Global apprenticeship body introduces best practice accreditation for Australian businesses

The Quality Apprenticeships Employer Accreditation will be an instantly recognisable signal of quality in recruiting talent and dealing with public and private customers.

GAN Australia, the Australian arm of the global organisation supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO), is introducing an accreditation system that will offer Australian businesses and apprentices a mark of quality for communicating with one another and outwardly.

The Quality Apprenticeships Employer Accreditation is based on ILO standards, reflecting best practice endorsed by 187 countries. GAN Australia has introduced the accreditation to allow businesses to become certified employers of choice. For a business to be accredited it must show commitment to the following principles: supporting employment, equality & diversity, wages & conditions, health & safety, and staff development.

Accreditation will have significant benefits for businesses, including:

  • Enhanced reputation as a business: the accreditation demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to quality apprenticeships to partners, employees, and customers.
  • Ability to attract the best talent: the accreditation highlights your organisation’s dedication to wholly support your employees.
  • Support in delivering best practice training: accredited organisations will have access to resources that explain how to meet each accreditation requirement and receive dedicated feedback on the business’s apprenticeship program.
  • Membership of a global community of quality: accredited businesses join a community of employers who share similar commitments and values, not only nationally but internationally.

Gary Workman, Executive Director of GAN Australia, said:

“The Quality Apprenticeships Employer Accreditation will benefit Australian employers and apprentices. Australia has so many wonderful businesses that are vital to keeping our apprenticeship industry strong, this accreditation will highlight these employers as leaders in their sector whilst investing in the future security of Australia’s skills industry.”

“Almost half a million Australians undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship every year. Ensuring these are delivered to global best practice will secure Australia’s place in the international skills landscape.”

About the Global Apprenticeship Network (GAN) 

The Global Apprenticeship Network (GAN) is a business-driven alliance with the overarching goal of encouraging and linking business initiatives on skills and employment opportunities for youth through apprenticeships. GAN is a network where private sector companies, business federations and associations come together to share best practices, to advocate and commit to action around youth employability and skills development.

You can find out more about the Quality Apprenticeships Employer Accreditation at qualityapprenticeships.org or on the GAN Australia website gan-australia.org/quality-apprenticeships.