Another Tall Poppy Criticised

August 20 2002 - Statement by Peter Hendy, Chief Executive, ACCI.

The article in today's Australian Financial Review "Business failing the skills test" is another example of a success story being unnecessarily sullied in the media.

Australia's national training system is thriving. With more than 330,000 New Apprentices currently in training, industry has well and truly given its stamp of approval. There is, however, more work to be done. ACCI and member organisations have committed significant resources, along with those of government, to continuously improve and reform the national training system to ensure that it continues to meet the current and future needs of employers and employees. ACCI member organisations include those in manufacturing, services, retail and hospitality.

Commonwealth and industry leadership on this matter is essential to ensure that employer confidence in the system is sustained.

Today's article has perpetuated a number of myths regarding New Apprenticeships. The facts are that:

* Traditional trades still represent around 40% of New Apprenticeships and as at end of March 2002, still have higher actual numbers than in 1995.

* Since their introduction, New Apprenticeships have now broadened their occupational base to cover most of the occupations in the economy and better reflect many of the large employing sectors including retail, hospitality and business services.

* The vast majority of participants understanding a New Apprenticeship are doing so at higher Skill levels.

* Non completion of New Apprenticeships is at a level similar to workplace mobility in general.

* The provision of Commonwealth Incentives have an important part to play in encouraging employers to participate in New Apprenticeships although ACCI has proposed some changes to the scheme in the current review being undertaken by Minister Nelson.

It is unfortunate that despite New Apprenticeships being an important opport-unity for many younger and older Australians into employment with appropriate skills development, many unfounded criticisms are still being publicised. Opportunities for employment across the economy should not be denigrated and labelled as either "good" or "bad" jobs.

ACCI and members will continue to be actively involved in improving New Apprenticeships but let's not mistake continuing improvement with claims of a flawed program.

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