8 February AFTA win on Skills Priority List February 8, 2023 By Amanda Rixon Media Release 0 The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has succeeded in having “Travel Consultants” added to the Federal Government Skills Priority List. This means that Employer Incentive Support under the apprenticeship program will now cover traineeships in Certificate III Travel all the way through to the Advanced Diploma of Tourism and Travel Management. AFTA’s National Taskforce for Skills and Careers has been actively lobbying for the changes given the chronic workforce shortages holding back full recovery of the sector. The Taskforce has developed significant policy documents and met with the Minister for Immigration and Minister for Skills last year to ensure our needs were understood by the responsible Ministers. AFTA will also be writing to State and Territory leaders to ensure these courses have funding allocated as we seek to rebuild our workforce. The updated list is available here https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills-support-individuals/resources/appendix-australian-apprenticeship-priority-list The guidelines are available here https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills-support-individuals/resources/australian-apprenticeships-incentive-system-guidelines Quotes attributable to AFTA CEO Dean Long: “We have been working very closely with the Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon. Brendan O’Connor, the Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon. Don Farrell and the Minister for Immigration, the Hon Andrew Giles and the relevant departments and very much appreciate their support in getting the important role of travel professionals acknowledged.” “We look forward to continuing to drive change on behalf of our members and Travel given the ongoing massive challenge faced across the board as a result of the chronic workforce and skills shortages.” “Many of our National Taskforce Members who have helped us achieve this win have already highlighted the importance of ensuring alignment across the country for funding and this will be firmly in our sights.” MEDIA CONTACT: LJ Loch 0488 038 555 or lj.loch@afta.com.au Related Articles NTIA Finalists for Most Outstanding Travel Journalist published Finalists for the Most Outstanding Travel Journalist Award have been announced as part of the 2024 National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA). AFTA’s National Taskforce for Workforce and Careers meets with Minister for Skills and Training With the skills and workforce shortages the biggest brake on Travel’s full recovery post-pandemic, The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) Workforce Taskforce today met with Minister for Skills and Training, The Hon. Brendan O’Connor. More 2024 NTIA Finalists announced, the full list now available The full list of NTIA Finalists is now available with the release of the outstanding Business Finalists. 2023 NTIA Finalists in Individual Categories announced ATIA is excited to reveal the list of Finalists in Individual Categories (#1 – 8) for this year’s National Travel Industry Awards (NTIAs). 2023 NTIA Finalists in Business Categories announced ATIA is excited to reveal the list of Finalists in the Business Categories (#9 - 20, 32 - 34) for this year’s National Travel Industry Awards (NTIAs). Richard Taylor joins AFTA team Travel industry connector and commentator Richard Taylor has joined the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) as Director of Membership Experience. Showing 0 Comment Comments are closed.