ASU welcomes move on LG apprenticeships
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- Created on Wednesday, 11 July 2012 11:13
The Australian Services Union has welcomed a recent decision by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), passing a decision to encourage councils to employ at least one extra apprentice or young person into their organisations.
At the recent MAV State Council, a resolution was passed seeking the support of all Victorian councils to employ one apprentice, or young person, in a bid to redress the employment crisis in the state.
ASU Branch Secretary Brian Parkinson said the recent announcement is a step in the right direction, but needs to be looked at as the start of progressive improvement regarding opportunities for apprentices.
“We welcome the MAV’s move to encourage councils to employ at least one apprentice or young person, however this can only be a start that must be greatly expanded on in the future. Like many other sectors in the economy, local government is experiencing a skills shortage. The areas where skills are in great demand are across the local government spectrum, from indoor and white collar workers to blue collar outdoor workers.”
“One of the best ways to overcome the skills crisis is for a rapid increase in the amount of apprenticeships provided by local councils. This will give young people the opportunity to get their foot in the door of employment which is extremely important, particularly in rural areas where jobs and apprenticeships are limited.”
“Hopefully, many more apprentice places will be offered in the not too distant future. The ASU calls on councils to commit to the future of local government by guaranteeing a minimum number of new apprenticeships on an annual basis and to have this enshrined in their enterprise agreements. Only through such concrete measures can councils demonstrate their true commitment to the future of the sector, enhance the employment prospects of their communities and promote themselves as employers of choice,” said Parkinson.
For more information, contact ASU Branch Secretary Brian Parkinson
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