Two Brimbank automotive businesses have been banned from hiring apprentices.
An investigation by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) into 115 employers, to determine whether apprentices were being properly supervised and trained, led to six training contracts in Albion and Sunshine North being cancelled or voluntarily revoked.
The VRQA uncovered poor supervision, inappropriate work tasks or facilities, limited evidence of training and apprentices not being released or paid to attend formal training.
“The VRQA took action to ensure apprentices received the training they need to do their jobs and protect public safety,” a VRQA spokesman said.
Brimbank has 1186 apprentices at its workplaces.
The state government recently announced a review of Victoria’s vocational education and training system.
Training and Skills Minister Steve Herbert said building the skills and knowledge to conduct mechanical work was about public safety.
“The Andrews government will not tolerate inadequate supervision and training of apprentices. Employers need to do the right thing.
“Unlike the previous government, which failed to crack down on low-quality training, the Labor government will restore faith in the quality of our training system by introducing more rigorous quality control,” he said.
VRQA will conduct campaigns this year targeting specific qualifications and jobs and looking for inadequate supervision, duties that don’t match the qualification and employers who don’t release apprentices to attend training or pay them to attend.
The apprentices at the two Brimbank businesses have been enrolled with a common training provider. Australian apprenticeship centres are supporting those wanting to continue their apprenticeship with other training providers.
The national secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union vehicle division, Dave Smith, said it was “no coincidence” the disqualified employers had apprentices enrolled with a common training provider.
“While most employers and training providers complied with their obligations, some operated purely to exploit young workers for their own gain,” Mr Smith said.
“The announcement that the VRQA will conduct regulatory campaigns targeting specific occupations and qualifications is an initiative that will place dodgy employers on notice that this government won’t tolerate their behaviour.”
For details call the VRQA on 1300 722 603.
