WA Training Awards 2022 — Winners announced!
Celebrating excellence in our vocational education and training sector
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.
Online Trade Certificate Verification now available
New self-service options in WAAMS
Trade certificates that have been issued to apprentices who have successfully completed an apprenticeship in Western Australia can now be verified online through a new Online Trade Certificate Verification (OTCV) self-service available in Apprenticeship Office’s Western Australian Apprenticeship Management System (WAAMS) online client portal.
Individuals can enter the tradesperson's first and last name and training contract ID into the Verify Trade Certificate section of the WAAMS portal, and if a matching trade certificate is found the system will return the name of the apprenticeship and the date that the trade certificate was issued.
Apprentices are able to opt out of this service if they do not want their trade certificate details to be available via OTCV.
Trade certificate copy
A hard copy trade certificate is issued to every apprentice that successfully completes an apprenticeship in WA. Should an original trade certificate become destroyed, lost or stolen; an apprentice can now log into their WAAMS portal account to request a digital copy which will be automatically sent to the email address associated with their account.
Apprentices and trainees also have an option in WAAMS to download an extract of their training contract.
An application for a replacement hard copy trade certificate can be made by completing the Application for a replacement trade certificate form available from the Apprenticeship Office website.
Further information and user guides for these new services are available on the Apprenticeship Office website at dtwd.wa.gov.au/apprenticeship-office#trade-certificates, or by calling 13 19 54.
New training incentive to boost WA's defence industry workforce
Upskilling workers to meet demands of technological advances
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.
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.
Record results continue for apprenticeships and traineeships in WA
Announced today at SkillsWest Careers & Employment Expo
While touring the SkillsWest Careers and Employment Expo today, Minister for Education and Training Sue Ellery MLC announced record-breaking numbers of Western Australian apprentices and trainees in training for June. The unprecedented numbers were bolstered by a record-breaking number of training contracts registered in July, eclipsing the March record.
On the back of the WA State Government’s significant investment in the training sector, the number of apprentices and trainees in training climbed to a record of more than 47,700 by the end of June 2022. This is the first time the number has reached beyond 45,000 in 10 years. The record 4,490 training contract registrations recorded in July eclipses the previous record set in March this year.
- Apprenticeships and traineeships continue to be a popular choice for Western Australians, with more than 10,300 people completing an apprenticeship or traineeship in 2021–22; up 16 per cent from the previous year.
- Apprenticeships with the most significant completion increases were mechanical fitters (up 71 per cent), automotive electricians (up 70 per cent), heavy mobile mechanics (up 46 per cent) and heavy/welding fabricators (up 42 per cent).
SkillsWest Careers and Employment Expo
The results come as Perth hosts the SkillsWest Careers and Employment Expo —Western Australia’s biggest showcase of jobs, skills and training at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, giving all West Aussies the advice and opportunities to follow suit. Now in its 13th year, the expo provides jobseekers and students with free advice and interactive experiences to inspire their future careers, with a strong focus on apprenticeships and traineeships. Up to 15,000 people including secondary students, graduates and career changers are expected to attend event, which brings 140 employers and training organisations together under one roof.
Staff from TAFE colleges and Jobs and Skills Centres are on hand to provide free and practical advice on apprenticeship, training and career opportunities, including the State Government’s $22 million Career Taster Program. While at the expo, the Minister took part in an interactive experience from the program, which is providing Year 9 students around the State with access to career discovery and practical industry activities to support early experiences of the world of work.
The expo also features an entire pavilion dedicated to WorldSkills regional competitions, where the State’s best are competing for medal positions in real time while showcasing their trade and skill talent.
The expo is on until 27 August at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. For more information, visit skillswestexpo.com.au.
“The McGowan Government’s five years of investment in training and workforce initiatives is creating record training results and world-class learning and job opportunities for West Australians.“ said the Minister. "Apprentices and trainees are a valuable part of the State’s workforce, so this surge in their numbers is adding to the pipeline of skilled workers available. The SkillsWest Expo comes at an opportune time with Western Australia’s strongest economic performance in the nation and very low unemployment putting jobseekers in a prime position to enter training or the workforce and make their dream careers become a life-changing reality. The expo provides a window into the amazing array of careers, jobs and skills and training opportunities on offer, and the practical support available to help Western Australians of all ages and backgrounds to access training and jobs.”
New free register to connect skilled migrants with WA jobs
Prospective workers can advertise their skills direct to employers
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. “
Tender opens for preferred provider panels: VET programs
RTOs invited for allocation of funded training places
As Western Australia’s economy grows and diversifies, the outlook for jobs is constantly changing. Jobs and Skills WA is the way the State Government, through the Department, prioritises its investment in training to focus on courses that equip people to take up jobs that are, or will be, in high demand. Jobs and Skills WA provides a subsidised training place for eligible students enrolled in courses that are deemed State priority qualifications, where a training place is available.
Under Jobs and Skills WA, contracting arrangement processes have been developed specifically to invite private training providers to receive WA Government funding for the delivery of VET programs in Western Australia. Through a competitive tender process, the Department selects suitable registered training organisations (RTOs) who are then offered a contract to be placed on a preferred provider panel for programs that meet the State’s priorities. Once on the panel, an RTO is then able to request funding under Jobs and Skills WA for student places.
The Department of Training and Workforce Development is inviting applications from registered training providers interested in being appointed to one or more of the 2023—25 preferred provider panels for delivery of:
- Apprenticeships;
- Traineeships;
- Priority Industry Training;
- Participation—Equity; and
- Participation—-Work Readiness programs.
Contracted training places will be allocated to providers on preferred provider panels annually.
The tender opens at 9 am on 11 July 2022, and closes at 4 pm on Friday 5 August 2022.
Contact for enquiries:
Name: Ms Sanju Manji
Title: A/Manager Private Training Markets (Contracts)
Tel: 08 6551 5356
E-mail: Training.Markets@dtwd.wa.gov.au
For further information about the preferred provider panel, visit dtwd.wa.gov.au/whats-new#tender-opens-for-preferred-provider-panels-vet-programs
Get job ready at Recruit WA & Perth Tradie Expo!
Jobs and Skills Centres attending with free career advice
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.
Carlisle TAFE first to benefit from $25M equipment rollout
Ensuring quality industry training for WA TAFE students
Students at South Metropolitan TAFE’s Carlisle campus are the first to benefit from the State Government’s $25 million investment in new state of the art equipment being rolled out across Western Australia’s TAFE network.
