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NSW Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 to get a 21st Century Makeover

Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills John Barilaro has welcomed changes to the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 that modernise training outcomes for workers to support NSW’s growing economy and strengthen the apprentice and traineeship system.

Mr Barilaro said a quality and responsive Act that oversees apprentice and trainee qualifications is a vital part of ensuring NSW has a skilled and competent workforce.

“Our VET graduates get into work sooner, get paid more and can train for occupations predicted to have the greatest new job growth over the next five years, like information technology, health, aged care and hospitality,” Mr Barilaro said.

“The Apprenticeship and Traineeship Amendment Bill 2017 is about making sure we underpin quality in the training system and we put the student first.”

“The amendments will support young workers to become better skilled, improve completion rates and ensure apprentices and trainees receive qualifications that directly meet the needs of their job.”

“The new Act will help employers meet the growing demand for a skilled workforce and ensure that we are setting up our young workers to fill the jobs of the future that will continue to drive the NSW economy,” he said. Changes to the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act include:

Improving communication between employers and training organisations through stronger requirements for training providers to consult with employers on training plans and report progress regularly
Greater emphasis on applying on-the-job training in qualifications
Removing red tape by abolishing the Vocational Training Review Panel

The changes in the Bill were the result of extensive consultation with employers, students, industry and the community over the last year.

The NSW Utilities and Electrotechnology ITAB were particularly pleased to see the removal of “Trainee” apprenticeships and the abolition of Craft Certificates.