Federal Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Andrew Giles was doubly impressed when he met with apprentice twins Najara and Harrisen Peters in Batemans Bay on Friday.
The first-year motor mechanic apprentices are being trained under the watchful eye of their father Mark, the owner and Director of Batemans Bay Automotive Repairs who boasts more than 20 years’ experience in the trade.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips joined Minister Giles for the meet and greet where they spoke about various Australian Government support mechanisms put into place to help build a skilled workforce that meets industry demands.
“As the Skills and Training Minister, I’m interested in getting out and meeting with employers and apprentices alike, and I am really pleased to have the chance to do that here today at Bateman’s Automotive Repairs,” Minister Giles said.
“I understand that Bateman’s Automotive Repairs is a family business, and I commend them for employing and upskilling apprentices since 2015.”
Mrs Phillips said the visit highlighted the importance of apprentices in building the skills and talent in the Australian workforce to meet current and future skills gaps and realise economic opportunities.
“It’s so important to ensure we have a strong apprenticeship system that encourages apprentices to get skilled and work ready, while also supporting employers to help offset the training costs associated with engaging an apprentice.”
Mrs Phillips said it was great see the family-owned business employing women in male-dominated trades.
“Najara is working in a priority cohort – Women in male dominated trade – and will have improved access to flexible, safe and inclusive training and work opportunities,” Mrs Phillips said.
“Mechanics has had a historically low rates of female participation, so apprentices are provided with increased comprehensive wraparound support through their Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider, which includes personalised advice, pastoral care, career and industry mentoring and access to professional networks.
“Additionally, $55.6 million was announced in the 2024-25 Budget for the Building Women’s Careers program, to expand support for women training in clean energy and other key industries.
The siblings travel to Nowra TAFE once a week and work in a workshop equipped with up-to-date scanning, diagnostic and programming tools for all modern vehicles.
Since 2015, the business has employed five apprentices.
Employers that engage an Australian Apprentice in a priority occupation from 1 July 2024 may now be eligible to claim up to $5,000 to help subsidise costs associated with employing an apprentice.
Apprentices undertaking training in priority areas will be eligible for an additional $2,000 ($5,000 in total) to assist with cost-of-living pressures and incentivise them to finish their training.
Enrolments in Fee-Free TAFE have been strong across priority sectors. Over half a million people have enrolled in courses of high skills demand since 1 January last year.
Fee-Free TAFE is especially critical to women who make up the majority (approximately 63 per cent) of enrolments.
“In a male-dominated sector, it is vital that we support women’s ambitions,” Mrs Phillips added.
Photo: Federal Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Andrew Giles and Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips with staff and apprentices Najara and Harrisen Peters at Batemans Bay Automotive Repairs.
Media Contact: Katrina Condie 0437 662 967
