The review will help the government better understand the effectiveness of the current system in encouraging the take-up and completion of apprenticeships and traineeships.

It will also investigate the support available to help more people start and complete apprenticeships and traineeships.

The Government said it acknowledges the incentive system should play a key role in building our labour force by supporting apprentices and trainees to receive quality training and opportunities for secure, well-paid work and encouraging businesses to take on apprentices and trainees.

The review will focus on:

• Examining the complementary role of services, support and high-quality training provision
• Addressing the need to build the necessary skills and talent in the workforce
• Supporting businesses to meet their current and emerging skills needs, including future pathways that emerge with the net zero transformation
• Considering the cost-of-living pressures and financial stresses that prevent apprentices from completing their training
• Ensuring engagement with under-represented groups such as women, First Nations people and people with disabilities to improve participation in apprenticeships in priority occupations facing skills shortages.

Financial supports are scheduled to change from 1 July 2024 as the incentive system is re-balanced following short-term COVID-19 economic response subsidies.

The Government aims to implement a more effective, sustainable and long-term incentive system for apprentices and trainees.

Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor said: “Getting the best outcomes for apprentices and trainees is vital to ensuring we have the skills our economy needs.

“We know that almost half of all apprentices don’t complete their training. Addressing the completion rate is not just vitally important for individuals and employers, but also for the Australian economy.”

The Review is accepting written submissions until 15 May 2024 and will establish a national program of online and face to face consultations in the coming weeks.

The Victorian Chamber will be participating in the review, providing a submission as a key stakeholder. If you are interested in providing input to the review process and our submission get in touch via policy@victorianchamber.com.au,

More information on the review and making submissions is available via the Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System.

Apprenticeship Support Australia

The Victorian Chamber’s Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) is contracted by the Australian Government to provide free personalised advice and support services from pre-commencement to completion for job seekers, employers, apprentices and trainees.

Our Industry Training Consultants will provide quality support services to help recruit, sign up, train, and retain apprentices and trainees and provide advice on financial supports, incentives and government or industry updates. If you are an employer hiring an apprentice or trainee, contact our ASA team with any enquiries.