News and Media
30 June 2009
DHA show support for the Group Training industry
Defence Housing Australia's (DHA) Apprenticeship Support Scheme (DASS) has gone above and beyond simply providing support for apprentices; the scheme has also provided substantial backing to the group training industry, particularly in Queensland.
The apprenticeship scheme is operated locally on DHA's behalf by a number of existing group apprenticeship schemes throughout Australia. TORGAS is one such group, which places apprentices throughout areas of Queensland.
'Having the support from larger companies like DHA really drives our business forward,' said TORGAS CEO, George Peever. 'We are proud to work with DHA which is a larger government business.'
TORGAS is run as a not-for-profit organisation, and so far, TORGAS have had great success placing apprentices and trainees in workplaces across Queensland.
DHA's apprentices, employed as part of the scheme in Townsville, have acknowledged the hard work that TORGAS has done for them in order to make their apprenticeship as smooth and easy as possible.
'I've been lucky enough to get work through the help of DHA's apprenticeship scheme and TORGAS,' said Jacob Hill, a second year Electrical apprentice, working in Townsville.
'My field officer form TORGAS has been very good,' said Jacob. 'He makes regular visits on site to make sure I'm still happy and learning the right skills and if I have any problems throughout my apprenticeship I know I can easily contact him.'
Through the help of TORGAS, DHA's Apprenticeship Support Scheme in Townsville has been made a great success. For the six apprentices employed in Townsville under the scheme, TORGAS has enabled them to work with reputable builders and tradesman in order to develop their skills.
Field officer at TORGAS, Brad Smithson, takes pleasure in working for a company that is providing opportunities to the industry's future employees.
'I've really enjoyed the challenge of placing young apprentices in their career choice,' said Mr Smithson. 'Knowing that you've given a kid the chance to chase after their dream career is very satisfying.'
DHA have provided support like this to group training schemes across the country. And although not all are not-for-profit, like TORGAS, these organisations are placing good, young apprentices out there in the field. What is then making them successful is doing the behind the scenes negotiations and paper work taking the pressure of this business aspect off the shoulders of young apprentices.
The DHA apprenticeship scheme was devised to support the Australian Government's employment creation objectives, and it has undoubtedly helped in keeping employment especially in regional areas.
