Small trade businesses to benefit from training and mentoring

A new program has been announced by the Australian government, with the potential to increase the number of small trade businesses and train new contractors.

It is called the Apprentice to Business Owner Program (AtoB) and will provide training in a nationally recognised qualification in small business management, as well as providing business mentoring support for up to a year.

Eligible tradespeople who have recently established a business, or are looking to in the future, will benefit from the program nationwide through specialist AtoB program brokers.
The program has been welcomed by industry players. The Housing Industry Association has highlighted its importance for the future.

HIA managing director Shane Goodwin said: "Small business is the lifeblood of the residential building industry and this program will be essential in helping to train the next generation of contractors."

Mr Goodwin also pointed out the fact that "the Australian housing industry consistently produces a stream of skilled and talented tradespeople, however, acquiring the knowledge to successfully run a business is another issue".

Tradespeople looking to apply for the program can do so here.