NSW scraps Tafe fees

The Printing Industries Association of Australia (PIAA) is throwing its support behind the NSW government decision to scrap Tafe fees for up to 100,000 apprentices, including those in print training.

The state budget is giving $285m to the scheme, promising to take on the upfront costs for apprentices. The move will save students up to $2000 per course from July 1, which the PIAA says will result in more apprentices enrolling in print qualifications.

Paul Mitchell, industrial relations manager with the PIAA says, “The Berejiklian Government has responded to the concerns of the printing industry as well as other industries. This is a terrific announcement for industry.

“The apprenticeship issue in the printing industry is mainly supply side issue as we raised with Government. We have dozens of businesses wanting to take young people on and give them a start, but very few wanting to start and even fewer who want to stay.”

 “It is going to be significant for print apprentices, but there is still work to be done to get young people to choose apprenticeships over university and other work. However, it is still a massive step.

[Related: PIAA targets government on training]

“There are still upfront costs in other states and we will still be working on encouraging those governments to follow suit.

“This process ends a year of lobbying with the NSW government. A lot of members have communicated that young people are looking at university or working rather than taking on apprenticeships.”

Andrew Macaulay, CEO of the PIAA says, “The wheels of the government turn slowly. But our members and the Industry should be proud of its Association and the work we have done to win this policy outcome.

“Paul Mitchell has been instrumental in seeing this change through, he has opened doors where others could not get in.

“This decision endorses and demonstrates the value that industry gets from being members of their Industry Association. A stronger printing association means stronger outcomes for the printing industry.”

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