UNEMPLOYED apprentices will get a second chance to finish their trade thanks to a unique campaign launched on the Central Coast last week.

The Adopt-an-Apprentice campaign has been organised by nine group training companies working together to match unemployed apprentices with employers. The program has been jointly funded by the state and federal governments and administered by the Education and Training Department.

Companies have already jumped on board to ensure these young people don’t fall into long-term unemployment and lose their valuable trade training.

The launch, held at Worthington BMW, Kariong, was attended by Dobell Federal Labor MP Craig Thomson, Wyong State Labor MP David Harris, Terrigal State Liberal MP Chris Hartcher and NSW Business Chamber Central Coast regional manager Mary Doherty.

The nine group training companies involved were MiGAS, HunterValley Training Company, Master Builders Group Training, HunterNet, MEGT, MTA-Apprenticeships Plus, HTN, Electro Group and Central West Community College.

The campaign has been co-ordinated by NovaSkill.

Employers can go online to view profiles of out-of-work apprentices and can opt to take on someone part time or temporarily if full-time work is not an option.

Visit adoptanapprentice.com.au

 SCHEME HELPS RETRENCHED YOUTH

MITCHELL Naividi, of Kincumber, was a second-year apprentice stonemason when the business he was working for decided it could not afford to keep him on.

Mitchell was one of six out-of- work apprentices who attended the launch of Adopt an Apprentice.

He’s gone from restoring beautiful sandstone churches to getting a day here and there as a removalist.

He hasn’t worked since February but is still attending TAFE in the hope of continuing his trade.

"It was an unreal experience," Mitchell said about the launch.

"It was good to meet the major companies and everyone else involved and just to get out there and get your face seen by everyone."

"I have been ringing people and going around to local jobs but no luck so far."

Luke Kutt, of Wyoming, was a third-year mechanic who was also hoping to make some valuable contacts.

He had worked in the Blue Mountains and Sydney before landing a job as an apprentice on the Central Coast.

Unfortunately his employee could not afford to keep him on because of the downturn in business.

"It’s definitely a good campaign and hopefully I will get a lot of exposure," he said.

To listen to the ABC radio interview click here

Source: http://express-advocate-wyong.whereilive.com.au/news/story/adopt-an-apprentice-campaign-launched/