PwC to design and pilot higher apprenticeships for professional and business sectors
6 September
Under a new initiative supported by the Australian Government, PwC will work with a wide range of iconic Australian employers to design and pilot a higher level apprenticeship programme that will create vocational pathways into professional, business, IT and financial services.
The announcement was made today by Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Karen Andrews MP who announced the initiative under the Government’s Apprenticeship Training - alternative delivery pilots.
PwC will deliver its Higher Level Apprenticeship and Traineeship Pilot which will see it collaborate with some of Australia’s largest employers to establish higher apprenticeships programs in which participants will have the opportunity to complete a diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree.
PwC National Skills Leader Sara Caplan said apprenticeships have traditionally been associated with trade occupations but there is a key opportunity to develop apprenticeship programs in non-traditional sectors and to create high quality vocational pathways for people wanting to move into a fulfilling career in a range of professional and business services sectors.
"We have seen a recent decline in the number of apprenticeships and traineeships and this program will help reinvigorate the apprenticeship agenda in Australia,” Ms Caplan said.
“There is a need to create greater choice for those who would prefer to go straight to work after school instead of going to university and we will work with a wide range of employers to help them establish apprenticeship programs that specifically suit their needs and which develop a work-based, nationally recognised route to higher level qualifications.
“Higher Apprenticeships can become a sought-after recruitment and training option for non-traditional sectors such as financial services, ICT and retail sectors and will not only help to revive the brand of apprenticeships, but enable employers recruit talent from a larger pool, increase workforce productivity and contribute to social mobility.
“We are delighted to work with the Australian Government on this new initiative and cannot wait to get started,” Ms Caplan said.
Background information about PwC’s Higher Level Apprenticeship and Traineeship Pilot
The pilot involves employers from both the public and private sector and comprises an integrated training, mentoring and peer network approach with accredited training delivered by reputable RTOs.
The Pilot’s objectives are:
- To provide a work-based nationally recognised route to higher level qualifications
- To give a choice to those who would prefer to go straight to work after school instead of going to University, often those from disadvantaged backgrounds
- To provide a pathway for existing vocational learners and employees wishing to go further in their careers
- To create a peer network of Higher Apprentices which will create a critical mass of ambassadors into the future; and
- To improve the perception of apprenticeships and traineeships and reverse the decline in numbers
The expected outcomes will include:
- Raising the profile and improving perceptions of apprenticeships and traineeships
- Supporting individuals, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds in achieving career progression at work
- Supporting school leavers in finding a route suited to their aspirations; and
- Enhancing employer take up of apprentices/trainees
PwC has already engaged a number of interested employer participants.
For more information about how to get involved in the program please contact PwC.
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Kristen Cusack
Corporate Affairs Senior Manager, PwC Australia
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