A Hunter training company will provide added job security to an extra 200 of their apprentices and trainees.
This follows the Federal Government's funding announcement last week, investing an extra $2 billion dollars to support apprenticeship and trainee jobs.
$1 billion is dedicated to go towards the JobTrainer package which focuses on providing training for people new to the work force or wanting to re-skill.
Another $1 billion is to go towards extending and expanding the 50% wage subsidy for apprentices and trainees employed at the time of July 1st, up until March 2021, at small and medium sized businesses with up to 199 employees.
Senator for NSW, Hollie Hughes visited Rutherford training company, HVTC on Monday, who currently employ 700 apprentices and trainees across ten regional branches throughout the Hunter and NSW.
Currently HVTC have around 80 employees supported by the wage subsidy, but will now be able to support an extra 200, equating to around 40% of their work force.
HVTC CEO, Sharon Smith says it will ensure apprentices stay in jobs and connected to their employer.
"It'll mean there's no disruption to their employment or their skills training which keeps them on track to finish their apprenticeship," Ms Smith said.
Senator Hughes said the Hunter Valley is an area with huge opportunities for apprentices and trainees.
"If you look at sectors like the traditional areas of mining but also around the defence sector, which is growing exponentially in the region."
Ms Smith said whilst the $2 billion Federal Government announcement provides support for those seeking training, and those already in positions, it does little to provide incentives for employers to take on new staff.
"I'm more concerned about the 2020 school leavers, I'd hate to think they'd be lost to Covid because there's no new jobs for them. I'm hoping there'll be some announcement this week about incentives, with reports suggesting there'll be 30% less jobs on offer in the next year."
"Some of the training that's being proposed will definitely give young people more employability skills, but employers I think need to be incentivized to create new jobs, because an apprenticeships a job first, and a training issue second."
"We've been advocating for an extension of a JobKeeper type payment, which would provide a flat rate wage subsidy for any new apprenticeship or trainee with any new employer until December next year."
Ms Smith said it's an area that's going to need focus from State and Federal Governments, as well as the private and public sectors.
"We all know the high levels of youth unemployment at the moment. But equally for the skills we need for the nation as we try and recover from this post Covid world."
