The Nationals candidate for Ripon Scott Turner and Senator Bridget McKenzie have met with larger regional manufacturer AME systems to discuss the importance of skills training and commitment to workplace training.
Mr Turner said that Senator McKenzie, who is Chair of the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee, shared his commitment to expanding business and job growth opportunities.
“Senator McKenzie has a great knowledge of the value skills training can bring to increase productivity and business capacity and I am very pleased she has been able to visit Ararat today’, said Mr Turner.
Senator McKenzie said AME was a great example of a business that understands the value skills training and work place education can bring to business growth.
“Here is a business that has grown from humble beginning in 1977 to an employer of over 200 people today”, said Senator McKenzie.
“ I applaud Peter Carthew and the team at AME for their commitment to workforce development and their work with Federation University to facilitate training that keeps them competitive in the market place,” Senator McKenzie said.
Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie and Nationals candidate for Ripon, Scott Turner, highlighted new apprenticeship opportunities that will benefit the Ripon electorate, during a visit to local industry today.
Senator McKenzie, said the visit coincided with the Abbott-Truss Government’s announcement this week of three programs aimed at training apprentices with the skills and knowledge needed by regional businesses.
It includes a new Australian Apprenticeship Support Network where apprentices will be assisted to find an employer, receive mentoring, and access career advice and support.
The Training for Employment Scholarship program aimed at assisting employers in regional areas with high youth unemployment to provide job specific training for new employees.
The Youth Employment Pathways program will assist young people in regional areas to identify and start on the path to their chosen career.
“The Abbott-Truss Government is responding to calls from employers, industry and apprentices to improve the system that meets their specific needs and remove the administrative burden which is consuming too much of their valuable time,” Senator McKenzie said.
She added the $20,000 in Trade Support Loans that have already been introduced by the federal government is another initiative that will help recruit more skilled apprentices in regional areas like western Victoria.
Mr Turner welcomed these initiatives which he says complement his commitment to improving job opportunities for youth and increasing job growth and security in the electorate.
“The need for more skilled workers and targeted training for apprentices is regularly raised with me in my travels around the electorate,” he said.
“The Victorian Coalition government will also invest almost $5 billion in training over the next four years in areas of demand by industry and employers. This is training for real jobs with a long term future.
“I am confident the combined effort by the federal and state Coalition governments will make a real difference in helping to meet the skills and knowledge needs of regional industry and businesses while providing great apprenticeship opportunities for young regional Victorians,” he said.
Further information on the above mentioned jobs training programs can be found at http://www.minister.industry.gov.au/
Pic caption: Senator McKenzie and Nationals Candidate for Ripon, Scott Turner, discuss AME System’s success and skilled training with the company’s Dean Pinniger.