Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Hansard source

I would emphasise firstly to Senator Cameron that he of course has received a bunch of information under documents that I tabled in the Senate. He might want to have a closer look at them to see what are draft letters versus what are signed letters, because of course there is a significant distinction between the two. I would further emphasise that over a period of time further analysis and indeed changes to the proposal were undertaken. In particular, Senator Cameron wants to talk about work integrated learning aspects of such proposals. Under the pilot proposal that is being delivered through this program, I am happy to tell Senator Cameron, students will complete around 2,242 hours in work based training, in work placements, in on-the-job training activities—59 weeks at 38 hours a week during that time. It is very clear that there is a strong element of work integrated learning in the pilot that is being undertaken—work integrated learning that will lead to these students receiving their certificate III in carpentry or their certificate IV in building and construction. It will ensure that they will meet licensing requirements for a builder's licence and registration so that they can go on and be fully participating working tradespeople in the South Australian economy.

It is very clear that the issues and concerns that Senator Cameron identifies are being addressed but also tested as part of a pilot. That is why this is a pilot—to assess exactly how it works, to assess whether it, along with the other four pilots that are being funded, can provide lessons to improve uptake in our apprenticeship system in the future. (Time expired)