Automotive refinishing and industrial coating students, who had been learning on ageing equipment, will now train using state of the art large high-tech spray painting booths that meet industry standards and Australian requirements. The new equipment includes:
- three full down draft spray booths;
- one semi-down draft spray booth;
- a paint mixing room;
- two gun cleaning stations; and
- four preparation bays.
Upgrades and additions have also been made to the TAFE's extraction systems, including installation of a new filter wall, new breathing apparatuses and new hose reels.
The project has been funded through the Training Equipment Refresher Program – a four-year program to upgrade and modernise equipment to contemporary industry standards. All five TAFE colleges are receiving new equipment as part of the program to support training demand and emerging industry training needs — helping students, apprentices and trainees to become more job ready.
The State Government's highly successful Lower fees, local skills initiative has contributed to substantial growth in TAFE enrolments, with a record of more than 150,000 publicly funded course enrolments reported in 2021. There have been more than 51,300 publicly funded enrolments across the initiative so far this year.
"This investment in state of the-art equipment will ensure those students leave TAFE work ready and equipped with skills that are desirable to employers." said Premier Mark McGowan, announcing the rollout today. "In the recent 2022—23 State Budget we are continuing to deliver more for training, with $76.5 million allocated to provide more targeted training opportunities for Western Australians to take up quality jobs.".
"This new high-tech automotive spray-painting centre at Carlisle TAFE is the only public training facility of its kind in Western Australia." added Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery. "Our $25 million investment in modern equipment for Western Australia's TAFEs will ensure that students are being trained on industry standard equipment so they are ready to start using it out in the workforce. Our highly successful Lower fees, local skills initiative has seen a huge uptake in vocational education and training courses, and our investment in new equipment ensures TAFE training results in highly employable graduates with skills matched to industry needs.”.
Record VET enrolments — Building WA’s future local workforce
Plus record levels of new apprenticeships and traineeships!
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.".
New trades workshops power ahead for Albany TAFE
$20.5M investment in specialist trades training
Plans for the $20.5 million trades workshops at South Regional TAFE's Albany campus are moving ahead, with the design finalised and the project now out for tender.
The state of the art workshops will replace the campus’ existing 50-year old trade facilities, and will be used to deliver training in metals and engineering, automotive; building and construction; and carpentry and joinery trades.
The WA State Government’s investment in specialist trades training in the Great Southern will ensure local young people and jobseekers have access to world class training opportunities to meet the workforce needs of local industry. Providing modern facilities will ensure students, including apprentices, are provided with relevant and contemporary knowledge and skills in facilities that reflect real life working environments. Construction is anticipated to start in September 2022, and be completed by June 2024.
The project was announced in July 2020 as part of the WA Recovery Plan, incorporating a record $215.8 million investment to fund upgrades to essential infrastructure across the State’s five TAFE colleges. The schematic designs were developed by Great Southern architectural firm H+H Architects, which is headquartered in Albany with offices in Kalgoorlie and Bunbury. H+H Architects has worked on several major educational projects in the region including the UWA Science Building in Albany, Great Southern Grammar and Albany Residential College.
“This is a significant investment in world-class trades training that will deliver huge benefits to people living in the Great Southern region.“ says Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery. "Albany’s new trades workshops will be used to deliver industry relevant training and produce job ready and highly skilled workers in traditional trades, including for the in demand automotive and building and construction industries. The McGowan Government is revitalising Western Australia’s training sector to get Western Australians into long-term jobs and to support the workforce needs of industries to keep our State and economy strong.”.
$14.3M investment to support building and construction industry in WA!
Plus new tool rebate for apprentices and trainees
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.”
New course list launched for Jobs and Skills WA website
New features making your course search easy!
A new course list has been launched on the Jobs and Skills website today, with a range of new features and functionality to make your course search easy.
With over 700 courses listed on the website, this is great news for anyone looking for a skill set, course or qualification to get skills ready for that new job or career move. With the new course search, you can now:
- search quickly and easily for free courses, and qualifications with course fees reduced by half or more;
- find courses with specific training options, such as apprenticeships and traineeships;
- find qualifications that are available as VET programs for secondary school students, including school-based apprenticeships and traineeships;
- search quickly and easily for courses in particular industry and study areas; and
- search for and view course information more easily on your mobile device.
We have also added a ‘favourites’ option, so that you can tag courses that you’re interested in and add them to your own personal list. You can then come back and view the courses on your list at any time, rather than have to search for them again.
Each course now opens on its own website page, where we have made information about the course, the TAFE colleges and private training providers who deliver it and the occupations the course aligns with easier to view.
Last but not least; you can now share a course page on your own social media channel, if you want to let family and friends know what you’re studying or about a course you’re interested in.
Skills boost for civil construction through industry-backed program
Pilot program to change traineeships to apprenticeships
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.”
New $32M wage subsidy supporting record infrastructure investment
Creating 300 new building and construction apprenticeships and traineeships
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 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.”
New! Traineeships guide for employers
Supporting employers to grow their business: With incentives!
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!
Regional Skills Summit series wraps up today in Albany
The tenth and final WA regional skills summit for 2021!
Western Australia's Great Southern region is today hosting the last of a series of 10 Regional Skills Summits that have been hosted around WA by the State Government since August 2021. Strong industry representation throughout the Regional Skills Summits has seen total attendance for the series reach more than 350, and this final event fulfils the State Government's commitment to take their skills summits statewide before Christmas.
Local business and government leaders met today to generate innovative ideas and practical actions to grow the skilled workforce in the Great Southern region, with around 40 people from a range of sectors attending — including the Great Southern region’s biggest employing industries of agriculture, forestry and fishing; healthcare and social assistance; retail; education and training; and construction. Insights from today's summit will form the basis of a local action plan to meet the region’s unique workforce needs.
Recognising the importance of 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.
- Great Southern locals are snapping up affordable training opportunities offered through the State Government’s Lower fees, local skills (LFLS) initiative, with a 17 per cent increase in LFLS enrolments in the region this year
- Employers have responded by taking on more apprentices and trainees in the region in 2021, with commencements up by more than 98 per cent in the 12 months to 30 September 2021
The State Government recently expanded the LFLS program by a further 30 courses from 2022, to include a total of 210 courses with heavily reduced course fees in priority industry areas including hospitality, healthcare, construction, retail and others. Workers in industries which have a critical need to upskill workers – including childcare, aged and disability care, and civil construction – will be able to access low fee existing worker traineeship places to help meet the skills needs of these sectors.
