Australian Apprenticeship Support Services
On 23 April 2024, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) released the outcomes of the Request for Tender (RFT) for Australian Apprenticeship Support Services (AASS) 2024-26.
Mas have been selected by the Australian Government to deliver the new suite of support services effective from 1 July 2024.
What is the Australian Apprenticeship Support Services?
The Australian Government’s new model for Australian Apprenticeship Support Services will deliver strengthened support for apprentices who are at the highest risk of non-completion. This will deliver on the Government’s Jobs and Skills Summit commitments to explore options to improve Apprenticeship support services and drive-up completions.
Informed by two rounds of consultations, these services will increase the variety and capacity of organisations providing Apprenticeship support services and will also:
- Place the apprentice at the centre of service provision through an enhanced assessment at the beginning of the apprenticeship to help set up apprentices for success.
- Strengthen mentoring support services for apprentices and employers.
- Provide greater support for Key Client Groups (Women in Male Dominated Trades, First Nations Australian Apprentices, Australian Apprentices with disability and Australian Apprentices located in remote Australia) while continuing to support all apprentices and their employers.
- Introduce specialised service providers for First Nations Australian Apprentices, women in male-dominated trades and clean energy apprentices.
- Utilise improved technology to increase and better target communications and streamline program administration.
Mas will work in collaboration with organisations across five states and territories including; New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania to provide employment and business support as an Australian Apprenticeship Support Services provider.
What is an Australian Apprenticeship Support Services provider?
As one of the nine Australian Apprenticeship Support Services providers, Mas will continue to help apprentices, trainees and employees to better navigate the trainee and apprentice system in Australia. This includes being the first point of contact to provide information, support and advice to apprentices, trainees and employers throughout the process.
What will happen to my current Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) service?
Most existing apprentices will remain with their current provider. In the lead up to 1 July 2024, the department will contact all apprentices and employers who need to be transferred to advise them of their new service delivery provider. Their new provider will also contact them soon after 1 July 2024 to ensure ongoing service provision.
Who do I contact if I have any questions?
Until 1 July 2024, for any Apprenticeship related matters, Australian Apprentices and their employers should continue to contact their current Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.
Australian Apprentices and their employers who have any questions relating to the transition to new service arrangements on 1 July 2024 can also contact the department at [email protected].
Read more information about the Australian Apprenticeship Support Services on the Australian Apprenticeships website.