The first Australian Apprenticeships Roundtable meeting for 2008 was held in Canberra from 2 to 4 June. Following a nomination process, 31 Australian Apprentices were selected to reflect a broad set of experiences, including trade and non-trade apprentices/trainees, apprentices and trainees from large, medium and small enterprises; school-age, post-school, mid-career and mature-age apprentices and trainees and those from across urban and rural areas of Australia.

 

At the June meeting members met to identify key issues of concern to Australian Apprentices. These issues were prioritised, a work plan was developed and working groups established to investigate, research and report on the findings.

 

Meeting members also participated in professional development activities to gain skills in networking, communication, presentation and leadership so that they can more effectively influence change, negotiate outcomes and represent their peers in decision-making forums and publicly.

 

A follow up meeting is scheduled for 15 September 2008 in Adelaide with a final forum for 2008 to be held on 19 and 20 November in Darwin where Roundtable members will have the opportunity to present key findings to government and the vocational education and training sector.

Members of the five working groups of the Roundtable have developed issues based surveys to gather information to formulate findings to present to the Australian Government on apprenticeships and traineeships in Australia today. This is an opportunity for you to have your say on Australian Apprenticeships. 

To participate in the survey, visit the Australian Apprenticeships website, choose one of the three categories, and return your completed surveys to: email - AAroundtable@deewr.gov.au or facsimile - 02 6123 5343.