Giving kyneton apprentices the recognition they deserve

Kyneton locals who have successfully completed their apprenticeship over the last five years will soon be able to have their apprenticeship recognised following the re-introduction of Trade Papers by the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Skills and Training Gayle Tierney and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas today met with apprentices at Kyneton’s Evolve Interiors to tour the facilities and take the opportunity to encourage past apprentices to apply for their Trade Papers.

The previous Liberal Government scrapped Trade Papers as part of their savage cuts to TAFE and training, meaning Victorians who have completed their apprenticeship only receive a VET qualification recognising their formal training – making it harder to get a job.

People who complete an apprenticeship work hard and deserve recognition of their trade – which is why industry, training providers and apprentices have been calling for the return of Trade Papers since the Liberals took an axe to them.

Trade Papers are a separate certificate awarded to those who successfully complete their formal training through an apprenticeship. They serve as a signal to employers and customers that this person has done the hard yards and is able to apply occupational skills on-the-job.

Skilled workers are in high demand across Victoria, which is why the Victorian Budget 2018/19 is investing an additional $644 million to strengthen TAFE, address skills shortages and ensure all Victorians can access the training they need to get a good job.

This investment includes $43.8 million to reintroduce Trade Papers, implement new independent assessments, update learning materials, and to create quality apprenticeships and traineeships for the modern economy.

To make it easier to access training and pathways to an apprenticeship, the Government is investing $172 million to make 30 priority TAFE courses and 20 pre-apprenticeship courses that lead to jobs that are most in demand from Victorian employers tuition free.

Those who have completed an apprenticeship in the past five years can register their interest and apply by calling the TAFE and Training Line on 131 823.

Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
"When the previous Liberal Government scrapped Trade Papers as part of their devastating cuts to TAFE and training, they sent a clear message that they don’t value trades or apprentices."

Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"Apprentices in Kyneton deserve the highest recognition for the training and work they’ve completed – Trade Papers are an official certification that give Victorians a passport to a job and employers can trust."