The new initiatives respond to workforce issues raised by industry leaders at the Perth and regional skills summits held to date, and are jointly funded through a $103.5 million agreement between the State and Commonwealth governments under the expanded JobTrainer Fund agreement. Other initiatives progressing from the Perth Skills Summit 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; and
- boosting Aboriginal youth employment opportunities.
The State Government is also providing support for jobseekers experiencing disadvantage to obtain a driver’s licence; 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 run the series of 10 Regional Skills Summits wrapping up in Albany today. Fostering strong links between regional TAFE colleges and government, industry and the education sector, the VET Regional Partnerships Program also continues to grow. With a focus on creating more apprenticeships and traineeships in regional WA, the Program supports the Government’s plan to increase the number of jobs in regional WA by 30,000.
“Today’s Regional Skills Summit in Albany completes a thorough, state-wide examination of the unique skills needs of regional WA.“ said Eduation and Training Minister Sue Ellery. "Our Government has now heard directly from industries across the State about their ideas to increase the capability of their local workforces and to fill local jobs.”.
Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens said "I am really pleased to be hosting the final Skills Summit here in Albany. Having worked as a training and careers manager before entering Parliament, I know that it is critical for business to work alongside government and the broader community to ensure we have enough local people to fill local jobs.".
Business closure over the Christmas and new year period
Best wishes for a happy festive season!
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
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.
Mandurah—Peel Regional Skills Summit happening today!
Actions to grow the local skilled workforce
Local business and government leaders are meeting in Mandurah today to generate innovative ideas and practical actions to grow the skilled workforce in the Peel region. The Mandurah-Peel Regional Skills Summit is the ninth of a series of 10 Regional Skills Summits hosted by the WA State Government since August 2021, and insights from today's event will form the basis of a local action plan to meet the region’s unique workforce needs."I am thrilled to be able to host one of the Skills Summits in Mandurah." said Mandurah MLA David Templeman. "The region has unique skills needs and I am interested in hearing about new ways of ensuring we can continue to grow our local workforce to support local jobs."
More than 40 government and regional business leaders from a range of sectors are attending; including the region’s biggest employing industries of retail, health care and social assistance, construction, education and training, manufacturing and accommodation and food services.
Recognising the importance of 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 WA.
- Peel locals are snapping up affordable training opportunities offered through the Lower fees, local skills (LFLS) initiative, with a 27 per cent increase in LFLS enrolments in the region this year.
- Employers have responded by taking on more apprentices and trainees in the Peel region in 2021, with commencements up by more than 75 per cent in the 12 months to 30 September 2021. The LFLS program has recently been expanded by a further 30 qualifications from 2022, to include a total of 210 courses with heavily reduced course fees in priority industry areas including hospitality, health care, construction, retail and others.
- Workers in industries which have a critical need to upskill workers – including childcare, aged and disability care, and civil construction – will be able to access low fee existing worker traineeship places to help meet the skills needs of these sectors.
The new initiatives respond to workforce issues raised by industry leaders at the Perth and regional skills summits held to date, and are jointly funded through a $103.5 million agreement between the State and Commonwealth governments under the expanded JobTrainer Fund agreement.
Other initiatives progressing from the Perth Skills Summit 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 Re-engagement Incentive;
- freezing regional Government rental accommodation to attract public sector workers to the regions; and
- boosting Aboriginal youth employment opportunities.
The State Government is also providing support for jobseekers experiencing disadvantage to obtain a driver’s licence; 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.
"Through Skills Summits our Government and industry leaders are working together to increase the capability of local workforces across the State." said Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery. "Ideas and discussions captured at the Mandurah Skills Summit will inform local action plans to address changing workforce needs in the Peel region, with a focus on local solutions for local issues."
New Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2022—23
Outlining our vision for reconciliation
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.
WA TAFE colleges to get new state of the art equipment
$25M investment for new tech in priority training areas
Premier Mark McGowan and Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery have announced details of the State Government's $25 million investment in new equipment for Western Australia's TAFEs, to train students and create a pipeline of job ready graduates.
TAFE colleges across WA will receive $25 million of modern equipment as part of a four-year program to upgrade and modernise their equipment to contemporary industry standards; helping students, apprentices and trainees become more job ready. TAFE colleges identified areas of need based on local demand and emerging industry training needs.
South Regional TAFE will receive more than $1.1 million as part of Stage 1 of the TAFE Training Equipment Refresh Program. The Collie campus will receive $670,000 to purchase a heavy vehicle simulator and automation training equipment. The heavy vehicle driving simulator will equip students with simulated working conditions, allowing them to receive high quality training prior to driving large trucks on the road. The new equipment at the Collie campus will support the delivery of the Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations Skill Set, adding more skilled workers to the essential transport industry to meet increased demand created by local infrastructure projects including the Bunbury Outer Ring Road. More than $380,000 will go towards automation equipment for the Albany campus, including industrial process automation simulated plant and a programmable logic controller system.
Other highlights of Stage 1 include:
- $300,000 common rail diesel trainer for rail operations at North Metropolitan TAFE's Midland campus and $593,000 for electromechanical training systems across the Balga, Clarkson and Midland campuses;
- $1.4 million to install large high tech spray painting booths for panel beating at South Metropolitan TAFE's Carlisle campus;
- $2 million for heavy plant equipment across Central Regional TAFE's Geraldton and Kalgoorlie campuses; and
- $178,000 for nursing equipment at North Regional TAFE's Pundulmurra campus and $1.4 million for hydrogen and renewable energy equipment at the Karratha campus.
The $25 million investment adds to the State Government's record $184.3 million package for essential infrastructure upgrades across the TAFE colleges, which is currently underway.
Lower fees, local skills supercharging automotive training
Apprentice and trainee commencements highest on record!
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
WA's Pilbara region to host two regional skills summits this week!
Supporting the development of the local workforce
The WA State Government is meeting with the Pilbara’s key business leaders to discuss opportunities to grow the local skilled workforce, in back-to-back Regional Skills Summits being held in Karratha and Port Hedland this week.
In Karratha today and Port Hedland tomorrow, the Regional Skills Summits will generate practical actions and new and innovative ideas that will form the basis of a local action plan to meet the region’s unique workforce needs. More than 60 government and regional business leaders from a range of sectors are attending the Pilbara skills summits, including the region’s biggest employing industries of mining; construction; transport, postal and warehousing; accommodation and food services; professional, scientific and technical services; and administrative and support services.
