Western Australia recently replaced its Industrial Training Act in a bid to create a modern system to better address employer needs, flexible learning, skills shortages, and apprentices' rights.

The training laws have now experienced the biggest changes in more than 30 years, with a new Bill introduced into WA's Parliament on the 15th of May.

Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan introduced 'sweeping' changes to update the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996 and replace the Industrial Training Act 1975 to create a single, modern system for apprenticeships and traineeships.

Mr McGowan said the new legislation would significantly improve current laws and pave the way for a more flexible training system which was better able to address skill shortages.

“WA has experienced unprecedented growth and change in industry and the economy combined with major training system reforms,” he said.

“It is vital that our State has modern legislation to keep pace with these developments and provide an effective framework for the future.”

The State’s 36,278 apprentices and trainees would also receive better protection under the new legislation.

“For example, the new legislation means that for the first time, all people in employment-based training at the Certificate III level or higher - including trainees and apprentices - will be protected from unfair termination of a training contract,” the Minister said.

“This change is expected to have a significant impact on the retention of trainees and ultimately improve the flow of skilled workers into industry.”

Mr McGowan said the legislation would cut red tape, with the introduction of a single training contract to replace the previous system of multiple contracts.

“The system will also be streamlined with a quicker process and more input from industry and unions to create or vary apprenticeships and traineeships,” he said.

“This will be more responsive to the needs of modern businesses.”