Group Training Australia (GTA) in conjunction with Hunter Valley Training Company (HVTC) will host a visit from Senator Marise Payne, Thursday 23 February. GTA and HVTC will introduce Senator Payne to a number of HVTC apprentices as well as to meet with a host employer.

“GTA Ltd welcomes the Senator’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. Senator Payne will see these attributes in action when she visits Hunter Valley Training Company,” Jim Barron the CEO of GTA said.

“Group Training apprentices are extremely capable apprentices. We hope that by talking to our Nation’s leaders, government will gain a greater understanding of Group Training’s capabilities and the need for 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 Senator Payne’s visit and her 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 Senator Payne 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