The Federal government has announced the launching of an  $200 million, 18 month apprenticeship training program. The program, which aims to train 1,000 workers, is designed to build jobs in resource areas that are experiencing "critical demand" and are suffering from skill shortages.

 

Following the publication of in the Resourcing the Future report, the Federal government has accepted all of the report's 31 recommendations. Minister for Skills and Jobs Senator Chris Evans said funding is being targeted at practical, industry-based solutions designed to deliver skilled workers.

 

“Implementing these recommendations will immediately assist the resources sector meet its increasing demand for skilled labour while maintaining the national momentum on addressing skills shortages,” Senator Evans said.

 

In addition, the Government has also opened another $200 million Critical Skills Investment Fund which aims to partner with industry specific requirements to provide training and produce employment.

 

Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson, has called the initiatives "an important first step" in addressing skill shortages in critical areas in the economy.

 

“Companies can now apply for funding to improve the skills of existing workers, train adult tradespeople as supervisors and recruit and train new workers and unemployed job seekers,” Minister Ferguson said.

 

“We estimate the Fund will help train 39,000 skilled workers over four years and target areas of critical need for the resources, construction, infrastructure and renewable energy sectors.” 

 

The first round of funding from the government will be addressing immediate requirements of employers' skill needs.