Apprentices to help skill shortage

With skills shortages having a major impact on local businesses, the Illawarra Business Chamber’s Industry Apprenticeship Project is encouraging employers to take on apprentices.

Dina and Tony Marentis of Oak Flats signed up Morgan Daniels last week to a four-year mechanical apprenticeship at their automotive business, Workshop on Wheels.

Morgan undertook a pre-apprenticeship course at TAFE and was then supported by the Illawarra Business Chamber, who promoted the course graduates to local employers, whilst also working closely with TAFE, job network providers, group training companies and apprenticeship centres.

“Initally Morgan did work experience with us for ten weeks during his TAFE studies,” Ms Marentis said.

“We were very impressed with him and we spoke with the Illawarra Business Chamber to express our interest in taking him on board.

“The ten weeks work experience was a great opportunity to see if Morgan fitted in with our team and to see if he was suited to the job and was happy working with us.

“After such a good experience with Morgan, we have expressed interest in taking on another apprentice in the coming year.”

Illawarra Business Chamber CEO, Mark Grimson said the project offered a one-stop-shop.

The project has successfully placed more than 300 young people.

Employers wishing to find out more about the Industry Apprenticeship Project should contact Skye Verdun at the IBC on 4229 4722 or 0448 097 788.