RSA to expand its Australian Apprenticeships Advisers Project

From early in the new year, Rural Skills Australia will expand the scope and reach of its agricultural and horticultural Australian Apprenticeships Project, funded under the Australian Government’s Australian Apprenticeships Advisers Program. 

Through this project RSA delivers a range of Apprenticeships Adviser services to school leavers and potential and existing agricultural and horticultural employers to help them make informed decisions when choosing Australian Apprenticeship pathways.

We identified the need for an additional Australian Apprenticeships Adviser in Western Australia, with the benefit of almost six months field experience with the rollout of these services together with an operational internal review.

The geographical size of Western Australia together with the dispersed nature of the state’s population and agricultural and horticultural industries had been making it difficult to effectively service the needs of the state with a single adviser. 

Departmental approval was sought and subsequently granted to allow for our project deliverables and scope to be extended to allow for another adviser. We anticipate that recruitment activities for the new position will commence early next year.

Australian Apprenticeships Adviser network

Rural Skills Australia has Australian Apprenticeships Advisers located around Australia, who will provide information to young people about careers in agriculture and horticulture. 

Their support will assist students to make informed decisions about their future and learn of the benefits and challenges of a particular career path in agriculture and horticulture.

The Australian Apprenticeships Advisers Program (Advisers Program) was announced in the 2011-12 Budget as part of the $101 million Australian Apprenticeships Mentoring package. The package forms part of the Australian Government’s initial response to the recommendations of the Apprenticeships for the 21st Century Expert Panel.

With funding of about $21 million over two years, it is expected that the Advisers Program will support around 140 Australian Apprenticeships Advisers and complementary resources.

In agriculture and horticulture, the initiative will develop, enhance and provide information via a variety of mediums including: web-based, face-to-face, phone, participation at expo's and try a trades. This will foster linkages with a range of key stakeholders such as career advisers and VET coordinators, to ultimately assist in growing participation in agriculture and horticulture Australian Apprenticeships.

Role of Apprenticeships Advisers

• Provide Australia-wide coverage to support school leavers and potential employers of agricultural and horticultural Australian Apprenticeships
• Customise high quality information and supporting resources for potential Australian Apprenticeships and employers looking for an apprentice
• Provide industry specific information about the agricultural and horticultural industries to help potential Australian Apprentices to make informed career choices
• Provide accurate, balanced and up-to-date industry specific information to potential apprentices, school leavers and agricultural and horticultural employers, through a variety of communication mediums, including the Internet, face-to-face, print, electronic, web streaming and web portal pathways
• Provide Australia-wide access through the 1800 free call hotline
• Arrange personalised follow-up support and assistance to schools, career advisers and VET coordinators
• Attend forums and career expos
• Arrange and manage a personal development day in partnership with schools, career advisers, agriculture teachers and VET coordinators in several states and regions
• Undertake visits with key school industry liaison officers