A customised mentored apprenticeship program developed in partnership between group training organisation WPC Group and Esso Australia was awarded the prestigious Australian Apprenticeships – Employer Award at the 2021 Australian Training Awards.
The program enjoys an impressive 100% apprentice retention rate – every apprentice and trainee hired through the program remains on the job with Esso Australia, with many now qualified tradespeople.
The 42 apprentices and trainees are employed across a range of trades: electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, process plant operations, and business. Recruitment activities are underway for the 2022 intake as the program continues to go from strength to strength.
WPC Group General Manager Andrew Sezonov is excited by the win: “To be recognised at the Australian Training Awards is a fantastic honour. We are honoured to win the 2021 Australian Apprenticeships – Employer Award in collaboration with Esso Australia.”
“The Esso Australia–WPC Group Mentored Apprenticeship Program is providing skilled employment opportunities to young Victorians whilst helping to develop the skilled workforce of the Gippsland region.
“To build a new apprentice and trainee training program from scratch and to then achieve a 100% retention rate after three years is remarkable – it’s a great result for our apprentices and the broader community.”
WPC Group believes this program offers a template for employers – large and small – seeking to find a solution to the enduring problems of skills shortages and apprentice and trainee retention. “This Award is a testament to what can be achieved when employers take a long-term view to training and talent development”
Now is the time of year for employers and school-leavers to take a closer look at the career potential of the proven Apprenticeship and Traineeship model. Apprenticeships and traineeships are available in more than 300 occupations, and 7 of the 10 fastest-growing jobs in Australia are accessible via apprenticeship or traineeship pathways.
Also, under the federal government’s Boosting Apprentice Completions programs, employers can access a 12-month 50% wage rebate when taking on a new apprentice of trainee.
About the Australian Training Awards
The Australian Training Awards recognises excellence and innovation in vocational education and training, and the stars of Australia’s skills sector. The 2021 Australian Apprenticeships – Employer Award marks Esso Australia’s first victory at the Awards. It is WPC Group’s second award, taking out this category in 2016 in collaboration with Nissan Australia.
For more details, visit: https://www.australiantrainingawards.gov.au/