Recognising the importance of training to build a skilled workforce and retain people in regional areas, the McGowan Government has been working to ensure its investment in training initiatives reaches all corners of the State. Pilbara locals are snapping up affordable training opportunities offered through the State Government’s Lower fees, local skills (LFLS) initiative, with a 31 per cent increase in LFLS enrolments in the region this year. Employers have responded by taking on more apprentices and trainees in the Pilbara region in 2021, with commencements up by more than 79 per cent in the 12 months to 31 August 2021.
The State Government recently expanded the LFLS program by a further 30 courses, to now include a total of 210 courses with heavily reduced course fees in priority industry areas including train driving, veterinary nursing, crane operations, surveying, laboratory technology, wool classing, hospitality management and others. Additionally, workers in industries which have a critical need to upskill workers – including childcare, aged and disability care, and civil construction – will be able to access low-fee existing worker traineeship places to help meet the skills needs of these sectors.
The new initiatives respond to workforce issues raised by industry leaders at the Perth and regional skills summits held to date, and are jointly funded through a $103.5 million agreement between the State and Commonwealth governments under the expanded JobTrainer Fund agreement. Other initiatives progressing from the Perth Skills Summit 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; and
- boosting Aboriginal youth employment opportunities.
The State Government is also providing support for jobseekers experiencing disadvantage to obtain a driver’s licence; 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 two being held in the Pilbara.
Fostering strong links between regional TAFE colleges and government, industry and the education sector, the VET Regional Partnerships Program also continues to grow. With a focus on creating more apprenticeships and traineeships in regional WA, the Program supports the Government’s plan to increase the number of jobs in regional WA by 30,000.
“As the engine room of the Australian economy, maintaining a strong and sustainable workforce in the Pilbara is pivotal to our State’s continuing recovery and success. “ said Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today. "Insights will inform a local action plan to address changing workforce needs in the Pilbara with a focus on local solutions for local issues. “.
TeamWA celebrates huge medals haul at WorldSkills!
WA's VET skills and talent is best in the nation
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!
New ideas to grow the Goldfields—Esperance workforce
Kalgoorlie hosting a Regional Skills Summit today
The WA State Government is hearing from Goldfields-Esperance business leaders today about new ideas and opportunities to grow the local skilled workforce, at a regional skills summit in Kalgoorlie.
Insights from the Kalgoorlie Goldfields—Esperance Regional Skills Summit will form the basis of a local action plan to address changing workforce needs in the region, with a focus on local solutions for local issues. More than 40 government and regional business leaders from a range of sectors including healthcare and social assistance, education and training, accommodation and food services, public administration and safety, construction and retail are attending.
Recognising the importance of 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. Goldfields—Esperance locals are snapping up affordable training opportunities offered through the Lower fees, local skills (LFLS) initiative, with a 26 per cent increase in LFLS enrolments in the region this year. Employers have responded by taking on more apprentices and trainees in the Goldfields—Esperance region in 2021, with commencements up by more than 80 per cent in the 12 months to 31 July 2021.
The LFLS program was recently expanded by a further 30 qualifications, to now include a total of 210 courses with heavily reduced course fees in priority industry areas including train driving, veterinary nursing, crane operations, surveying, laboratory technology, wool classing, hospitality management and others. Workers in industries which have a critical need to upskill workers – including childcare, aged and disability care, and civil construction – will be able to access low fee existing worker traineeship places to help meet the skills needs of these sectors.
The new initiatives respond to workforce issues raised by industry leaders at the Perth and regional skills summits held to date, and are jointly funded through a $103.5 million agreement between the State and Commonwealth governments under the expanded JobTrainer Fund agreement. Other initiatives progressing from the Perth Skills Summit 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 Re-engagement Incentive;
- freezing regional Government rental accommodation to attract public sector workers to the regions; and
- boosting Aboriginal youth employment opportunities.
The State Government is also providing support for jobseekers experiencing disadvantage to obtain a driver’s licence; 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.
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today said: “Training Western Australians to fill jobs in demand is the centrepiece of our State’s economic recovery and maintaining a strong and sustainable workforce in the Goldfields—Esperance region is pivotal to our continuing success. The Kalgoorlie Goldfields—Esperance Regional Skills Summit is an opportunity for regional business leaders to work in partnership with government to progress new or innovative ideas to meet the region’s unique skills needs. “.
Disability Access and Inclusion Plan – Have your say
Consultation period for feedback now open
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.
30 more qualifications half price for 2022, and new EWTs!
Childcare the centrepiece of $103M training expansion
The State Government's Lower fees, local skills program has been extended again, with another 30 qualifications discounted along with the introduction of reduced fees for workers in critical industries needing to upskill.
The 30 new qualifications will have course fees discounted by up to 72 per cent, from 1 January 2022. This will bring the total number of reduced-fee qualifications to 210, offering great opportunities for Western Australians to get into training. The 30 additional Lower fees, local skills courses cover a range of industries including train driving, veterinary nursing, crane operations, surveying, laboratory technology, childcare, hospitality management, healthcare and retail.
The Lower fees, local skills initiative has so far trained more than 72,600 Western Australians in 2021. Applications are now open for 2022 through TAFEs and training providers.
Find out more at jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/skillsready
You can also contact your local Jobs and Skills Centre on 13 64 64, or your local TAFE college or training provider, for more information.
Workers in industries which have a critical need to upskill workers – including childcare, aged and disability care, and civil construction – will be able to access low fee existing worker traineeships. The childcare industry has an urgent need to upskill existing workers, to meet the sector's mandatory accreditation requirements for a qualified workforce. This new initiative will see thousands of dollars of savings for workers looking to upskill – for example; childcare workers will be able to benefit from massive discounts to the Diploma of Early Childhood and Care (a $7,256 non-concession saving). The low fee places for childcare commenced this month, to address the immediate need.
Pictured: Premier Mark McGowan, Minister for Education and Training Sue Ellery, and Minister for Community Services
Simone McGurk at the Warriapendi Early Learning Centre in Balga, announcing the new initiatives today.
Workers looking to upskill in aged and disability care, and civil construction, will also be able to access savings in the thousands when the low fees for existing worker traineeships in these sectors come into effect from 1 January 2022.
For more information, visit jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/ewt
You can also contact your local Jobs and Skills Centre on 13 64 64, or your local TAFE college or training provider, for more information.
