IntoWork Group determined to help bridge skills gap

The ongoing apprentice shortage is a significant challenge for businesses across Australia, particularly in filling vital positions crucial for the future of industries.

IntoWork Group, with its businesses AGA, HTN, Kestrel, MRAEL, NextGen Skills, Skill Hire and Work & Training, is proud to support the Australian Government’s recently announced GTO Reimbursement Program.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions recently released figures showing a shortfall of between 20,000 and 25,000 apprentices in training, which is hindering growth and innovation in many trade sectors. The GTO Reimbursement Program is a crucial step towards bridging this gap and ensuring a robust and sustainable workforce for the future.

In response, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has launched this initiative, designed to empower small and medium businesses with the financial and administrative support they need to hire apprentices.

IntoWork Group businesses have a proven track record of delivering government-funded programs to bolster employment opportunities in trade-based roles. With a broad network of employer, community and government stakeholders, these businesses offer entry-level pathways, such as pre-employment and apprenticeship programs, that give individuals a taste of what a career in a trade can look like, along with viable options for employment with local employers.

This is evidenced by the high retention rate and satisfaction among apprentices and employers, with more than 1,000 apprentices completing their apprenticeships within the IntoWork Group in the past financial year.

Client Success Stories:

• OTG Hydraulic Design Founder Russell Green: Russell Green trained as an apprentice through NextGen Skills (formerly known as MPA Skills) and recently partnered with IntoWork Group’s NextGen Skills for his own business. He said one of the benefits of going through an Apprentice and Employment Service (AES) such as NextGen Skills is the broader knowledge and experience it provides.

“Using an apprentice through NextGen means you get a more well-rounded apprentice who has a broader knowledge of their chosen trade,” Russell explained. “Rather than using an apprentice who has only worked with one business and has niched themselves, as they only have limited experience.”

“NextGen Skills provided the platform to challenge myself and become the best tradesman I could be. The advice that stuck with me was, ‘You’ve got four years to do your trade. You can either come out as a very average plumber or you can knuckle down and be the best plumber you can be. This is going to put food on your plate for the rest of your life, if that’s what you want.'”

• Hunter St Hospitality: The restaurant group partnered with HTN to gain access to a high-quality apprenticeship program that offers hands-on training and bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience for its apprentices.

“HTN’s program ensures that apprentices are well-prepared with the necessary skills and knowledge, bringing high-calibre candidates into the workforce. Apprentices are well supported, creating a sustainable talent pipeline for future culinary roles,” Pacific Hunter Chief People Officer Edwina Mirams said.

IntoWork Group CEO Poul Bottern said the apprentice shortage is a pressing issue that affects the entire trades industry. “We are excited to support the Australian Government’s GTO Reimbursement Program, which not only helps businesses but also ensures that the next generation of skilled workers is well-prepared for the future,” Mr. Bottern said.

“Our Apprenticeship and Employment Services (AES), formerly known as GTOs, are committed to making the process as smooth and hassle-free as possible, so businesses can focus on growing and thriving.”

Key Highlights of the GTO Reimbursement Program

• Financial Support: Eligible businesses with 199 staff or fewer can receive up to $5,000 towards the cost of hiring an apprentice. This funding is specifically aimed at businesses that have not hired an apprentice in the past two years.
• Simplified Administration: Our Apprenticeship and Employment Services (AES) take care of all the administrative tasks, including wages, superannuation, workers’ compensation, and leave entitlements. This allows business owners to focus on their core operations and growth.
• Skilled Workforce: By investing in apprentices, businesses can build a pipeline of skilled workers, ensuring a sustainable and competitive future.
• Community Impact: Participating in the program not only benefits individual businesses but also contributes to the local economy by fostering the growth of skilled labour.

How to Apply

To apply for the GTO Reimbursement Program, please contact one of our trusted AES:

• AGA (Victoria)
• HTN (New South Wales, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory)
• Kestrel (Albury Wodonga, Wagga Wagga, Benalla, Wangaratta, Northeast Victoria, Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley)
• MRAEL (Queensland)
• NextGen Skills (Western Australia)
• Skill Hire (Western Australia)
• Work & Training (Tasmania)

Our dedicated team will guide you through the application process and ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria.

For more information or to apply, visit our websites or contact us directly.