A new $5 million Marshall Liberal Government Apprenticeships Pilot Program aimed to combat skills shortages in trades including bricklaying, carpentry and painting is underway, with recruiters now appointed.
Following a competitive tender process, the successful recruiters include Career Employment Group, HIA Apprentices SA, Master Builders Association of SA, Murraylands Training and Employment SA and Statewide Group Training SA.
The organisations will recruit candidates for the program including social housing customers, women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the program will help reduce trade shortages by providing $5000 per year for each apprenticeship over four years – and a total of 250 people.
"The Marshall Liberal Government's new $5 million innovative Apprenticeship Pilot Program will create opportunities for a diverse group of South Australians to achieve employment and economic independence as well as address housing skills shortages across the state," said Minister Lensink.
"Our new pilot program will boost the supply of apprentices to support the construction sector and meet the increasing demand for these skills, as well as inspire and support South Australians achieve greater economic independence."
Apprentices will work on building sites, including on government projects.
Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni said the new pilot program built on the exceptional outcomes already achieved through the Marshall Government's $200 million Skilling South Australia program.
"The Marshall Government is creating nation leading opportunities for South Australians to be paid to learn whilst carving out a new career," said Minister Pisoni.
The Apprenticeships Pilot Program coincides with the Marshall Liberal Government's new $400 million commitment to deliver 1000 new affordable homes by 2025, supporting vital jobs in the construction and building industry and helping more South Australians into homeownership.
Building for the 1000 new affordable homes is now underway.