“Through our Skills Summits, we have listened and are implementing initiatives that address industry needs. The low fee existing worker traineeships will target specific qualifications in the key sectors of childcare, aged and disability care, and civil construction which have a critical need to upskill workers. “ said Premier Mark McGowan.
“Training is vital in creating skilled workers to support our local businesses and communities.“ added Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery. "We will continue to invest in training to ensure the Western Australian economy has access to a pool of highly skilled workers to support key WA industries. We are skilling West Aussies for jobs in demand and this will provide a significant boost to industries including hospitality and healthcare, which will benefit from a highly skilled and locally available workforce.”
Kununurra first of two Regional Skills Summits in the Kimberley
Bringing local business and industry leaders together
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.”.
Regional Skills Summit underway in Geraldton
Supporting the workforce needs of WA's Mid West region
The WA State Government is holding a Regional Skills Summit in Geraldton today – the third of 10 skills summits to be held in Western Australian regional centres this year. Hosted by Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education and Training Terry Healy, more than 30 government and regional business leaders from a range of sectors including the agriculture, construction, education and training, healthcare, hospitality and tourism, mining and retail industries are attending. The Geraldton-Mid West Regional Skills Summit will generate practical actions and new and innovative ideas that will form the basis of a local action plan to meet the region’s unique workforce needs.
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 WA. Student course enrolments in the Mid West have increased by 23 per cent in the past year, driven by affordable training opportunities through the Lower fees, local skills program and strong growth in employment-based training. Mid West employers have responded by taking on more apprentices and trainees in 2021, with commencements up by more than 86 per cent in the year 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 experiencing disadvantage to obtain a driver’s licence.
The State Government is also progressing targeted advertising campaigns to attract interstate workers, and increase participation of under-represented groups in WA.
“Building a sustainable Mid West workforce that can support the region’s pipeline of economic activity requires industry and government to work together.“ said Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery. "Today’s summit is an opportunity for the region’s business leaders and government to identify and progress practical actions to meet the immediate and long term skills needs of the Mid West region. Insights from the summit will inform a local action plan to address changing workforce needs in the Mid West, with a focus on local solutions to local issues.”.
Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton said "I was thrilled to recently join the Premier in marking the start of construction for the upgrade at Geraldton TAFE. We have also seen a huge increase in TAFE enrolments in the Mid-West. There has been a big investment by the McGowan Government into training in the Mid-West, and this summit will help develop further ideas to assist the skills needs of the local workforce.".
Annual report 2020—21 now available
Training Western Australians for jobs and supporting the State’s economy
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!
$121M investment in TAFE and training
WA State Budget delivers boost for training and jobs
Quality local jobs continue to be more accessible to Western Australians, as the WA State Government builds on its work to boost jobs and skills in WA, with a $121.4 million investment in skills and training in the 2021-22 State Budget.
This investment will deliver on election commitments to ensure TAFE and training continues to be more affordable and accessible, enabling local people to find work in local jobs throughout the State. Some of the key points announced are as follows.
Boost for VET in secondary schools
More WA students will be encouraged into vocational education and training (VET), with a $29.8 million boost to VET in school places for Year 11 and 12 students.
- Training places for school students will be increased by 8,000 to engage students in quality, industry relevant training, with options to attain their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), while enhancing their post-school employment, education and training.
- A $19.2 million VET Career Taster Program will also be rolled out to Year 9 students from 2022. The State Government is already engaging with industry, schools and other key stakeholders to inform the program's development, with regional consultation about to commence.
Boost for apprenticeships and traineeships
There will be $32.4 million allocated to create 300 new jobs for apprentices and trainees. The funding will provide small and medium enterprises with access to 150 additional and highly subsidised apprentices and trainees in 2022, and again in 2023, to work on State Government projects.
Boost for TAFEs
WA's TAFE colleges will receive $25 million of modern equipment as part of a four-year program to upgrade and modernise TAFE facilities to contemporary industry standards — helping students, apprentices and trainees become more job-ready.
A $9.9 million investment over four years will support TAFE college lecturers to undertake industry placements to keep them at the forefront of innovation and quality education, and enable them to upskill and maintain industry standards, practices, qualifications and skills.
WA Training Awards 2021 finalists announced!
Our brightest VET stars step into the spotlight
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.”
Immediate boosts to WA workforce
New date set for Skills Summit 2021
Premier Mark McGowan today announced a range of immediate initiatives to support Western Australia’s skilled worker needs and confirmed the rescheduled Skills Summit will take place on Friday, July 30. The event was postponed late last month due to WA's four-day circuit breaker COVD-19 lockdown. In order to begin addressing the immediate needs of Western Australian businesses, a number of key measures will be implemented now.
NEW! Adult Apprenticeship Employer Incentive
The new $5.2 million Jobs and Skills WA Adult Apprenticeship Employer Incentive will help businesses maximise job opportunities for adult apprentices who bring the benefit of skills, experience and maturity to businesses. WA businesses eligible for the new incentive may receive up to $26,800 when they hire an adult apprentice.
This will assist with growing WA’s skilled workforce and maximise opportunities for mature age apprentices, who are often overlooked by employers due to the higher cost of adult wages.
Extension of Apprenticeship and Traineeship Reengagement Incentive
The successful Apprenticeship and Traineeship Re-engagement Incentive (ATRI) will be extended for a further 12 months, with an additional $4 million investment.
Since its commencement in July 2020, more than 1,600 apprentices and trainees have been re-engaged and given the opportunity to complete their training.
There are currently around 300 out of contract apprentices and trainees seeking a new employer across a range of industries.
Expansion of skilled migration program
The State Government has expanded the State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) to provide a skilled migration pathway for temporary visa holders already in Australia.
The SNMP is a Commonwealth skilled migration program that allows States and Territories to attract temporary visa holders into occupations where there are vacancies not being met by local workers. An additional 134 occupations have been added to the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List from high demand industries.
With thousands of skilled temporary visa holders already in Australia, the changes to the SNMP will focus on attracting these skilled migrants to WA and assist businesses to retain visa holders already residing in WA.
For more information about SNMP, visit migration.wa.gov.au
Promotion of tourism and hospitality careers
A new partnership between Tourism WA and training council FutureNow will develop career programs for high-school students to highlight the vibrant career opportunities in tourism and hospitality.
It will include interactive demonstrations at the Skills West Careers Expo and a ‘chef ambassador’ program targeting students and teachers looking to upskill.
