South West TAFE students to get hands-on learning at new library

Apprentices and trainees will make up 10 per cent of the workforce completing the program as part of the state government's Big Build Apprenticeships program.

South West TAFE's Chris Holloway said it was a great opportunity for students.

"It's fantastic to get hands-on experience because now these guys have a great opportunity to go forward and get apprenticeships," he said.

Mr Holloway said people completing pre-apprenticeships ranged in age from 16 to 65.

He said people could obtain skills that would service them for life.

Meanwhile, a Warrnambool builder is pleased the federal government has also announced it will extend its program for apprentices and trainees.

Stephen O'Keefe was able to employ an apprentice builder under the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) wage subsidy program.

"It's a great incentive to put an apprentice on and give the next generation the skills they need," Mr O'Keefe said.

"Particularly us as custom builders - we teach our apprentices the whole build from the day we start to the day we finish."

Mr O'Keefe said he believed there were skills shortages in a number of trades.

He said he would consider hiring another apprentice next year if the program was further extended.

Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said that the BAC had already supported 1087 apprentices and trainees across Wannon.

"By expanding this wage subsidy for another 12 months, we'll be helping businesses to create even more jobs, further supporting our National Economic Recovery Plan for Australia."

The program will now become demand driven and expanded for a full 12 months for new apprentices and trainees signed up prior to 30 September 2021.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Monday the program would be extended for a further 12 months.

He said 100,000 apprenticeships had been created through the scheme in five months.

"Creating jobs, generating economic opportunities and boosting the skills of workers right across Australia are at the heart of our National Economic Recovery Plan, as we build back from the COVID-19 recession," Mr Morrison said.

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Michaelia Cash said training and skills were at the core of the Government's response to the economic challenges faced by the COVID-19 recession.

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