The report focuses on the changing needs of apprentices and trainees in Victoria and explores what can be done to ensure industry is getting the skilled workforce it needs. 

As a member of the Victorian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Taskforce, the Victorian Chamber keenly contributed to the report which focuses on three key themes: supporting employers who invest in apprenticeships and traineeships, renewing the focus on training quality and elevating the status of apprenticeships and traineeships

The report makes a number of recommendations on the best ways to achieve these objectives.  They include:

• Improving demand data to inform decision making
  To do this, the Office of the VSC will continue to work with industry, government and learners to build the accuracy of data on student choice and employer demand. The report also recommends strengthening Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority resourcing to enable existing apprenticeship and traineeship pathways to be reviewed. Pathways not used or valued by industry would be removed from the Funded Course List.
• Targeted pilots
  The government will invest in industry consortia to help employers attract, recruit and retain apprentices, promote pathways and identify and link opportunities with employers directly.
• Improve the quality of learning materials
  The report recommends funding training providers to work with industry to contextualise and update learning materials.  It also recommends resourcing the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority to work with interested industry consortia to develop, trial and administer a mechanism for the independent assessment of proficiency. In an effort to address non-completions, the report recommends implementing a ‘second chance’ program to follow up on 3rd and 4th year apprentices who drop out of their training arrangement.
• Relaunch apprenticeships and traineeships
  The report calls for a public campaign to promote messages around the long term value of trade occupations.  Part of this will include partnerships with industry consortia to raise employer awareness of the business benefits of engaging apprentices and trainees. While the report does not include a recommendation to strengthen employer incentives to take on apprentices, the Victorian Chamber will continue to advocate for the reintroduction of payroll tax exemptions for eligible new trainees and apprentices, as currently exists in NSW, QLD, TAS and WA.

The Victorian Chamber looks forward to working with the Victorian Skills Commissioner to progress the Taskforce recommendations and ensure we have stronger apprenticeship and traineeship pathways to work and further learning.