Regional rent increases for Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) frozen
The State Government has frozen rent increases for Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) in 2021—22, assisting regional towns to continue to attract and retain public sector workers such as police and teachers.
These measures are based on consultation with peak bodies, industry associations, industry training councils, WA unions and government agencies.
They will deliver immediate solutions for WA businesses’ skilled worker needs - with further short and long term actions to be identified at the rescheduled Skills Summit.
View the full media statement from the Premier and Minister here.
Pre-apprenticeships update for employers, RTOs, and students
Updated business rules, new guide, and fact sheet
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.
New $10M program to boost defence industry jobs
Defence Industry Pathways Program starting up in July!
The Commonwealth Government has launched a $10 million program that will provide West Australian high school graduates with a fully funded, 12-month traineeship to help grow WA’s defence industry workforce.
The Defence Industry Pathways Program, developed in partnership with South Metropolitan TAFE and WA's maritime defence industry, is a taster course designed to set participants on a path to an exciting defence industry career. The pilot program will support 120 students by mid-2022, with the first cohort of 20 set to begin in July.
The Defence Industry Pathways Program is open to WA school leavers who have completed Year 12. While the pilot will take place in and around the Australian Marine Complex in Henderson, it could be adapted for implementation in other Defence industry sites across Australia. Defence industry partners will provide supervision, mentoring and on the job training as part of the program, and South Metropolitan TAFE is providing trainees with on-campus study to undertake the academic modules of the traineeship. The Commonwealth Government will contribute almost $45,000 per trainee to fund their wages, on-costs and uniform including safety footwear.
For full details and how to apply, please visit the South Metropolitan TAFE website
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the Government’s unprecedented investments in Defence projects, would create another 1,000 jobs across the nation in the naval shipbuilding industry by 2023. “This program is designed to build a pipeline of talent that is ready to be part of Australia’s booming shipbuilding industry,” Minister Price said. “We are investing $75 billion in the maritime domain, focused on the construction, upgrade and sustainment of new and existing classes of naval vessels. With the increasing demand for workers in the shipbuilding industry in Western Australia, the maritime defence industry needs to grow its workforce. We must attract and retain the next generation of designers, engineers, scientists and technical tradespeople to our industry.
Construction Accelerated Apprenticeship Program launches!
Fast lane to trades qualification for WA construction workers
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.
New WA Skills Summit coming up on 30 June
Skills priorities and new strategies to strengthen WA's workforce
The McGowan Labor Government has today announced new initiatives to maintain Western Australia’s strong economic growth and strengthen its local workforce.
Premier Mark McGowan and Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery have today announced a Western Australia 2021 Skills Summit for June 30, to meet with leaders across a number of sectors including the resources, defence, construction and healthcare industries. The aim of the summit is to hear from some of WA’s business leaders on what more can be done collaboratively, and more immediately, to address existing skills needs across sectors to ensure the WA workforce can continue to advance the State and keep WA globally competitive in the coming years.
The WA State Government has already invested heavily into training, including cutting TAFE fees to make re-skilling more affordable, and is delivering the biggest TAFE infrastructure build in WA history. “Our management of COVID-19 has provided confidence throughout our economy, which now presents short-term challenges associated with workforce pressures.“ says Premier Mark McGowan. "Building a sustainable local workforce that can meet our immediate and long term skills needs, and support our big pipeline of economic activity, is a key issue that required industry and government to work together. Creating high quality jobs and training Western Australians to do them is the centrepiece of our State’s strong economic recovery and I am looking forward to sitting down with leaders from a range of areas to make sure we can continue to do this.”
Also announced today is a new program offering a fast track to an apprenticeship for local construction workers. The pilot Construction Accelerated Apprenticeship Program (CAAP) offers construction workers without formal qualifications the opportunity to have their existing skills recognised, cutting the time required to get an apprenticeship. It is the latest in a number of McGowan Government measures ensuring WA has a pipeline of skilled workers, including:
- Lower fees, local skills – slashed TAFE fees by up to 72 per cent on 180 courses;
- a record $167.4 million investment in upgrades to TAFE infrastructure across the five WA TAFE colleges as part of the WA Recovery Plan;
- free skill set short courses to upskill thousands of Western Australians; and
- $4.8 million for the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Re-engagement Incentive, providing financial support to employers who take on a displaced apprentice or trainee.
Business closure times over Christmas and new year 2020
All Department of Training and Workforce Development offices will be closed from 4.30 pm WST on Thursday 24 December — reopening at 8.30 am WST on Monday 4 January 2021.
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 we will respond to your enquiry when we reopen in the new year.
- Training contracts can continue to be lodged during the closure, and will be assessed from 4 January 2021.
- 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 2021.
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 2021.
Building WA's defence industry workforce
Exciting job opportunities and new training programs
‘The other force’ — a new campaign to raise awareness of the job opportunities and career pathways available in Western Australia’s defence industry — was launched today. The campaign aims to inspire women, veterans, young people, jobseekers and career changers to take advantage of job opportunities available.
Promoting the diverse, exciting and secure jobs offered by the defence industry is an important part of building the skilled workforce needed to support upcoming defence projects and secure future defence work, expected to be valued at up to $75 billion nationally over the next decade.
The campaign is complemented by the establishment of five new defence industry skill sets, which will contribute to a 'defence ready' workforce to bolster WA’s defence industry and support maritime defence contracts. The new $3.3 million package was developed in consultation with industry to meet industry skill demand, and courses are available through South Metropolitan TAFE. The campaign and new skill sets were presented to an industry forum held with key employers and stakeholders including Austal, Civmec, ASC West, Defence Primes, BAE Systems, Henderson Alliance, Naval Ship Management and the Naval Shipbuilding College.
Matilda Hobbins, third year South Metropolitan TAFE marine fabrication apprentice, stars in the advertising campaign and encourages others to embark on a rewarding career in defence manufacturing. Employed as a marine fabricator at Austal, the 25 year old says she has been well supported as a woman in a male-dominated industry and there is nothing like working with your hands and seeing your individual contribution come together to build a ship.
In addition to the five new skill sets, the campaign will also highlight several other initiatives including:
- $8.5 million for incentives of $20,000 for defence manufacturing industry employers to train apprentices in key trades;
- $2.85 million to train an additional 335 apprenticeships in nominated trades;
- investment in training scholarships for women and defence veterans; and
- defence industry training facilities upgrades at South Metropolitan TAFE.
