Since 1998, the Victorian Chamber has had an unwavering commitment to ASA as a Services Provider. Contracted by the Australian Government, the key focus is on making it easier for apprentices and their employers to engage with the apprenticeship system and support them through to completion of their formal training.

At a special luncheon at Crown Melbourne, guests heard a keynote address and panel discussion with Federal Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor, and the inspiring journey of Victorian Apprentice of the Year 2022 Chhunly Taing.

Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra said over the journey ASA has signed-up around 340,000 trainees and apprentices in Victoria, and has helped set approximately 90,000 on a path to starting their own companies.

“I’m delighted to be celebrating this wonderful milestone of 25 years of Apprenticeship Support Australia,” he said.

“Over that journey, it has ensured that the path for apprentices is available, easy to engage, and ultimately delivers high-quality end-to-end advice and support.

“I’m proud of how our team performs in this area. Our completion rates are good, our mentoring capability is excellent and our care for both the apprentice and the employer is paramount.”

Minister O’Connor said ASA has played a pivotal role in supporting apprentices to transition from training to tradesperson.

“Great work has been done and great careers have been realised and businesses grown as a result.”

He said his government recognises the opportunities and challenges ahead but will continue to engage with the Victorian Chamber and ASA on key policy and support decisions.

“We are focusing our efforts on ensuring Australians have the skills in demand now and into the future to support secure employment and address skills needs.

“That’s why I’m here to engage, to hear proposals put to me and I will always engage with VCCI and other chambers.

“Needs are changing faster than ever. Industries are innovating rapidly, and our workforce needs to keep pace. So that collaboration, that support is critical to realise our ambition.”

Mr O’Connor also said his government – and workplaces – should continue to support underrepresented groups who face additional barriers to engaging and continued apprenticeships, such as women in male-dominated trades, First Nations apprentices, apprentices in remote locations and apprentices with disability.

“Not only is it socially good, it is economically imperative,” he said.

Ms Taing is one such example. A trailblazer for women in trades, she completed a Certificate in Civil Construction and has become a leading hand at Metro Tunnel’s Parkville Station employed by John Holland. Her achievements were recognised with the highest state accolade for apprentices.

“The construction industry can be intimidating for women to join. I know this was certainly in a case with me when I first started – I would question whether I’d be able to perform and meet expectations,” she said.

“I can confidently and quietly say I’m exceeding these expectations because of my own journey and my experience. I use my passion, my vocational training, and my experience as a platform to advocate for women to join the infrastructure industry.

“A lot of the men at work see my tenacity and work ethic and ask me if their daughters can ring me to talk about getting into the industry.

“Of course, I always say yes. The more we can talk about anything the more it travels and the more we can help to create.”

As a first generation Australian born in Thailand, Ms Taing paid homage to her family for the opportunities they worked hard to establish – not only for themselves but the next generation.

“My parents never gave up. Despite the barriers that presented, they persevered, continued to work hard, and never gave up to ensure we always had food on the table.

“It was this tenacity, resilience and drive that has allowed me to become who I am today.”

Victorian Chamber President Adrian Kloeden congratulated Ms Taing on her achievements and the continuing work of ASA to improve outcomes for apprentices, trainees and businesses.

“It has been wonderful afternoon to pay tribute to the great work by Apprenticeship Support Australia over the past 25 years,” Mr Kloeden said.

“The Victorian Chamber’s long association with ASA, and that focus on providing a skilled workforce through all stages of the employment cycle, is something I am exceedingly proud of.

“This past 25 years has been a journey of connection, education, participation, and inspiration. Long may it continue.”

Businesses and individuals can contact Apprenticeship Support Australia for expert guidance about employing or becoming an apprentice or trainee.