Print bodies vie for funding

The SA Government has added $203m to boost apprenticeship numbers, with the PIAA and AMWU now making applications to ensure money is allocated to return print training to the state.

 

The money comes from both the state and national coffers, with the $100m Skilling South Australia investment matched by the Federal Government with $103m.

 

Lorraine Cassin, Print Secretary, AMWU, explains, “We are seeking to get some of the funding and put it towards print apprentices. The money has just been announced, and the guidelines are out for applications to be made. We want to use the SA Tafe, which may have to do a blended model based on what is available, which may mirror what Holmesglen is doing in Victoria. We will be trying to support the SA Tafe and include them in the process. But they have been decimated, so we will use what they have got.

 

“We are hoping to work with them to support them to provide the training for South Australia. It will make things a lot easier for employers in SA to access apprenticeships, apprentices, and training. There is a real need for it, and there is a vibrant printing industry there we would like to see remain.

 

“It is a collaborative approach between us and PIAA to support the industry for the future.”

 

Walter Kuhn, president, PIAA, says, “We are pleased that South Australia has taken the lead in progressing the SAF. With action on declining apprenticeship numbers long overdue, we now urgently need the other State and Territory Governments to finalise their arrangements with the Commonwealth.

 

“Business supports the collaborative and inclusive approach adopted by the SA government in supporting apprenticeships. The process outlined in the announcement today allows business to come forward with project proposals which have the most likely chance of success in creating jobs and developing skills.

 

“Business is ready to work with State and Territory Governments to put forward projects under the SAF, and discussions have already progressed on a range of innovative approaches.

 

“We have urged all jurisdictions to consider key principles in the design of their program, including the recognition that each jurisdiction will have priorities, and that the process should not exclude industries and occupations, as each project to grow apprenticeship opportunities should stand on its merit.

 

“We support the South Australian proposal as it embraces this.”

 

Andrew Macaulay, CEO, PIAA, says, “Printing Industries started this discussion with the previous state Labor government, and have actively been engaged with the new Liberal government since it was elected. It was imperative in the final stages of those discussions that we involved real printers as the discussion moved from policy to practical.

 

“Rob Hansen, Walter Kuhn, and Sarah Leo all played important roles in bringing credibility to our argument with the Australian Government. It is a great example of what printers working together can do.”

 

Rob Hansen, owner, Hansen Print, has been unsuccessfully attempting to sign up 18 y/o apprentice, Nick Lacey, to an educational provider in South Australia since the start of the year.

 

He says, “At this stage I am in limbo land. I am being courteous and waiting. The PIAA has been working hard to get this together.”

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