Strategy Objectives
The Strategy will contribute to the delivery of several key plans for NSW Government including
- The NSW State Plan which includes the target to increase the proportion of the population aged 15-64 participating in vocational education and training from 11.7 per cent in 20005 to 16 per cent by 2016 (priority P4).
- The NSW Public Sector Workforce Strategy 2008-2012 which identifies the Apprenticeship Strategy as a key means of promoting the development of a skilled workforce for the future (strategy 2.2).
The objectives of the Apprenticeship strategy are:
- Increase the number of new apprentices directly employed by government agencies by ten per cent each year through to 2010 (an additional 60 people each year by 2010).
- Enhance the capacity of public sector agencies to increase commencements, improve retention and increase early completion of apprenticeships.
- Improve public sector awareness of best practice in apprentice employment and understanding of different models of apprenticeships such as school-based apprenticeships, work based apprenticeships and group training.
- Support the NSW Government’s infrastructure growth plans through development of an adequately skilled future workforce, especially in the construction and civil engineering industries.
To deliver on these objectives, NSW Government has committed to the following actions:
- The Department of Education and Training will work with agencies on agency-specific plans and targets to deliver on the strategy. Contact your local DET State Training Services Centre or ring 13 16 28 if you are not already working with them.
- Education and Training, and the Public Sector Workforce Office will undertake sector-wide promotion of apprenticeship schemes to increase awareness about the value of apprenticeships, and the range of options and support available to prospective employers.
- Develop streamlined processes and models of good practice to support apprentices in areas where it is feasible for people to complete the apprenticeships before the nominal term.
- The Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Choose Your Own Adventure website will target promotion of apprenticeships at young people.
- Review policies on training requirements for government construction and engineering contracts to ensure contractors contribute an appropriate investment in training schemes such as apprenticeships.