More than half of the apprentices and trainees in Western Australia impacted so far by COVID-19 are in hospitality, tourism, wholesale and retail services, personal services, finance, property and business services and building and construction. Thanks to the State Government’s latest initiative announced today to safeguard Western Australia’s future workforce, more than 3,000 apprentices and trainees will now be able to access free training so that they can continue building their skills and stay in employment where possible.
Training costs will be covered for apprentices and trainees who have had their training contracts cancelled or suspended, to continue their off the job training for up to six months. This support will make apprentices and trainees more employable in the COVID-19 recovery phase, and is one of the State Government's measures to keep WA’s pipeline of skilled workers on track during COVID-19.
Employers will also benefit from a more flexible approach to training apprentices and trainees during the COVID-19 recovery period, given that it may be difficult to meet some requirements while restrictions are in place.
his initiative is supported by a new Out of Contract Register, available on the Jobs and Skills WA website, which will help apprentices and trainees who have been stood down to find a new employer. The register offers employers a quick search to find apprentices and trainees who are keen to continue to develop their skills.
View the Out of Contract Register
The Apprenticeship Office Helpline is available on 13 19 54 to provide employers with advice on how to retain their apprentices and trainees, and help to navigate current State and Commonwealth Government financial support.
Further information, including a full list of financial support available to employers, apprentices and trainees, is available on the Jobs and Skills WA website via the following links.
"COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on local businesses which, in turn, has impacted many apprentices and trainees. More than 3,000 apprentices and trainees have had their contracts cancelled or suspended since 1 March 2020." said Premier Mark McGowan. “Over half of those apprentices and trainees are in hospitality, tourism, wholesale and retail services, personal services, finance, property and business services and building and construction. By scrapping course fees for six months, apprentices and trainees who are experiencing financial hardship will be able to continue their training.”