Case study: Building futures with the Workforce Connect Fund and HIA's Advanced Apprentice and Employer Mentoring Program
[Jocelyn Martin – Managing Director, HIA]
I'm Jocelyn Martin, I'm the Managing Director of the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
HIA's Advance Apprentice and Employer Mentoring Programme acts almost like a go-between, between the employer and the apprentice, perhaps their TAFE and their study and their teacher.
[Glenn Raine – Education Delivery Manager, TAFE Qld]
The HIA Advanced Apprentice and Employer Mentoring Programme started in 2023 here at TAFE Gold Coast Ashmore.
We've found that our teachers became sometimes the accidental counsellor.
This programme has really allowed our teachers to be able to focus on their prime duty.
[Jocelyn Martin – Managing Director, HIA]
What inspired the project was just listening to our members.
They're constantly hoping to attract and retain apprentices to the construction workforce, but they struggle to actually help apprentices with all the different things that they need for the world of work.
[Debbie Gridley – Chief Operations Officer, Datum Designs]
The HIA mentoring programme came to us and it just seemed like such a good fit.
Having people that I could trust that were professional in their field has added another dimension to what we can offer for our apprentices.
I think the real value is that team approach to making sure that the apprentices get everything that they need in order to finish their studies.
[Dylan White – First year carpentry apprentice, Datum Designs]
And it's nice to talk to someone else who isn't a tradesman, who we're working with every day, to kind of get their opinion 'cause they've been through it all as well.
So it's nice to have a different opinion that can help us get through the day.
[Jocelyn Martin – Managing Director, HIA]
It's that filling that gap that is not otherwise filled by their teacher or by their employer.
So HIA would like to acknowledge the support of the Queensland government through the Workforce Connect Fund.
This is a fund that will make a big difference to the industry and to building our homes in the future.
[Debbie Gridley – Chief Operations Officer, Datum Designs]
Thank you to the Queensland government for being so progressive in its thinking to provide a project like this.
[Glenn Raine – Education Delivery Manager, TAFE Qld]
I really hope that this programme goes into the future because I think the impact is long-term for the health and wellbeing of our employers and our apprentices.
Housing Industry Association (HIA)'s Advanced Apprentice & Employer Mentoring Program is providing a holistic mentoring service to apprentices and their employers, at risk of ending their apprenticeship agreements.
The 12-month program is addressing the gap in support for apprentices and contributing to a more skilled, resilient and sustainable workforce.
Apprentices are benefiting from the program by being provided a unique support system outside of the traditional employer-teacher relationship, by accessing guidance, advice and a broader perspective on their careers and studies.
The program is also helping employers and educators by allowing teachers to focus on teaching and enhancing employers' abilities to attract and retain talented apprentices.
Hear from HIA's Managing Director on how the program is addressing barriers in the housing industry and ensuring apprentices are supported to complete their qualifications.
This program is funded through the Queensland Government's Workforce Connect Fund, part of the Queensland Government's Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032.