The coming year will see a record $126.3 million invested in skills to support Canberra’s economic recovery from the impacts of COVID-19, and help connect more local businesses with the skilled workers they need.
The ACT Government’s investments in the Australian Apprenticeship (User Choice) and Skilled Capital programs, the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) and other targeted initiatives will support more than 16,000 new and continuing students to undertake subsidised training in the coming year.
In partnership with the Commonwealth Government, we will also deliver up to 2,500 more fee-free places through the next tranche of the JobTrainer program.
The ACT Government is investing strongly in skills and training to support local industry and Canberra job seekers in the wake of the COVID-19 public health crisis,” said Minister for Skills Chris Steel.
“We recognise the central role that VET will play in our economic recovery, helping local businesses find the skilled workers they need and supporting Canberrans into good jobs.
“The ACT Government has increased investment in the Australian Apprenticeship (User Choice) program in the Budget and has increased subsidies in the program to target apprenticeships in key skills areas that our economy needs.”
From July the ACT Government increased subsidies under User Choice for qualifications such as Roof Tiling and Concreting by almost 22 and 70 per cent and increased subsidies for Plumbing by 10 per cent.
“The first release of free training places under the next JobTrainer round will be made available from next month, with places offered in the high skills need areas of healthcare, aged care, disability care and digital skills. Canberrans of any age or employment status who want to upskill in these areas will eligible for free training,” said Minister Steel.
“Further JobTrainer places will be progressively released during 2022 in areas of skills need identified with local employers and industry. These places will be targeted at young people and those who are out of work, and in areas where there are jobs available.”
Minister Steel also revealed the focus of Government efforts to support local apprentices and trainees to work on major infrastructure projects across the city.
“The number of local apprentices in training is already at historical highs, and we are supporting even more apprentices to work on Canberra’s major infrastructure projects,” said Minister Steel.
“The raising London Circuit and light rail Stage 2A projects will work towards a minimum 10 per cent of labour spend on employing and supporting apprentices and trainees and will have a focus on supporting women in trades and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentices.
“The Canberra Hospital Expansion project is working towards a 30 per cent ratio of apprentices, trainees and cadets across its total workforce. It is also targeting a spend of 10 per cent of total subcontracted trades budget on the employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“The construction of CIT Woden will have minimum requirements for the employment of women in construction roles, as well as targets for engaging and employing apprentices and trainees, specifically from CIT. This includes ensuring a minimum of 10 per cent of work on the project is undertaken by apprentices and trainees.
“The ACT Government is walking the talk when it comes to supporting local apprentices and trainees by providing significant training subsidies to support apprentices and trainees and a $5 billion pipeline of work for the construction industry.
“We encourage local employers to take a look at the wide range of supports available and take on an apprentice or trainee as we open up.”
Information on available supports for employers and Canberrans who want to train, upskill or reskill is available by visiting: www.skills.act.gov.au
