jobs and Skills website for details of business hours over the holiday period for each JSC.

WA TAFE colleges

Each of the WA TAFE colleges will be closing over the Christmas and new year period. Please check the TAFE's website for details.

• Central Regional TAFE
• North Metropolitan TAFE
• North Regional TAFE
• South Metropolitan TAFE
• South Regional TAFE

The Department is proud to have launched our new Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan January 2022–December 2023 (RAP) at a recent event for all staff, with special guests including Whadjuk Elder Sharon Gregory. founding Co-chair of Reconciliation Australia Hon. Fred Chaney AO, and Justine Bennell from Site Skills Training.

Acting Director General Karen Ho pledged this third Innovate RAP it will be our last. "Over the next 24 months you will see us transform into a culturally informed and responsive organisation to prepare for our transition into a Stretch RAP.".

Our vision for reconciliation

Our vision for reconciliation sees Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities thriving and accessing the real economy
through their engagement in meaningful education, training, employment and business activities.

Our new Innovate RAP strengthens the voice of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees in shaping the strategies and initiatives which influence their working environment. It deepens our engagement with external Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and other government agencies, and continues the Department’s focus on maximising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s participation in training and sustainable employment. Its development was informed through the results of a staff survey and workshops with our RAP Steering Group and Corporate Leadership Group,with support from our Aboriginal Policy Planning and Reconciliation branch and  Reconciliation Australia.

View and download our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022–23

The artwork featured in this RAP is titled ‘Moving Mingas’, by artist Noeleen Hamlett. Minga means ‘ant’ in the Wajarri Yamatji language, and the many vibrant elements in the artwortkexemplify the roles we all play in achieving reconciliation. The ants model harmony, hard work and planning, and the goanna signifies the important role of leadership – ‘the boss that looks over and guides the employees,’ as described by Noeleen. Bold, contemporary colours and patterns portray a landscape of varied terrain; rolling hills, rivers and water holes, which represent the challenges on our journey. Noeleen Hamlett is a Wajarri Yamatji artist and former North Metropolitan TAFE student with a lifelong passion for art. Noeleen undertook her Certificate IV in Visual Arts in 2015 and was the winning artist in the logo competition for NMTAFE’s Koolark Centre for Aboriginal Students. She now has many public pieces and community projects around Perth.

Automotive apprenticeship and traineeship commencements are at a record high thanks to the WA State Government’s massive investment in vocational education and training.

Speaking today at the opening of the Motor Trade Association of Western Australia’s (MTA WA) Automotive Innovation Training Centre, Premier Mark McGowan and Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery revealed that apprenticeship and traineeship commencements for the automotive industry have increased more than 176 per cent since September 2016.
 

• There has been almost 7,200 publicly funded enrolments in automotive qualifications in 2021 to the end of October –  a 25 per cent increase on October last year.
• More than 6,200 (87 per cent) of publicly funded automotive enrolments in 2021 have been part of the Lower fees, local skills program, which offers over 200 qualifications with course fees reduced by half or more.
• The courses with the most enrolments are the Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (1,520 enrolments) and the Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology (1,429); with enrolments in these courses increased by 24 per cent and 31 per cent respectively compared to the same period last year.

The automotive industry is critical to the State and having a skilled workforce is a high priority for the State Government. Job adverts for motor mechanics in WA have increased by almost 61 per cent compared to this time last year, while employment within the Automotive Electricians and Mechanics occupation group has increased and is today estimated to be 19 per cent higher than five years ago.

Find out more about Lower fees, local skills on the Jobs and Skills WA website

The opening of the new Automotive Innovation Training Centre will further drive skills creation and address the changing training needs of the automotive industry created by advancing vehicle technology. The centre will offer training programs in auto electrical, battery and hybrid electrical programs, advanced driver assistance systems and airconditioning, with further programs to be added as technologies develop.

“These figures are proof that my Government’s investment in training is working.“ said Premier Mark McGowan. "The automotive industry is experiencing the greatest level of change since Karl Benz first drove his automobile in 1886.  The Automotive Innovation Training Centre will play a significant part in meeting the industry’s skilled workforce needs. Congratulations to the MTA WA on its wonderful and timely new training facility, which will help meet future industry skills needs and challenges.”.

Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said "The growth of hydrogen and battery technologies are creating exciting opportunities for West Australians training and working in the automotive industry. The new Automotive Innovation Training Centre will provide industry-ready apprentices and upskill current technicians to support the arrival of new vehicles and a range of other industry technologies.“

Read the full media statement here

The talent and skill of TeamWA was proven to be the best in the nation, after being awarded with more than 50 medals and two prestigious shields in an unforgettable display of Western Australia’s vocational education and training skills excellence from the 2021 WorldSkills Australia National Championships, in which a total of 239 talented apprentices, trainees and students from across the country competed in 55 different skills events. Competitions were held in Perth and several satellite locations across Australia. New skills on display this year were cyber security and cloud computing, which TeamWA competed in for the first time along with the mechatronics, visual merchandising and VETiS primary industries categories. Almost 10,500 visitors watched TeamWA and Team Tasmania compete live at the Perth national championships, and around 10,000 people tuned into the national events via live stream.

Of the 150 medals awarded, TeamWA competitors won 54 medals – 19 gold, 22 silver and 13 bronze – and seven awards for excellence. TeamWA also won the Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) Shield for the second time running. Sixteen medals were won by Perth South competitors, earning them the Evatt Shield for best performing region. This year’s national championships were proudly supported by the State Government. Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery presented the shield and medals to WA winners at a closing ceremony held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday 27 October. 

TeamWA’s 82 competitors included 23 Year 12 students undertaking VET studies at 16 secondary schools across the State who won the VETiS Shield, which is awarded every two years for outstanding performance by secondary school students at the national championships. Having won the VETiS Shield in 2018, TeamWA remains the first and only State to take the shield from New South Wales in its 17-year history.
 

Comments attributed to Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery: “The WorldSkills closing ceremony is the culmination of a tremendous amount of work by many people who showcased the best that Australian training has to offer. We are proud of TeamWA’s amazing achievements, which show that our country’s best talents are training right here in Western Australia. The past 18 months have demonstrated how vital skills and training are for building a sustainable workforce that can meet immediate and long term skills needs. TeamWA’s achievements will inspire a new generation of talent to follow a VET pathway into our State’s skilled workforce.”

Congratulations TeamWA!

The Department of Training and Workforce Development is currently developing a Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) for 2022—2026. The plan formalises our commitment and requirement under the Western Australian Disability Services Act 1993 to provide all members of the community with accessible and inclusive:

• services;
• events; 
• buildings and facilities;
• information;
• complaint mechanisms;
• consultations; and
• employment.

The draft DAIP is now available. It outlines strategies to identify and overcome access and inclusion barriers in training and workforce development; and is being developed in consultation with staff, vocational education and training stakeholders and the broader community.

Organisations and members of the community are invited to provide written feedback by downloading the draft action plan* and emailing feedback to daip@dtwd.wa.gov.au. The closing date for feedback is 21 November 2021.

For further information, please call us on 08 6551 5090 or email daip@dtwd.wa.gov.au.

* The draft DAIP is available in appropriate alternative formats upon request.

The WA State Government’s series of Regional Skills Summits reached Kununurra today, with local business and government leaders meeting to discuss opportunities to grow the skilled workforce in the Kimberley. More than 25 government and regional business leaders from a range of sectors including the healthcare and social assistance, education and training, accommodation and food services, public administration and safety, construction and retail industries are attending.

The first of two Regional Skills Summits to be held in the region, the Kununurra-Kimberley Regional Skills Summit will generate further practical actions and new and innovative ideas to address the region’s unique skills needs. A second Kimberley Regional Skills Summit is scheduled for Broome on Monday, 15 November.

Recognising the importance of access to training to build a skilled workforce and retain people in regional areas, the State Government has been working to ensure its investment in training initiatives reaches all corners of the State. Kimberley locals are snapping up affordable training opportunities offered through the State Government’s Lower fees, local skills initiative, with a 34 per cent increase in enrolments in the region this year.

