Released 08/05/2017
Minister for Higher Education, Training and Research Meegan Fitzharris today announced that the upcoming ACT Government Budget will provide $1 million over the next 4 years to assist in the development of initiatives to boost the number of females working in trades and assist mature age workers to up-skill and re-skill to find new employment opportunities.
The initiative was an ACT Labor election commitment designed to keep more Canberrans in jobs, provide upskilling opportunities and boost our economic productivity. Opening up these training opportunities can really make the difference in people’s lives, helping them break into the job market and participate in our city.
“This funding aims to address barriers experienced by women seeking to enter trades that are traditionally male dominated,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“The proportion of women who commenced a traditional trade apprenticeship in 2015 was 3%. Promoting female participation in traditionally male dominated trades will improve workplace equity and strengthen different industries through greater female representation.”
“The ACT Government is also committed to creating more options for Canberrans at different stages of life to gain the skills they need to enhance their job opportunities or to seek a new career. This could mean re-entering the workforce after raising children, or up skill to a managerial role following a physically demanding career.”
“Mature aged workers have a lot to contribute to our community – and we want to ensure that anyone who wants to continue working can do so with the right skills.”
“The 2017/18 ACT Budget will see the Government delivering on the commitments we took to the 2016 election across a range of areas that matter most to Canberrans. We will be investing in better health services, better education for our children and better services for our suburbs, while making the right investments to renew our city and maintain a strong local economy.”
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases