Written by: Wilhelm Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer, 12 Oct 2012

The first mentors under a national scheme designed to help construction trade apprentices complete their apprenticeship will be inducted through a specialised training program in Adelaide this Saturday.

After completing training, mentors will then be matched with targeted apprentices as a key element of the Construction Apprenticeship Mentoring Scheme (CAMS). CAMS is a comprehensive national approach to supporting construction apprentices, developed by Master Builders and supported by the Commonwealth Government through the Apprenticeship Mentoring Package.

Chief Executive Officer of Master Builders Australia, Wilhelm Harnisch said the mentoring service will play an important supporting role for the industry.

“The building and construction industry is the largest employer of trade apprentices, but the retention rate for the industry is only 58 per cent. It is crucial the industry improves apprenticeship completions so it can build up the skill base to construct family homes, schools, community facilities and vital infrastructure.

“Our goal is to induct 250 apprentice mentors by the end of the year, providing a national network to help, guide and motivate apprentices across the country to complete their trade training.”

Following completion of a specially designed two-day course in mentoring skills, mentors are eligible to obtain three nationally recognised competencies towards the Certificate IV in Training and Education. The two day course was developed by leading training specialists Franklin Scholar exclusively for Master Builders Australia and will be rolled out across all states and territories over the next month.

“Master Builders is still seeking more people looking to give back to the industry by becoming volunteer apprentice mentors. The scheme offers nationally recognised training and the valuable experience of mentoring a young apprentice,” Mr Harnisch said.

Interested volunteers are encouraged to contact CAMS@masterbuilders.com.au to register their interest in the program.