The State Government is also progressing targeted advertising campaigns to attract interstate workers and increase participation of under-represented groups in WA; has smoothed the pipeline of construction work; and is running a series of 10 Regional Skills Summits, including the one being held today.

WA employers have responded by taking on more apprentices and trainees in the Kimberley in 2021, with commencements up by 51 per cent in the 12 months to 31 July 2021.

A range of initiatives are already progressing from the Perth Skills Summit, to attract and retain skilled workers and continue our State’s strong economic growth. These initiatives include:

• attracting onshore skilled migrants to fill jobs in demand in WA;
• supporting mature age apprentices;
• promoting the tourism and hospitality industry to school students to grow the workforce;
• extending the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Reengagement Incentive;
• freezing regional Government rental accommodation to attract public sector workers to the regions;
• boosting Aboriginal youth employment opportunities; and
• providing support for jobseekers to obtain a driver’s licence.

Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery says “Regional Western Australia is vital to our State’s economic prosperity and today’s skills summit, along with another planned for Broome, will help provide a current picture of the Kimberley’s unique workforce and training needs. Our Government is keen to hear from business leaders about practical actions that can be taken in the Kimberley to help fill local jobs. Ideas and discussions captured at the Summit will inform a local action plan to address the Kimberley’s changing workforce needs, with a focus on local solutions to local issues.”.

Read the full media statement here

We are very pleased to announce that our Annual Report 2020—21 for the Department and our key VET partners were tabled by the Western Australian Parliament and is is now available.

The report provides the Western Australian Parliament and the community with an overview of our performance, as well as budget papers and other strategic documents. It offers transparency, accountability, and compliance with legislative and government policy requirements, focuses on key areas of achievement and describes the functions, operations and performance highlights of the Department over the period.

A key theme of this report iis our journey to recovery, highlighting our core focus to train Western Australians for jobs and support the State’s economy through fast-changing and uncertain times. As written by our A/Director General Karen Ho, last financial year saw mass job losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As we entered this financial year we envisioned and prepared for a long recovery, but instead — with the State’s economy recovering strongly from the COVID-19 pandemic — we are now seeing some of the most promising economic conditions in recent times. Some of the highlifhts include:

• VET student numbers increase by 25 per cent to almost 86,000;
• apprenticeship and traineeship commencements up by 79.3 per cent;
• a 25 per cent increase in enrolments for Aboriginal students; 
• Jobs and Skills Centres across WA assisted 22,700 individual clients; and
• over $24 million paid to WA employers through financial incentives.

The report is a celebration of skills and training, highlighting some of the many success stories that were a result of our engagement and collaboration with industry. We invite you to take a look!

Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today announced the 37 finalists for the 2021 WA Training Awards. 

Twenty seven exceptional individuals and 10 organisations have been named as finalists for 2021, showcasing excellence in the vocational education and training (VET) sector.  Winners will be announced at a presentation ceremony on 17 September, and may go on to represent the state at the Australian Training Awards in November.

Congratulations to this year's finalists!

WA Apprentice of the Year 2021 finalists
Hayden Carvell (Mundaring), Joann Knight (Brabham), Stacey-Lee Boothman (Cooloongup), Christine Ferrone (Bayswater)

WA Trainee of the Year 2021 finalists
Bonnie Barber (Bridgetown), Amber Ugle-Hayward (Karrinyup), Vikki Doecke (Kelmscott)

WA Vocational Student of the Year 2021 finalists
Maxine Turner (Fremantle), Nerine Boulter (White Gum Valley), Meg Maroni (Albany), Zoe Tucker (Bayswater)

WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year 2021 finalists
Kevin Wilson (Victoria Park), Grant Syron (Como), Keira Gentle (Ridgewood), Sterling Winmar (Orelia)

WA School-based Apprentice of the Year 2021 finalists
Courtney Short (Ellenbrook), Taj Morris (Glenfield), Samantha Winter (Lower Chittering)

WA Cultural Diversity Training Award 2021 finalists
Marli Nicholls (Carlisle), Agnes Toluwade (Leeming)

WA International Student of the Year 2021 finalists
Johanna Faber (Yokine), Shalynn Buss (Lathlain), Aurelie Jammes (Scarborough)

