Beacon welcomes federal budget investment in apprentices, but more needs to be done to help prepare kids for the workforce

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MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday, 12 May

Beacon welcomes federal budget investment in apprentices, but more needs to be done to help prepare kids for the workforce

Beacon is leading the way in Tasmania to help young Tasmanians become the next generation of apprentices and trainees in the State.

Beacon’s Chief Operating Officer, Kath McCann, welcomed the federal budget initiatives to make available more apprenticeships in Tasmania.

“It’s vital that the federal government continues to invest in apprenticeships and traineeships and last night’s budget is certainly a big step in the right direction,” Ms McCann said.

“For young Tasmanians to succeed though, we need to prepare them so they have the best possible chance of succeeding in the workforce.  That work needs to start in schools with young people gaining exposure to business and industry to inspire them.  Research shows that the more engagement students have with industry, the more likely they are to get a job once they finish school.

“Beacon is a leader in working with schools, communities, local businesses and industry to lift the aspirations of young Tasmanians and make sure they’re ready and committed to joining the workforce in an area they’re passionate about.  But we also need to make sure that industry is armed with the right knowledge and skills to take on young people too.

“Beacon is laying the groundwork for success and we need to ensure the work that we’re doing and other organisations like ours is recognised as invaluable to filling apprenticeships and traineeships.  Our role is to work collaboratively with the community, including businesses, to prepare kids for the challenges ahead and invest in them so they are ready to take on the opportunity of an apprenticeship or traineeship.

“Beacon is committed to working with the state and federal governments to help young people seize opportunities like getting an apprenticeship or traineeship and we look forward to seeing the investments announced last night rolled out in the community.”