Australia’s newest online website connecting apprentices with employers has today announced JobNet Tasmania as its first state partner.

Apprenticeship Central offers a range of online tools to help select, compare and apply for apprenticeship vacancies. More than 4,000 people have visited the site since its launch last month.

JobNet Tasmania manager Glen O’Keefe says for the first time the website provided a place those looking to become an apprentice could go to search for apprenticeship vacancies.

“On a daily basis we are asked by people to either find them an apprenticeship or find them an apprentice,” Glen says.

“Apprenticeship Central now offers that service to Tasmanians for free and helps them find the right one.

“We saw this website at the forefront of innovation in the apprenticeship industry in Australia and we wanted Tasmanians to receive that service and be behind its drive and promotion within our community.

“There are a lot of service holes in the market around apprenticeships and traineeships today, and here was something that is accessible right now which can help people to fill one of the holes.

“It creates a niche in the overcrowded recruitment market where apprenticeships can get lost.”

JobNet Tasmania will be the recognised provider and promoter of Apprenticeship Central in Tasmania.

Chief executive of not-for-profit BUSY At Work and Apprenticeship Central creator Paul Miles says State partners were essential to creating a consultative and collegial approach to apprenticeships around Australia.

“We already can see this service being used by businesses and those seeking apprenticeships and I hope this site will be embraced by all organisations working in the apprenticeships industry to help support the cause for apprenticeships across Australia,” Paul says.

Apprenticeship Central is looking for other organisations and industry bodies who wish to become a state partner.