WA Trainer of the Year 2021 finalists
Brendan Hibbert (North Metropolitan TAFE), Maryke Gray (Central Regional TAFE), Tarryn Drage (WiseClick Training), Robert Carter (South Regional TAFE)

WA Large Training Provider of the Year 2021 finalists
North Metropolitan TAFE, North Regional TAFE, South Metropolitan TAFE

WA Small Training Provider of the Year 2021 finalists
Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services RTO, Niche Education Group, Auswest Specialist Education and Training Services

WA Large Employer of the Year 2021 finalists
McDonald's Australia (WA), Byrnecut Australia

WA Medium Employer of the Year 2021 finalists
Ranger Drilling, Consolidated Group

Now in its 27th year, the Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees, employers and training organisations. As well as the recognition these respected awards bring, individual winners will receive $3,000 which they may use to further their training or kickstart their career, while organisation winners will be recognised as industry leaders.

The 2021 WA Training Awards are made possible thanks to continuing support from the WA State Training Board, MEGT, Apprenticeship Support Australia powered by CCIWA, the Electrical and Communications Association of Western Australia, Polly Farmer Foundation, Roy Hill, StudyPerth, and the Training Accreditation Council (TAC) WA.

Announcing the finalists today, Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said "The WA Training Awards are the State’s premier training award program, showcasing excellence and putting our best talent in the spotlight. With WA’s economy thriving and the strongest in the nation, our State is experiencing training and employment opportunities like never before. High demand for skilled workers is providing new and exciting pathways for job seekers and career changers. I congratulate this year’s fine calibre of finalists, they are great ambassadors for Western Australia’s training system.”
 

To find out more about this year's finalists, go to dtwd.wa.gov.au/watrainingawards

Read the Minister's full media statement here

Pre-apprenticeships are a valuable pathway into an apprenticeship program. Vocational education and training (VET) students are able to get hands on work experience in their intended field of study by undertaking a Certificate II level pre-apprenticeship, which offers a pathway to a full apprenticeship, or to employment, through a combination of training and work practice.

In a pre-apprenticeship, the registered training organisation (RTO) works with an employer to ensure the student is able to undertake meaningful tasks that contribute to their workplace skills. In circumstances where a real work placement is not possible, such as due to COVID-19 pandemic closures or where there are safety concerns, the RTO may organise simulated work practice for the pre-apprentice.

The WA Pre-apprenticeship Program Business Rules were recently updated following an extensive consultation with key stakeholders. The updated business rules encourage the use of real work placements with an employer, but also offer flexibility in the work practice component. The new work practice requirements are:

• a minimum of 150 hours of work practice (previously 50% of the nominal contact hours); and
• the work practice can be undertaken through work placements, simulated work practice or a combination of both (previously a minimum of 50% of the work practice had to be undertaken in a real workplace).

The new business rules and lists of current pre-apprenticeships are available from our website at dtwd.wa.gov.au/pa-guide.

New guide for industry and RTOs

The Department has produced a new guide for industry and RTOs on how to seek approval to establish a new pre-apprenticeship program.

View the new Guide to establishing a pre-apprenticeship pathway at dtwd.wa.gov.au/pa-guide

If you are looking for more information on pre-apprenticeships, please contact the Department’s Apprenticeship and Traineeship Policy team by email at apprenticeshippolicy@dtwd.wa.gov.au.

For secondary school students

A fact sheet explaining the benefits of the pre-apprenticeships in schools program, and a list of pre-apprenticeships in schools courses, are available on the Jobs and Skills WA website at jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/training/schools-and-school-students.

A new pilot program offering accelerated apprenticeship pathways for WA construction workers has been launched today by Premier Mark McGowan and Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery. The new Construction Accelerated Apprenticeship Program (CAAP) offers free skills assessment for construction industry workers with skills and experience, but without formal qualifications.
 

• To support WA's thriving construction industry, CAAP offers construction workers without formal qualifications the opportunity to have their existing skills recognised as a pathway into an apprenticeship, so that they can become trade qualified.
• Employers of apprentices will be able to access State and Australian Government incentives and wage subsidies.

