Action 5.1.5. Improve support services for Australian apprentices, including those with disability Why is this important? Completion rates for Australian apprenticeships are unacceptably low (about 48 per cent). This represents a significant economic cost, given the time and resources provided for both on-the-job and off-the-job training. As well, there are particular sectors currently experiencing significant skills shortages, such as engineering and the traditional trades. What will it do? The Australian Apprenticeships Mentoring package will provide additional support for apprentices, including those with disability. Responsibility The Department of Innovation, Industry, Science, Research and Tertiary Education has responsibility for this action. How will it be done? Mentoring projects will target priority groups, including apprentices with disability. Stakeholder participation External consultation was undertaken with a wide range of stakeholders in July and August 2011. Some follow-up consultations were undertaken after the announcement of Australian Government Skills Connect. Success indicator An increase the current national average in the retention and completion rates of Australian apprentices, including those with disability will be reported. Action 5.1.6. National Broadband Network—Enabled Education and Skills Services Program Why is this important? Children with disability often face barriers to their learning opportunities. What will it do? The National Broadband Network enabled Education and Skills Services Program will support the development and trialling of online education and skills services that take advantage of the broadband connections being made available through the National Broadband Network. This will provide more interactive and effective learning opportunities, which could be very effective for students with disability. Responsibility
Action 5.1.5. Improve support services for Australian apprentices, including those with disability Why is this important? Completion rates for Australian apprenticeships are unacceptably low (about 48 per cent). This represents a significant economic cost, given the time and resources provided for both on-the-job and off-the-job training. As well, there are particular sectors currently experiencing significant skills shortages, such as engineering and the traditional trades. What will it do? The Australian Apprenticeships Mentoring package will provide additional support for apprentices, including those with disability. Responsibility The Department of Innovation, Industry, Science, Research and Tertiary Education has responsibility for this action. How will it be done? Mentoring projects will target priority groups, including apprentices with disability. Stakeholder participation External consultation was undertaken with a wide range of stakeholders in July and August 2011. Some follow-up consultations were undertaken after the announcement of Australian Government Skills Connect. Success indicator An increase the current national average in the retention and completion rates of Australian apprentices, including those with disability will be reported. Action 5.1.6. National Broadband Network—Enabled Education and Skills Services Program Why is this important? Children with disability often face barriers to their learning opportunities. What will it do? The National Broadband Network enabled Education and Skills Services Program will support the development and trialling of online education and skills services that take advantage of the broadband connections being made available through the National Broadband Network. This will provide more interactive and effective learning opportunities, which could be very effective for students with disability. Responsibility