Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today visited Schlam Engineering in Waroona, a local business committed to training the next generation of young tradespeople.
Working in collaboration with registered training organisation, Group Training South West, Schlam Engineering has a dedicated apprenticeship program employing and training local youth to ensure a skilled and local workforce.
Five apprentices are currently undertaking a Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication, including local resident 18-year-old Zachary Faulkner.
After joining Schlam Engineering as an apprentice boilermaker in 2018, Zachary believes the hands-on experience he has gained through the program will open up the doors for future opportunities in the mining industry. His skills have already been recognised, with Zachary being honoured as an Apprentice of the Year finalist in the 2018 Apprenticeship and Traineeship Company Awards.
The Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication is one of 34 courses that will be half price and capped as at January 1, 2020 under the McGowan Government’s recently announced ‘Lower fees, local skills’ initiative.
The 50 per cent course fee reductions have been targeted to align with emerging areas of jobs growth, the State’s economic diversification strategy Diversify WA and important sectors of the local economy, including aged and disability care, METRONET and civil construction, defence, hospitality and tourism.
Schlam Engineering is also eligible for the Jobs and Skills WA Employer Incentive, which provides up to $8,500 for employing an apprentice or trainee.
For more information on the State Government initiatives, visit https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
“With TAFE fees for young people halved and capped at $400 this is an ideal opportunity for young people to get acquire skills in areas of job growth.
“We are committed to working with local businesses such as Schlam Engineering by providing financial assistance to help with the cost of employing apprentices and trainees and reducing the cost of training in areas where jobs are available.”
