More than 300 young Victorians have joined the workforce through a state government program that provides apprenticeship and trainee roles across the state.
Launched last September, the Victorian Apprenticeship Recovery Package supports people aged 15 to 24 into fully funded, 12-month apprenticeships or traineeships with government departments and agencies, and local councils.
Young people were among the most heavily affected by job losses caused by the pandemic, and the program created a crucial opportunity for unemployed people and those coming out of school to get a foot in the door to fulfilling employment while also undertaking training.
The roles are spread across regional and metropolitan areas including Victorian government hubs in Ballarat and Geelong, and in organisations including VicRoads, Victoria Police, primary and secondary schools, health services and water authorities, including Central Highlands Water.
Employment Minister, Jaala Pulford, said participants come away with experience and on-the-job training that will help them secure future employment.
“Work is much more than a weekly pay slip, it instills pride, satisfaction and ambition and it’s wonderful to watch these young people take their first steps on an incredible journey,” Pulford said.
The government has worked in partnership with the Apprenticeship Employment Network to deliver the program, which has also helped local communities through skills growth and the delivery of valuable services.
The Victorian Apprenticeship Recovery Package was backed by $9 million in funding from the Working for Victoria program.
Jobs Victoria is also supporting youth employment through the $250 million Jobs Victoria Fund, which will create thousands of new jobs across the state for priority jobseekers.
The Fund offers wage subsidies to support employers to grow their businesses and hire new employees. For more information, go to jobs.vic.gov.au.