The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union has welcomed the government’s decision to co-fund 1000 adult apprentices, as recommended by the National Resource Sector Employment Taskforce.

AMWU National Secretary, Dave Oliver, said the co-funding arrangement was a good approach to make sure employers lifted their investment in training.

“Employers have not been pulling their weight when it comes to investing in training, and this move will address that balance.”

Mr Oliver said that the quality of training would be paramount, and the union would keep a close watch on the operation of the program.

“It is important that this project offers genuine recognition of prior learning against nationally recognised Training Package qualifications, and the necessary mentoring and gap training that is required to produce tradespersons of high quality."
 
"The plethora of so-called 'fast track' and accelerated' apprenticeship proposals that purport to deliver trade training in incredibly short periods of time are a real concern.

“Modern trades are sophisticated, tech-savvy, vocations that can't be sped up without risking safety and quality.”

Mr Oliver was also a member of the Apprenticeships for the 21st Century Expert Panel which recently reported on the importance of providing proper training, backed up by effective mentoring and support for apprentices.

"With less than 50% of apprentices completing their training more needs to be done to ensure that apprentices are given a real chance to succeed,” he said.

“The AMWU has long been concerned that apprentices are missing out on training due to the use by employers of s457 temporary work visas, as cost-saving measure on funding training.”

The union has called for proper labour-market testing to determine skill shortages are genuine prior to visas being approved.

This week the AMWU launched www.skillsregister.com.au to ensure local workers were given work and training opportunities first.