Apprenticeships to receive budget boost

Australia’s largest employer network of apprentices and trainees has welcomed the federal government’s intention to place a focus on measures to assist small business in the May Budget.

The chief executive of Group Training Australia (GTA), Jim Barron, said that micro and small businesses were the main employers of apprentices and trainees, and that there was a real need to encourage investment, jobs and skills development in the sector.

“The treasurer’s presentation to the Coalition joint party room this week is very welcome news,” he said.

“He rightly makes the point that small business employs around 4.5 million people and could create even more jobs under the right conditions.

“Small business is the lifeblood of the apprenticeship and training system and it needs support to ensure that young people are engaged and supported through their training.

“Group training organisations provide assistance to thousands of small businesses around Australia to assist them to take on and manage their apprentices and trainees.

“It is often forgotten just how important these businesses are to Australia’s skills development and to the communities in which they operate,” Barron said.