ARTAP wants apprentices

By Capt Michael Magyar

CIVILIAN and military managers from all over Australia have met at HMAS Penguin and exchanged lessons learnt during the pilot years of the Army Reserve Traineeship and Apprenticeship Program (ARTAP).

ARTAP has nearly 50 ARes apprentices Australia-wide and units or formations establish partnerships with organisations from a network of civilian Group Training Organisations (GTOs). The GTOs employ the apprentices as civilian employees, and the apprentice enlists in the Army Reserve to join ARTAP.

Much of the hands on trade training is done with Army units. The GTO coordinates other trade placements with civilian employers and technical training at places such as local TAFEs.

ARTAP chef and vehicle mechanic apprentices from 7 Fd Regt and 8CSSB met Gary Hardgrave, Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, as he announced funding for civilian participation in the project.

Pte D’Amico, a third year apprentice chef with 8CSSB who is now a fully qualified Army cook, said, “The ARTAP is great because we all learn a variety of skills from our civvy and military trade placements, and our qualifications are recognised by both Army and civilian employers. Anyone considering an apprenticeship or traineeship should consider ARTAP. ”

Lt-Col Michael Long of DGPers-A, said, “We are very happy with the progress of ARTAP to date and look forward to further growth in the program. Over 100 new apprentices are targeted in 05/06.”

To find out more contact unit or formation recruiting cells or participating GTOs. The new DI(A) (PERS 116-13) clarifies ARTAP administration.