The job matching service is scheduled to go live in two weeks’ time, and will run off a new website recently launched as part of the program.
It aims to encourage employers to post suitable jobs in the hope of enticing motivated potential apprentices. Ian Walz, national program manager, Printing Industries says, “The website is part of a strategy that involves social media, plant visits and career and trade expos across the country.”
Walz says, “We are travelling as far wide as we can, spreading the good news about an industry that is evolving into an exciting new era, and promoting the benefits of engaging in an exciting career through an apprenticeship.”
He says, “Employers are catered for too, and can get information on apprenticeships and the various incentives offered as well as registering their interest in hiring an apprentice.”
Since the Apprenticeship Advisor and Mentoring program started operating in August, mentors from the Printing Industries have represented the industry at apprenticeship, skills and career expos, and the recent PrintCom exhibition at Sydney’s Darling Harbour.
Walz says, “The program is being run in every mainland state and has proven to be very fruitful in identifying the ‘young and not so young’ candidates who wish to have an apprenticeship. The job matching service will take this a step further by bringing together potential employers and apprentices.”
Funding of some $1.4m has been provided to the project by the Australian government’s department of industry, innovation, science, research and tertiary education as part of the government’s commitment to increasing the skill levels of and opportunities for the Australian workforce.
The Printing Industries mentoring program is expected to provide mentoring and support to approximately 500 apprentices in their first year of training and an additional 500 existing apprentices identified as needing support to complete their apprenticeships.
“Please contact us either through our website www.printingcareers.com.au or email mentoring@printnet.com.au.” Walz concludes.
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