More than 80,000 apprentices and trainees have received crucial support to build skills and rewarding careers.
Apprenticeships Victoria was established five years ago to help people complete their qualification and obtain their trade paper.
So far, it has assisted enough people to fill GMHBA Stadium - twice.
Minister Tierney marked the achievement at the new Kangan Institute of TAFE's Broadmeadows campus with apprentices, their teachers and industry representatives.
Only Labor is making sure apprentices have all the help and support they need from day one.
We are implementing recommendations from the Apprenticeship Taskforce, including the Apprenticeships Helpdesk - a one-stop-shop for apprentices and parents that provides advice and support, including information about wages, entitlements and health and wellbeing at work.
Other initiatives to support apprentices include our Free TAFE Literacy, Numeracy and Digital support course that is boosting apprentice completions and the Apprentice Employee Assistance Program, providing free, confidential short-term support for mental health and personal issues, difficult workplace situations and financial concerns.
Labor's $8 million Apprenticeship Innovation Fund includes a stream aimed at increasing the number of women in male-dominated trades like electrical, automotive, plumbing, construction, and STEM-related fields.
The fund provides support including mentorship, wage subsidies and small group training.
As a result, around 250 women enrolled in pre-apprenticeships and more than 190 women started apprenticeships or traineeships.
Now in its third year, Tradie Bootcamp is supporting women into trade apprenticeships through a mix of classroom learning, worksite experience and skills development.
Apprenticeships Victoria also delivers direct support to apprentices and trainees through Apprentice Support Officers, who provide confidential, one-on-one support to apprentices across the state.
The Apprentice Helpdesk is available from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). Contact 1300 311 820 or [email protected].
As stated by Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
"Only Labor will support apprentices to succeed from day one all the way through to getting their trade paper."
"We're proud to celebrate all the programs and supports we've provided to tens of thousands of apprentices and trainees to succeed in their training journey."
As stated by Member for Broadmeadows Kathleen Matthews-Ward
"It's fantastic to visit Kangan Institute of TAFE in Broadmeadows to celebrate five years of Apprenticeships Victoria supporting local apprentices to succeed from day one."
