One of the critical components of the NSW Government's jobs strategy and ongoing commitment to jobs growth relates to the employment of a minimum of 1000 new apprentices per annum over the next four years through government funded initiatives.

The mechanism to give effect to this jobs initiative involves respective NSW Government agencies acting as the host employer of apprentices through their various capital and maintenance program contractual arrangements with suppliers and third party service providers. Agencies will remain ultimately responsible for ensuring that the mandatory conditions of apprenticeships are able to be met by contract service providers, including the requisite supervising tradesman ratio levels, and that appropriate support and opportunity is given to apprentices to meet their ongoing vocational training requirements.

I have asked the Director General, Department of Premier and Cabinet to confirm with agency heads their previously advised agency commitments to the employment of a number of apprentices over the next 4 years. This will ensure the NSW Government delivers real jobs growth opportunities to the people of NSW. For those agencies which have not yet provided a minimum apprenticeship target level relating to their forward capital and maintenance program, advice will be required within 72 hours.  

Agencies should take note that future capital and maintenance program budget allocation for the next 4 years (2009/2010 to 2012/2013) will be directly tied to the targeted employment of apprentices, with ongoing funding levels conditional on meeting the NSW Government jobs strategy and commitments. In the event an agency does not adequately participate or contribute to meeting the Government apprenticeship initiative, the forward program will be adjusted to make good this commitment.

My commitment to meeting the NSW Government's jobs creation, incorporating the apprenticeship jobs initiative, remains paramount. I expect all Chief Executives to deliver on their commitments, and to be actively involved in meeting the Government's job creation program.

The Department of Premier and Cabinet will monitor this initiative, and agencies will required to provide regular reports on progress towards meeting this commitment.

The Treasurer will write separately to State Owned Corporations concerning the adoption of the provisions of this memorandum.

Nathan Rees
Premier