The announcement by the New South Wales Government of an extension to the training component to funded apprentices in bushfire and drought -affected areas has been applauded by the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), the peak body representing independent providers in the higher educat ion, vocational education, training and skills sectors.
From today, apprentices in bushfire and drought -affected areas across New South Wales whose employers are unable to keep them on will still be able to access the training component of their apprentic eships for up to 12 months for free.
"Supporting apprentices and businesses in regional areas is essential and timely for the viability of ITECA members in these areas. ITECA members have been severely affected by the recent bushfires and ongoing drought a nd this initiative will go some way to support the recovery efforts in regional areas and avoid a skills shortage in the future," said Mr Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive.
This initiative is an important one for ITECA members. Noting it is uncapped, it will support young people to be job ready and support them to stay in regional areas. It will also help ITECA members continue to leverage and further develop strong regional community links. Training Services NSW will work with apprentices to help conn ect them to potential employers.
"The drought and the bushfires have affected regional communities at all levels. The response of the New South Wales Government is a welcome one that will strengthen local communities, because an apprentice in a bushfire or drought -affected area can still access the training component of their apprenticeship. This is good news for the ap prentices and the ITECA members that support them," Mr Williams said.
The New South Wales Government was engaged with ITECA on this initiative before it was announced.
ITECA represents independent providers in the higher education, vocational education, training and skills sectors. Independent providers support more than 70% of the 4.1 million students enrolled in VET programs across Australia.