The program is available for the non-licensed construction trades of carpentry and joinery, painting and decorating, bricklaying, tile laying, wall and ceiling fixing, plastering, sprinkler fitting, concreting, signwriting and stonemasonry.

CAAP was developed in consultation with key industry bodies and employers; including the Construction Training Fund, Housing Industry Association, Australian Brick and Blocklaying Training Foundation, BGC Housing Group, ABN Group, Master Builders WA and the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union. The program is being run in partnership with WA metropolitan and regional TAFEs, who will conduct the free skills assessment component for participants. 

Further information about the Construction Accelerated Apprenticeship Program is available on the Jobs and Skills WA website.
 

• CAAP for WA construction workers

• CAAP for WA construction industry employers

Mandatory contact registers at relevant businesses and venues will be introduced from Saturday 5 December 2020. Maintaining a contact register is an extra safety measure and one of the most effective ways to control the spread of COVID-19.

Businesses and venues will need to record the name, telephone number, location, date and arrival time of all patrons, staff, volunteers and contractors and keep that information for 28 days.

These businesses or venues include:

• food and licenced venues (restaurants, cafés, bars, pubs, taverns, nightclubs);
• gyms, indoor sporting centres and pools;
• places of worship and funeral parlours;
• beauty and personal care services including hairdressers and barbers;
• galleries and museums;
• cinemas, theatres and other entertainment venues;
• auction houses and real estate inspections;
• community facilities, libraries and halls ;
• zoos and amusement parks;
• function centres; and
• accommodation facilities that already have check in arrangements in place (eg; hostels, hotels, large camp grounds).

New app available

To assist businesses and venues in collecting the information required, and make it easier for individuals to provide their contact details; a free, safe and secure app called SafeWA is now available. Endorsed by the Department of Health, the app provides businesses and venues a unique QR code that enables patrons to quick scan their contact details into the register.

Data collected via the SafeWA app will be encrypted at the point of capture, stored securely, and only be accessible by authorised Department of Health contact tracing personnel should COVID-19 tracing be needed. This means tracing can be performed quicker to keep people safe. 

The use of SafeWA is not mandatory, but is encouraged. The free app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play, giving businesses and venues time to implement the digital contact register system in time for 5 December. An information pack will be emailed to each business that downloads SafeWA.

Businesses may also use alternative formats for registration — including other electronic or paper-based systems depending on what is suitable for the business, venue or individual — however all information collected must be saved and stored securely and retained for 28 days.

Further information

Full details about the contact register requirements including frequently asked questions, ‘how to’ guides and information sheets for businesses and for individuals, is available on the WA Government website. Contact register templates, for those not using the SafeWA app, are also available.

Find out more at wa.gov.au/organisation/covid-communications/covid-19-coronavirus-contact-registers

The Department has released a new guide to Western Australian school-based apprenticeships and traineeships. The guide was developed collaboratively with stakeholders and is now available on our website.

The new guide provides detailed information on the important aspects involved in a school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBAT) arrangement. It provides help and support for schools, registered training organisations (RTOs), employers, students, parents and other stakeholders operating in Western Australia’s apprenticeship and traineeship system.

It includes:

• a quick guide which highlights the key steps involved in an SBAT from starting out through to completion;
• real life examples to make it easier to understand how SBATs actually work in practice;
• information on the different roles and responsibilities of each of the stakeholders, including the importance of effective communication and collaboration; and
• website links for easy access to fact sheets, forms and other relevant information.   

The guide is available as an online resource and can also be downloaded and printed.

The setting is identified on the Public Register of Prescribed VET Qualifications. It states:

• a school-based training contract comprises of:
  •   a minimum of 7.5 hours per week in paid work over the duration of the traineeship or apprenticeship, which can be averaged over six month periods; and
  •   training which may be supervised on the job, delivered off the job, or as some combination of on and off the job.

Please note that the setting identifies the minimum hours of paid work and allows employers and SBATs to negotiate longer hours of work, if required.

A new fact sheet School-based apprenticeships and traineeships: Minimum hours per week, is available on the Apprenticeship Office website under Training contract forms and factsheets.