Industry Specialist Mentoring for Australian Apprenticeships The Industry Specialist Mentoring for Australian Apprentices (ISMAA) program aims to increase apprentice retention rates, particularly in the first two years of training, in order to improve completion rates and SINCE THE PROGRAM COMMENCED INsupport the supply of skilled workers FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, OUR MENTORS HAVEin industries undergoing structural MET WITH NEARLY 1,650 APPRENTICES change. The ISMAA program provides an intensive and specialist level of assistance to apprentices and trainees who are experiencing barriers to completing their training the apprentices each time they return to TAFE to The ISMAA mentoring system will help to alleviate through frequent contact from a undertake their block training sessions. some of this added pressure on the lecturers highly skilled industry mentor with To assist with the variable issues the mentors and free up more of their time to concentrate on appropriate skill sets. The apprentice encounter, HIA has prepared several topics from the classroom teaching and workshop activities. or trainee will develop an Individual which they can tailor specific personal plans for each Additionally, having an independent person to speak Mentoring Plan with their mentor that apprentice. Some of the areas to address include: to away from the job site and the classroom provides will outline the range of support that • support in skill development opportunities for apprentices to seek advice as well will be provided. • career pathways as to speak openly on topics which concern them. The ISMAA program is delivered • worksite and personal safety It has been fascinating to see the many and by 24 organisations across all • additional training and studies varied topics our mentors have dealt with during states and territories covering • confidence and motivation in the workplace the first eight monthsof the ISMAA program. a range of industries including: • goalsetting Issues have ranged across being paid incorrectly, building and construction, accommodation and food services, • employment and wage advice workplace bullying, safety issues on worksites, electrical and health care. • financial guidance managing finances on an apprentice wage and • help with trade studies and learning difficulties personal life stresses. • strategies for effective communication Many of the mentored apprentices have • referral to professional services (for issues relating commented how relieved and reassured they to drugs, alcohol, or depression). have felt after discussing their issues with an The ISMAA program is a free service and all first independent person. The advice and assistance we or second year apprentices in the construction have offered has provided much-needed comfort industry are eligible. and guidance to the apprentices. We trust this has The ISMAA program has been widely accepted alleviated some of their life pressures and helped by the TAFEs and their staff. TAFE staff have an them maintain a focus on their working life now and extremely heavy workload throughout the year intothe future. to meet the demands of the trade curriculums. In the past they have had to cope with not only To find out more call 1300 650 634 lecturing and demonstrating the trade practices to email mentoring@hia.com.au the apprentices, but in many cases, they have also visit www.hia.com.au/mentoring had to spend time with students having difficulties coping with aspects of their lives. Chris Natt, Project Manager, ISMAA Program. NOVEMBER 2018 HOUSING 47 IN FOCUS • APPRENTICESHIPS