1. SUPPORT NETWORKS for New Apprenticeships to Assist Completions The Project 1999-2000 Department of Education,Training and Youth Affairs

2. Is non-completion a concern? Yes, but some non-completion will always occur (move to a better job,some non-completion will always occur (move to a better job, illness, personal reasons); and illness, personal reasons); and partial completion may not be a negative outcome (skills gained lead to employment).partial completion may not be a negative outcome (skills gained lead to employment).

3. Research into non-completion In regard to non-completion: the longer a person stays in the traineeship, the better the employment outcomes.the longer a person stays in the traineeship, the better the employment outcomes.

4. Can support networks assist with completion? with completion?

5. Models for Support Networks An ANTA / DETYA Project 1999-2000 Aim? To develop and trial support networks for New Apprentices at risk of not completing. The models had to be innovative, practical and self- sustaining. They should have national applicability and be transferable. Aim? To develop and trial support networks for New Apprentices at risk of not completing. The models had to be innovative, practical and self- sustaining. They should have national applicability and be transferable. What is a Support Network? Strengthened communication networks that use existing infrastructure of intermediary organisations and use community and regional development activities where appropriate. What is a Support Network? Strengthened communication networks that use existing infrastructure of intermediary organisations and use community and regional development activities where appropriate.

6. The research phase involved a literature search (national and international), focus group research and case study work. Four models were developed: regional model regional model Indigenous community model Indigenous community model industry driven model industry driven model community driven model community driven model Stage One (May – Dec 1999): Development of models

7. The trialing phase involved 3 States: The trialing phase involved 3 States: regional model - Melbourne Vic regional model - Melbourne Vic Indigenous model -Torres Strait NT Indigenous model -Torres Strait NT industry driven model - Illawarra NSW industry driven model - Illawarra NSW community driven model - Bega NSW community driven model - Bega NSW Stage Two (Dec 1999–Sept 2000): Trialing of the 4 models

8. Process: Regular meetings, improved early warning monitoring systems, better information provision particularly in relation to the ‘VET agency’ roles. Outcomes: New Apprentices and employers know who to contact for assistance with problems; employers are more aware of obligations and duties; and agencies have an improved monitoring system to flag potential problems. Regional Support Model

9. Process: Regular meetings, appropriate support strategies, better information provision through radio broadcasts. Outcomes: The community is better able to provide support; employers have a better appreciation of what is required; New Apprentices, employers and involved community members are more aware and able to access programmes and agencies providing support. Remote Indigenous Community Support Model

10. Industry Driven Volunteer Mentor Support Model Process: Mentoring programme established, regular mentoring meetings with employers and New Apprentices, referral to outside agencies where required. Outcomes: Improved communication between al parties and improved linkage in the delivery of training services.

11. Process: Mentoring programme established, regular mentoring meetings with employers and New Apprentices, referral to outside agencies where required. Outcomes: Improved communication between all parties and improved linkage in the delivery of training services. Community Driven Volunteer Support Model

12. New Apprenticeships: Support Networks Information Kit Aug 2001 Based on outcomes from the project: 5 Guides to assist implementation Support Networks Guide Support Networks Guide Contacts for Support templates Contacts for Support templates Mentoring Guide Mentoring Guide Literacy, Literacy and Numeracy Guide Literacy, Literacy and Numeracy Guide Indigenous Guide Indigenous Guide plus promotional material plus promotional material

13. Further Information Contact:support.networks@detya.gov.au or or Rural Skills Australia at admin@ruralskills.com.au