For further information about the defence initiatives, please visit the Jobs and Skills WA website at jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/defence
New COVID-19 contact register from 5 December
Important information for businesses and venues
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
Building pathways for new apprenticeships
New free program offering 50 bricklaying apprenticeships
A new short course is now available: the Bricklaying Job Ready program. It was developed in consultation with the Construction Training Fund and key industry partners including HIA, MBA and ABN Group, will create a pipeline of qualified bricklayers to meet the needs of WA’s building industry.
Students will complete the Work Safely in Construction short course skill set, which teaches work safety practices, basic measuring and calculation skills, and how to operate small plant and equipment used on building and construction projects — through a mix of on-campus training and work placement with industry employers. The program is free for concession-eligible students including jobseekers and people aged 15—24. Non-eligible participants will need to pay a fee. On completion of the course, students will have the opportunity to start a bricklaying apprenticeship with a participating employer.
The pilot program will be delivered by North Metropolitan TAFE, South Metropolitan TAFE, and private training provider Skill Hire. The program will be reviewed at the completion of the first course with a view to it being expanded to regional WA. Employers who sign up to the program will be able to access State and Australian Government incentives and wage subsidies.
Applications for the course are now open — with 50 places available for the first intake scheduled to start on November 9, 2020. Register your interest by emailing BricklayingJobReady@dtwd.wa.gov.au.
New guide for school-based apprenticeships and traineeships now available
Helpful information for all WA SBAT users
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.
Updated fact sheet for SBAT minimum hours
The Department of Training and Workforce Development has recently updated the fact sheet, School-based apprenticeships and traineeships: Minimum hours per week.
The Department’s policy position on minimum hours of paid work has not changed. The revised fact sheet has been developed to provide more detailed information to help clarify the existing minimum hour requirements of paid work for school-based apprenticeship and traineeship arrangements, along with some examples to show how the requirements could be achieved.
The updated fact sheet is available on the Apprenticeship Office website, under Training contract forms and fact sheets.
New fact sheet and calculator tool to determine employment status for traineeship training contracts
The Department of Training and Workforce Development Apprenticeship Office recognises stakeholders' need for guidance on the determination of a person's employment status (ie; new entrant or existing worker) when entering into a training contract.
A new fact sheet and calculator tool have been developed to provide information to stakeholders, and to assist with the calculation of the relevant periods. They are both available on the Apprenticeship Office website, under 'Other publications'.
Updated fact sheet/form: Suspension of a training contract for serious misconduct
The Department of Training and Workforce Development Apprenticeship Office has recently undertaken a review of the process for an employer to suspend a training contract due to apprentice’s serious misconduct. The associated fact sheet and form has been reviewed and updated – please ensure you are using the current version of the form when submitting requests to Apprenticeship Office.
New FAQs – What happens when an RTO no longer provides training?
The Department of Training and Workforce Development Apprenticeship Office is committed to providing guidance to stakeholders when a registered training organisation (RTO) no longer provides training. To assist stakeholders to determine options available for apprentices and employers when confronted with this scenario, a new fact sheet outlining a serious of frequently asked questions and answers has been developed.
New and updated forms, fact sheets and FAQs
The Department of Training and Workforce Development Apprenticeship Office has updated a number of publications.
- Form – Notice to terminate a training contract
- Form – Notice to assign a training contract to a new employer
- Form – Notice to vary a training contract
- Fact sheet – Termination of a training contract without apprentice consent
- Fact sheet – Extending a training contract
- Fact sheet – Assignment of a training contract to a new employer
- Fact sheet – Training contract registration and assessment – Frequently asked questions
- Fact sheet – Training plans
- National training plan template
- Case study – Completion of a training contract
In addition, the following new fact sheets have been developed and published.
- Fact sheet – Employer’s eligibility to enter into a training contract
- Fact sheet – Cancellation of a training contract due to apprentice abandonment
- Fact sheet – School based apprenticeships and traineeships: Minimum hours per week
These documents are all available from the Training contract forms and fact sheets section of the Apprenticeship Office website at dtwd.wa.gov.au/apprenticeship-office.
New minimum part time hours for school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs)
Following extensive stakeholder consultation, the Minister for Education and Training has endorsed the setting of the minimum part time hours per week of paid work and supervised training for school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs).
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.
Vocational Education and Training (General) Regulations amendments: New fact sheets
Following extensive consultation with stakeholders and with their support, on 29 December 2017 amendments to the Vocational Education and Training (General) Regulations 2009 were gazetted. These amendments will come into effect on 9 February 2018 and training contracts registered by the Department’s Apprenticeship Office on or after this date will be subject to the new requirements.
The changes simplify the timeframe for training providers to develop training plans for apprentices and trainees, clarify training plan requirements and ensure that schools are central to and can support school-based apprenticeship and traineeship (SBAT) arrangements. Overall, the changes will support quality training plans being developed in a timely manner that meet stakeholder needs.
Amendments include:
- changing the timeframe to sign a training plan to six weeks from the date that the parties are notified of the registration of the training contract. In most cases, this will give RTOs more time;
- making all parties aware of their obligations by clarifying that a new training plan is to be signed when there is a new training provider or employer. This will ensure that the same quality applies to the training arrangement after an assignment or variation;
- requiring training providers to notify the Department when a training plan has been signed so that the Department can ensure that training plans are being developed in the early phase of the training;
- requiring school endorsement of the training plan for all SBAT arrangements to ensure that schools are aware of and are supportive of the training arrangement. Completion and submission of the Education, Training and Employment Schedule or ETES form will no longer be required; and
- clarifying that home educated students will no longer be able to access SBAT, but will instead have access to a broader range of apprenticeships or traineeships under a part-time arrangement.
Further information on the amendments is provided in the fact sheets Changes to training plans and School-based apprenticeships and traineeships and changes to training plan requirements which are available on the Apprenticeship Office website under Training contract forms and fact sheets.
Updated forms and fact sheets relating to training plans, assignment and variations and the training plan template will be published on the Apprenticeship Office website on 9 February 2018. Please ensure you are using the current version of the forms when submitting requests to the Apprenticeship Office.
Temporary closure of Apprenticeship Office during Christmas and new year period
The Department of Training and Workforce Development Apprenticeship Office will be closed from 4.30 pm on Friday 22 December 2017 to 8.30 am on Tuesday 2 January 2018 Western Standard Time.
