New apprenticeship service

A new service that manages and mentors apprenticeships is steadily gaining success, having seen more apprentices successfully completing their electrical apprenticeships.

The ApprenticeConnect service provided through ApprenticeConnect Australia and initiated by Master Electricians Australia (MEA) is a new option that assists employers in the apprentice hire process on their behalf from recruitment to graduation with a Certificate III in Electrotechnology.

ApprenticeConnect Manager Stacey Ozolins said the service lifts the burden of looking for an apprenticeship and the entire apprenticeship process.

“The service includes providing advice and facilitating communication and ongoing monitoring of an apprentice’s training, facilitation of a training plan with the registered training organisation (RTO), as well as coordinating off-the-job training and mentoring,” Ozolins said.

“All services are tailored to each individual employer and apprentice to match them with an apprenticeship mentor for the life of the apprenticeship.”

ApprenticeConnect Mentor Claire Lasslett said the world of apprenticeships can be a minefield for employers and apprentices who are not familiar with the apprenticeship process.

“They often become disillusioned, not knowing where to turn. Having the support of an expert in the apprenticeship process can sometimes mean the difference between giving up and accessing the necessary resources and services required,” Lasslett said.

“The ApprenticeConnect service offers crucial career advice and support, as well as mentoring, throughout the course of the apprenticeship. So whatever assistance an apprentice requires is always made readily available to them.”

Ozolins said the service has seen great success since its implementation in 2007.

“Within six months between January and June of this year, ApprenticeConnect has conducted 400 visits, successfully completed 21 apprentices, and commenced 71 more,” she said.

Programs such as the ApprenticeConnect service are big steps forward in working towards not only better apprenticeships for both apprentices and employers within the electrical industry, but helping to plan for future needs of the industry.

The ApprenticeConnect service is available to all who want to undergo an apprenticeship in the electrical industry and is extended to contractors and companies who are not MEA members.