Australia’s Apprenticeship Network, as announced by assistant minister for education and training senator Simon Birmingham this week, aims to make it easier for employers to recruit, train and retain apprentices.

Employers will receive help and advice in navigating the apprenticeship system, while apprentices will receive advice and support with the ultimate goal of improving apprenticeship completion rates.

The completion rate is currently about 50%. 

The Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) represents a A$200m (£104.1m) annual investment by the government.

Eleven organisations, all employment and training providers, make up the AASN and will deliver services through more than 440 apprenticeship network provider locations, including in rural and remote areas.