Three times as many apprentices are now training under Australia’s new competency-based Future Print model as a month ago, Printing Industries says.
General manager for innovation, training and employment Joan Grace says a dozen apprentices were had commenced training with the programme’s associated RTOs at the start of February: “By month’s end, this had grown to 44, with more coming in each day,” she says. “In fact, we’re anticipating that the numbers will almost double again by the end of this month.”
A new website at www.FuturePrint.org.au is proving a popular way for both businesses and potential employees to connect with the programme. Behind the scenes, “significant progress” has also been made on structural elements which Grace says will provide the important basis.
“With Printing Industries, the AMWU, a range of RTOs, more than 60 businesses and, of course, a growing number of apprentices involved in the programme, it’s very important for us to make sure that the structure and information is in place so that everyone can get the most out of their involvement.
“Over the past month, we’ve held a series of meetings with RTOs, our expert panel and steering committee, and have locked down much of the information for the Future Print Stakeholder Guide and the Recognition of Prior Learning Guide, and drafted the Industry Progression Benchmarking Guide.
“There’s still plenty of work to do as we continue to finalise these documents and work closely with RTOs, employers and apprentices, but we’re delighted with the response we’ve had from existing and potential employees,” she says.