The Victorian Trades Hall Council congratulates the Victorian Government on announcing its response to the Apprenticeship Taskforce report, accepting all recommendations.
Campaigning by union members and activists at the Young Workers Centre over several years has highlighted apprenticeship issues, including low apprentice completion rates (52.3% in Victoria) and high rates of injury.
The taskforce’s 16 recommendations included establishing an independent regulator, introducing employer registration and standards, new monitoring and enforcement powers, and providing education to apprentices and employers.
Amanda Threlfall, Assistant Secretary Victorian Trades Hall Council, said “Every worker in Victoria deserves to be respected and valued at work, without exception.”
“But apprentices have been at the mercy of dodgy bosses for too long. We have heard far too many horror stories of abuse, neglect, disrespect and denial of basic rights.”
“Victorian apprentices can be proud that today we are one step closer to winning justice and safe workplaces for all apprentices.”
“Apprenticeships have needed greater scrutiny for a long time. We are hopeful that the Allen Government’s commitments today will result in strong regulations, better education for employers taking on apprentices, and cultural change”.
“We look forward to working with the government on the legislation to enact these changes and create safe workplaces for every apprentice”.