Media Release

04/2008
4 February 2008

Australian Government Announces ICT Apprenticeship Programme

The Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner today announced a $15 million Information and Communications Technology (ICT) apprenticeship programme - which will deliver up to 60 jobs for young people within Government agencies.

Mr Tanner said the 4-year Australian Public Service (APS) program which is being co-ordinated by the Department of Finance and Deregulation will help address current and projected skills shortfalls.

“This programme directly addresses the ICT skills shortage in the APS and provides real career opportunities in the technology sector,” Mr Tanner said.

“It is all about investing in skills and investing in young Australians.

“The initiative also highlights the benefits of agencies working together to provide opportunities, produce efficiencies and develop important workforce skills.”

Work placements and the academic component of the program will begin in February 2008. During their training, apprentices will receive important ‘on-the-job’ experience with an APS agency and graduate with a nationally-recognised qualification - providing them with the essential foundations to pursue an ICT career in the APS.

Today’s initiative follows a range of practical programs that will be delivered by the Rudd Government to address Australia’s skills shortages, including:

$2.5 billion Trades Training Centres in Schools Plan - which will see new trade centres built in Australia’s 2650 secondary schools;
$84 million on-the-job Training Plan - to ensure students involved in trades training received one day a week of on-the-job training for 20 weeks a year;
Invest $1 billion over four years to turn every secondary school in Australia into a digital school. As part of our National Secondary School Computer Fund will every Australian student in years 9-12 to have access to their own school computer; and
Establishing Skills Australia.

Excelior Pty Ltd which is part of the SKILLED Group has been selected to deliver and administer the initiative. As a national provider of Australian apprenticeships, Excelior will work in partnership with the Canberra Institute of Technology, who will provide the academic component.

Media Contacts:	Website:
Minister Tanner - George Wright - 0419 556 616	www.financeminister.gov.au