Skills Organisation reminds apprentices to engage with ITOs

The Skills Organisation reminds apprentices to engage with ITOs

The Skills Organisation reminds apprentices and business owners throughout its 11 specialist trades of the benefits of working with an Industry Training Organisation (ITO).

A TV3 news item last night featured employment law specialist Max Whitehead warning of the potential for apprentice exploitation.

Whitehead suggested many small businesses were seeking to maximise profit in the wake of the global financial crisis – often at the expense of apprentice welfare.

The Skills Organisation represents 19 industries – including 11 that feature apprenticeships.

The Skills Organisation head of specialist trades Paul Hollings said Whitehead’s sentiments were a timely reminder that ITOs provided the most reliable path for completing an apprenticeship.

“Anyone involved with an apprenticeship, whether they are an employer or an apprentice, is served best by engaging with an ITO,” Hollings said.

“An ITO arranges training for an industry and its apprentices and takes care of everything the apprentice needs to succeed in on-the-job training.

“The Skills Organisation and other ITOs won’t accept a training agreement unless a current employment contract is produced.”

Hollings said as ITOs worked closely with industry, any potential problems could be quickly addressed and dealt with.

The Skills Organisation is an Industry Training Organisation representing 19 industries nationwide, including the 11 specialist trades listed below:
• Cranes
• Drainlaying
• Electrotechnology
• Industrial rope access
• Power operated elevating platforms
• Plumbing
• Rigging
• Roofing
• Scaffolding
• Telecommunications

ENDS

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