Government Announces Australian Skills Guarantee Apprentice Targets

As part of the Australian Skills Guarantee (ASG), the Commonwealth Government has put in place national targets for employing apprentices for major Federal tenders in Information Communications & Technology and Construction projects.

The new targets include set labour hours for apprentices, trainees and paid cadets working on these projects with specific targets for women, and will come into effect on 1 July 2024.

Major Tenders and Procurements

The ASG addresses apprentice, trainee and cadet targets that meet the following criteria:

• Major construction projects are those procurements with an estimated individual value of $10 million and above (GST inclusive)
• Major Information Communications & Technology (ICT) projects are those procurements with an estimated individual value of $10 million and above (GST inclusive)

Specific criteria are set out in the ASG Procurement Connected Policy.

Targets for Women Apprentices and Trainees

Initially, targets for women apprentices, trainees and paid cadets will be negotiated with those tendering for major government ICT projects that meet the ASG criteria.

However, the ASG sets specific targets for construction projects from 1 July 2024 onwards:

• An overarching apprentice target of 10% of all labour hours to be undertaken by apprentices and trainees
• An overarching apprentice target of 6% of all apprentice/trainee labour hours to be undertaken by women
• A target for women in trades-specific apprenticeships and traineeships to undertake a minimum of 4% of labour hours on eligible projects

The ASG Fact Sheet and Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website provides more information on requirements.

How MIGAS Can Help Tenderers Meet Contract Targets

MIGAS is a Group Training Organisation (GTO) specialising in the employment of apprentices and trainees in Construction related trades and ICT disciplines.

MIGAS can support tenderers and contractors to meet the employment and labour hour targets of major projects under the Australian Skills Guarantee.

Apprentice and trainee services include:

• Employment and management of apprentices and trainees including coordination of timesheets, payroll, Workcover, and compliance with Australian Apprenticeship standards
• Management of the apprentice and trainee workforce employed directly by contractors, ensuring that employers meet Australian Apprenticeship standards, increase retention of apprentices and trainees and support with securing Government incentives
• Stand-alone recruitment of apprentices and trainees in all trade areas

Hire Apprentices and Trainees with MIGAS

To discuss how MIGAS can support your tender or contract under the Australian Skills Guarantee, contact Aaron Smart, National Client Development Manager, on 0407 039 724, or complete our employer enquiry form.