Aspiring apprentices and trainees were among those to benefit as the City of Greater Geelong joined forces with the Gordon (Workforce Australia Local Jobs, Skilling the Bay) in hosting a forum aimed at building connections between individuals and businesses across Geelong.
The Apprenticeship and Traineeship Support Forum was aimed at maximising apprenticeship and traineeship participation, increasing retention rates, and assisting in meeting labour shortages in the region by providing employment opportunities.
The event, hosted at the City of Greater Geelong's civic precinct, Wurriki Nyal, comprised three parts, with the first introducing interested young people to the apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities in the city.
A second session provided a networking opportunity for individuals interested in an apprenticeship or traineeship to meet apprenticeship providers, group training organisations and employers to learn about the opportunities available.
The third session, entitled 'Thinking of hiring an apprentice', targeted small to medium employers considering hiring an apprentice or trainee, and outlined incentives and support available for employers.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
The City is thrilled to play a part in supporting an initiative that connected businesses with aspiring apprentices and trainees.
The City is delighted to have worked with the Gordon in providing an opportunity of this kind.
Forums of this type have the potential to play a vital role in supporting a young person considering a career pathway in a trade and opening their eyes to the exciting possibilities.
Councillor Jim Mason
Supporting businesses also stand to benefit from participating in the forum.
The evening was really useful in helping owners of small to medium businesses, along with sole traders, understand the opportunities, benefits, responsibilities, and process of taking on an apprentice or trainee.
There are actually numerous incentives available to business owners when they take on an apprentice or trainee, along with the opportunity for ongoing support.
Tracey Jeffery - Workforce Australia Local Jobs Employment Facilitator - Barwon Region
It was great to partner with the City of Greater Geelong in providing an event of this kind.
As one of Geelong's leading educational providers it's exciting for The Gordon's Local Jobs and Skilling the Bay programs to be playing a part in helping young people find their way to a career path that has the potential to set them up for life.
We all benefit from finding employment that provides a sense of purpose and fulfilment and my hope is that this forum has sparked a genuine passion in those attending.
