- Minister for Training and Skills
The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring Victorians who have done the hard yards to complete an apprenticeship can have their trade recognised through Trade Papers.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney joined Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos and Member for Southern Metropolitan Nina Taylor to meet with tradespeople at the Worldskills Australia Global Skills Challenge at Holmesglen Institute.
Minister Tierney presented Trade Papers to three tradespeople who are in the running to represent Australia as part of the "Skillaroos" squad at the Worldskills Championships in Russia later this year.
Trade Papers are a certificate awarded to those who successfully complete their formal training through an apprenticeship. It serves as a signal to employers and customers that this person can apply occupational skills on-the-job.
The previous Liberal Government scrapped Trade Papers as part of their savage cuts to TAFE and training, meaning Victorians who completed their apprenticeship only received a VET qualification recognising their formal training - making it harder to get a job.
In Victoria, skilled workers are in high demand, which is why the Labor Government is investing $644 million to continue transforming skills and training in Victoria.
This investment includes $43.8 million to reintroduce Trade Papers, implement new independent assessments and update learning materials, and to create quality apprenticeships and traineeships for the modern economy.
The Labor Government is also supporting school-based apprentices and trainees through a $49.8 million boost to Head Start - a new model that supports students to stay at school to finish their VCAL, VCE or apprenticeship.
Trade Papers are free to apply for at the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority website vrqa.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney
"Trade Papers are much more than a piece of paper to hang on the wall - they are an official certification that graduates can be proud of and employers can trust."
"We're restoring Trade Papers so that tradespeople get the recognition for their skills that they deserve."
As stated by Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos
"There's never been a better time to take up a trade and we're making sure apprentices are recognised with a certificate."
As stated by Member for Southern Metropolitan Nina Taylor
"Trade Papers show future employers that you are skilled up and ready to get to work straight away - that's why we've brought them back."
