Tens of thousands of apprentices will benefit from a new mentoring program announced in this week’s federal budget.

The AMWU has welcomed the government’s move to tackle Australia’s record low apprenticeship completion rate.

With more than 50% of apprentices currently failing to complete their apprenticeship the AMWU had called for national assistance and mentoring programs.

AMWU National Secretary, Dave Oliver, said, “The $101 million mentoring program will significantly boost Australia’s skills base, and make a profound difference to the lives of tens of thousands of apprentices who will benefit from lifelong careers as fully qualified tradespeople.”

The federal budget included a total of $3 billion for skills and training over the next 6 years.

The AMWU particularly welcomed the $558 million National Workforce Development Fund, which will also see industry make additional investments covering around 50% of training costs in this program.