During 1996-97 over $6 million has been invested in trainees employed in the public sector. This program has been jointly funded by the Federal and NSW Governments.

As you will be aware, the traineeship program provides quality training for people of NSW entering the workforce. In addition this program:

• provides increased long-term employment prospects for trainees, particularly young people; and
• provides training opportunities of relevance to both industry and to trainees in obtaining recognised skills.

This program has strengthened the skills base of the NSW public sector.

Most organisations within your portfolio have integrated these trainees into their operations to meet their current and future needs for skilled employees. This program along with other training initiatives including apprenticeships has improved organisational performance.

Given the various needs of organisations and their flexible approaches to training and development, organisations should continue to actively engage trainees within their core business operations. The cost of trainees is to be met by each organisation from their own budget from 1997-98 onwards. These new arrangements have recently been communicated to all public sector organisations.

Your assistance is sought to continue to promote the use of trainees and apprentices within your portfolio organisations to ensure that employment and training opportunities continue to be available to the people of NSW. Your ongoing support of trainees and apprentices is encouraged.

Individual organisations will be requested to report to the Department of Training and Education Coordination on their activities regarding the use of trainees and apprentices. You will soon be advised of the reporting arrangements.

Bob Carr
Premier