This week BUSY At Work in partnership with CoAct (formally known as Job Futures) launched a new apprenticeship model in Western Australia called the Australian Apprenticeship Support Services services.
Over 100 business leaders from across Perth and Western Australia attended the launch held at The Duxton Hotel, Perth.
The Australian Apprenticeship Support Services is a Australian Government initiative replacing the Australian Apprenticeships Centres (AACs) from 1 July this year designed to reduce red tape and improve apprenticeship and traineeship completion rates.
Key speakers at the launch included Member for Hasluck Mr Ken Wyatt, BUSY At Work CEO Paul Miles, CEO CoAct Matt Little and Larry Davies General Manager for Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET).
Representing the Assistant Minister, Federal Member for Hasluck Mr Ken Wyatt AM, MP said the launch of the Australian Apprenticeship Support Services contracts marks a new era in how the government structures, funds and supports apprenticeships in Australia.
“The new Apprenticeship Network will provide tailored services including screening, testing and job-matching so that the right apprentice can be matched with the right apprenticeship and the right employer,” Mr Wyatt said.
BUSY At Work has played a key role in growing Australian Apprenticeships in Queensland for the past 35 years. CEO, Paul Miles said with the launch of the Australian Apprenticeship Support Services model BUSY is looking forward to expanding this role across Australia
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with CoAct in supporting apprentices, trainees, employers and communities throughout Western Australia with the new network.” Mr Miles said.
“BUSY and CoAct have concurring values and we are excited to be working in collaboration with CoAct in a one stop shop service for apprenticeship and recruitment needs.
“Our objective is to restructure the services and improve the completion rates of apprentices and trainees by matching the right person for the right job from the start.
“Reducing duplication and complexity in the apprenticeship and traineeship system will allow more effective interaction with employers, apprentices, trainees and other stakeholders.
“With our strategic partnerships in place, we are now positioned to deliver apprenticeships nationally. This is great for businesses which may have numerous office locations throughout Australia. ” Mr Miles said.
As part of BUSY’s community ethos, Mr Miles presented a cheque for $5000 at the launch to the Esther Foundation which facilitates an extensive residential health, development and leadership program for young women in South Perth. The program helps young women to overcome life issues in a safe, structured and supportive environment.
Events and Marketing Manager for the Esther Foundation, Annette Russell said it was great to see not-for-profit organisations supporting each other.
“We look forward to a new partnership with BUSY At Work. We wish BUSY and CoAct all the best as they venture out to create a stronger Western Australian workforce through the support and assistance they offer apprentices in Western Australia,” Ms Russell said.
CoAct represents 25 community-based employment service providers with the aim to build collaboration between the employment services sector, industry and community sectors.
CoAct CEO, Matt Little said CoAct was excited to be using their long term Employment Services experience to help lift the performance of the apprenticeship system and achieve better outcomes for both the employer and the apprentice.
“We have a proud history of activating communities and this program allows CoAct to demonstrate its expertise in connecting with employers and training organisations delivering high quality service and coordinating a positive experience for all involved,” Mr Little said.
BUSY At Work CoAct offices are situated in Perth, Albany, Broome, Bunbury, Derby, Esperance, Geraldton, Karratha, Kwinana and Warwick.
IMAGE CAPTION: BUSY At Work CEO Paul Miles presents Esther Foundation Events and Marketing Manager Annette Russell with a cheque for $5,000.
