Group Training Australia (GTA) in conjunction with On-Q Human Resources Limited and Ballinas’ Sirocco Café and Gallery will host a visit from the Honourable Ian Causley MP, Thursday 9 March. GTA and On-Q will introduce Ian Causley to an outstanding 2nd year (Certificate III in Hospitality, Commercial Cookery) apprentice chef, Ms Melissa Hobbs.

Ms Hobbs’ host employer, Sirocco Café and Gallery has earned a reputation for specialising in modern Australian cuisine. The owner of Sirocco Café and Gallery, Stephen Gassner says “Melissa’s apprenticeship is working out exceptionally well and she is a real team player. She produces exceptional dishes – she’s got a great future ahead of her”.

“GTA Ltd welcomes Mr Causley’s visit. We are keen to highlight the many positive aspects of the Group Training Network. The Network is known for its diversity and delivery of innovative and responsive training and employment strategies in the community. Ian will see these attributes in action when he visits the Sirocco Café and Gallery,” Jim Barron the CEO of GTA said.

“Melissa Hobbs is an extremely capable apprentice. The GTA network is filled with similar success stories. We hope that by talking to our nation’s leaders, more success stories will emerge as a result of greater government understanding of and further investment in apprenticeships,” Mr Barron said.

“2006 is an important year for the Group Training Network. We are looking forward to working with government, business and schools to address Australia’s response to the current national skills shortage. I am encouraged by Ian Causley’s visit and his commitment in the area of vocational
training,” Mr Barron said.

GTAs latest research paper, Getting it Right: what employers and apprentices have to say about apprenticeships, in conjunction with Dusseldorp Skills Forum and Australian Industry Group, highlights the need for government to continue to invest in skilling Australia’s workforce.

“Particular points group training representatives will be highlighting to Mr Causley include: the need to invest further in training infrastructure, the need to back our young people’s abilities, the need to bolster group training arrangements, and additional funding for high skill apprenticeships,” Mr Barron said.

For further information regarding the Getting it Right policy document, please visit:
http://www.grouptraining.com.au/about_gtraining/national_projects/nat_skills_shortages/getting_it_right.html

ENDS