Good package for young people

Thurs 13 May 2004

Good package for young people

“The government has announced a good package for young people”, said Darel Hall Executive Director of the Industry Training Federation.

The Associate Education (Tertiary Education) Minister Steve Maharey has today announced a package of measures under the youth transitions label.

“Many Industry Training Organisations work with young people, their families and schools to promote skilled careers within industries, and earning while they learn and having no student loan. Boosting careers planning to 75 schools and extending the Gateway programme are useful advances.

“The extra 500 Modern Apprenticeships are also welcome.

“Modern Apprenticeships is the part of the package that needs more work. We know this is an extremely successful programme for young people. It works; young people and their families want it. The government should take every opportunity to back its winning Modern Apprenticeship horse.

“There are now 6,580 Modern Apprentices and there will now be 8,000 by 2006. However, research shows that demand could have seen 10,000 Modern Apprentices by June this year had funding been available.

In his speech this morning the Minister acknowledged the demand for Modern Apprenticeships and the need for the government to better meet demand.

“The Modern Apprenticeship scheme is a low cost, low risk, high return option for Government because employers contribute the majority of the cost and the number of places are controlled by Government. There are no student loan costs, no student allowance payments, and people are getting into occupations that provide skilled careers that employers want,” Darel Hall said.

ENDS

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