The 13 19 54 information hotline will not operate during the closure period. Please email your enquiry to ApprenticeshipOffice@dtwd.wa.gov.au and we will respond to your enquiry after the Apprenticeship Office reopens in the new year.
Training contracts can continue to be lodged during the closure. They will be held until assessment and processing resumes in the new year. Similarly, any emails, variation, extension or termination requests received in the Apprenticeship Office email boxes during the closure will be regarded as being received on the date of receipt. They will be actioned after the Apprenticeship Office reopens in the new year.
From everyone at Apprenticeship Office, we wish you a very enjoyable Christmas and a happy new year.
Changes to payroll tax exemption arrangements from 1 December 2017
On 30 November 2017 the Treasurer announced changes to be made to the payroll tax exemption arrangement for existing employees entering into traineeship training contracts. The Government will introduce a Bill into the Parliament in 2018 to amend the Pay-roll Tax Assessment Act 2002, with the changes to apply retrospectively to 1 December 2017.
Details of the proposed changes can be found at Office of State Revenue Circular 10. Any queries relating to the administration of the payroll tax exemption should be made to the Office of State Revenue on 08 9262 1300 or by web enquiry at osr.wa.gov.au/PayrollEnquiry.
The Department of Training and Workforce Development Apprenticeship Office will continue to assess and make decisions on requests relating to existing worker traineeships in accordance with the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996 and relevant Regulations.
Please note, under the proposed transitional arrangements for existing worker traineeships registered or lodged with the Department before 1 December 2017, the duration of the payroll tax exemption cannot be extended by suspending or varying the training contract. The transitional arrangements will only allow the payroll tax exemption to apply until the expected completion date of these training contracts as at 1 December 2017.
The Apprenticeship Office may also assess a worker’s employment status (ie; existing worker or new entrant) as part of its registration assessment or compliance assessment following the registration of a training contract. Guidelines on how to determine a worker’s employment status will be published in due course.
Fair Work Ombudsman guides for apprentices and employers
The Fair Work Ombudsman has developed guides for apprentices and employers that set out essential information about workplace rights and responsibilities, to assist them in understanding their rights and obligations.
You can download the following documents from the Fair Work Ombudsman's website at fairwork.gov.au.
New fact sheet: Casual workers and apprenticeships
The Department of Training and Workforce Development has developed a fact sheet on the eligibility of casual workers entering into a Western Australian apprenticeship training contract.
Training plan quality improvement consultation sessions
Working together to identify challenges and find solutions.
The Department of Training and Workforce Development Apprenticeship Office is committed to improving the quality and integrity of the apprenticeship system in Western Australia. The training plan is an important document because it sets out how the apprentice will receive quality structured training, both on and off the job.
The Department would like to work with stakeholders to examine some of the challenges faced by training providers in meeting the training plan requirements, and to identify strategies that may assist in overcoming these challenges.
With this in mind, the Apprenticeship Office has prepared a Training plan quality improvement strategy discussion paper. Training providers are invited to review this discussion paper and attend one of the following consultation sessions.
WhenWednesday 16 August 2017 |
WhereTraining Room 3, Ground Floor |
To register your attendance, please email apprenticeshipoffice.regulation@dtwd.wa.gov.au with your name and contact details and kindly state which session you wish to attend. This map gives you directions to find Prospect Place, and details of available free parking.
If you are unable to attend one of these sessions, you may provide written feedback on the discussion paper to us via email. Alternatively you may wish to join in to these sessions online – this attendee information sheet has full details of how to access that option.
Automatic upgrade of superseded qualifications for WA apprenticeships and traineeships
The Department of Training and Workforce Development sought feedback from stakeholders in October 2016 regarding a proposal to automate the upgrade of superseded qualifications where the transition period has ended.
Traditionally, RTOs have had to notify the Department every time a superseded qualification in a training contract needs to be upgraded to a replacement qualification. The Department recognises the administrative burden this practice places on RTOs.
The proposed automation to the upgrade of superseded qualifications where the transition period has ended provides the following benefit to stakeholders:
- removal of the need to notify the Department for a qualification upgrade; and
- instant update of the qualification information in a training contract record.
The Department has received overall positive feedback to this proposal and made necessary amendments to ensure the change meets stakeholder needs. It is planned that the change to TRS will be deployed in the evening on Thursday 8 June 2017.
For detailed information about this change, please refer to this frequently asked questions document.
If you have any questions regarding the above change, please call 13 19 54 or email ApprenticeshipOffice.Projects@dtwd.wa.gov.au.
New fact sheet - Training contracts and holders of temporary work (Skilled) (subclass 457)
The Department of Training and Workforce Development has developed, in conjunction with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection and the Commonwealth Government Department of Education and Training, a fact sheet on the eligibility of Temporary work (skilled) visa (subclass 457) holders entering into a Western Australian apprenticeship or traineeship training contract.
The fact sheet, Training contracts and holders of temporary work (Skilled) (subclass 457), is available on our website under Training contract forms and fact sheets.
Workshop: training contract completion requirements
The Apprenticeship Office is committed to providing ongoing education to stakeholders with regards to our processes and compliance requirements. We will be offering a series of information sessions and workshops in the future and the details will be published on our website as they become available.
The following workshop focuses on training contract completion requirements, as prescribed in Regulation 52 of the VET Regulations:
Regulation 52 training contract completion requirements
When: 26 October 2016 2–3pm
Where: Ground Floor, Optima Centre Building B, 16 Parkland Road Osborne Park
This workshop is aimed at staff within registered training organisations who are responsible for advising the Apprenticeship Office of the training contract completion.
Apprenticeship Office's first anniversary
It is now over one year since the Apprenticeship Office was established on 1 July 2015. Below are some statistics from the actions during our first year of operation to 30 June 2016.
- Number of training contracts registered: 25 282
- Number of lodged contracts that had undergone further assessment: 9 063
- Number of training contracts where registration was refused: 98
- Average time taken to register a training contract: 6.5 days
- Number of variations to training contracts assessed and processed: 17 308
- Number of callers assisted: 22 578
- Number of contacts with employers/apprentices providing advice about training plans: 12 038
- Number of overdue training plans recovered: 4 760
- Number of training plans audited: 461
The Apprenticeship Office would like to thank our stakeholders for your support and cooperation over the last year. We look forward to continuing to work with you to improve the efficiency of the administration of training contracts and the quality and integrity of the apprenticeship system in Western Australia.