Hospitality Group Training

In reply to Mr PISONI (Unley) (24 September 2015).

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier): The Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills has advised the following:

According to Department of State Development records, Hospitality Group Training (HGT) employed 119 apprentices and trainees when they entered into voluntary administration on 24 February 2015.

When HGT entered into administration, the Department of State Development liaised with the administrators, HGT's host employers, other group training organisations, and the apprentices and trainees to facilitate the transfer of as many apprenticeships as possible to other employers. All of the former apprentices were also provided with information to assist them to continue their apprenticeship with a new employer.

Sixteen of the former HGT apprentices have completed their apprenticeship and 80 have recommenced an apprenticeship or traineeship with another employer. Of these 80, three have yet to submit their apprenticeship paperwork. One former apprentice has returned to school, one has confirmed that they do not intend to pursue a career in the industry, and another continued to work in the industry outside an apprenticeship arrangement.

Of the 80 apprentices that have recommenced with another employer, 43 are employed by Group Training Organisations and hosted to other employers and a further 37 are directly employed.

The Department of State Development has made several attempts to contact the remaining 20 former apprentices via letter and telephone however the apprentices have not responded to messages or letters.

Any remaining former HGT apprentices who wish to recommence their apprenticeship are encouraged to contact the Department of State Development, who will be able to connect them to group training organisations, Career Services advisors, and provide them with information about opportunities through WorkReady.