Austrain Academy would like to wish all our students and clients a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

Our office will be closed from 4.30pm 18th December 2020 and re open 8.30am Monday 11th January 2021.

Austrain Academy would like to thank all of our employers and students for adapting to rapidly changing arrangements during this difficult time. It has been a steep learning curve for all of us, so thank you all for your patience and cooperation!

We have instituted strict social distancing and hygiene measures and limited class sizes for those students who need to attend face to face practical training sessions. Where possible, students are attending online training sessions and completing assessments remotely.

We are still taking enrolments for new students so please get in touch if you are thinking of completing some training.

Austrain Academy will continue to monitor the situation closely and take advice from NSW Health and other relevant government authorities to ensure we are responding to the situation appropriately. We will keep you informed of any changes to our operations.

If you are an apprentice or trainee, your training contract and training can continue for six months even if you don't have an employer. Please contact us if your employment situation changes or you have any questions.

Below are links to resources that may be helpful:

Please note - Austrain is providing this information only to support our students and employers and cannot facilitate applications etc on your behalf.

• The National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN) is coordinating the re engagement of recently displaced apprentices and trainees with potential employers. https://naen.com.au/apprentice-and-trainee-re-engagement-register
• Training Services NSW can provide advice and assistance for employers and trainees and apprentices. https://www.training.nsw.gov.au/news/articles/covid-19/index.html or phone 13 28 11 to be directed to your nearest office.
• Financial support may be available for businesses and individuals - please see the following web pages:
  https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au
  https://www.ato.gov.au/general/jobkeeper-payment
• Apprenticeship Support Australia for information for students & employers and potential subsidies for employers of trainees and apprentices http://www.apprenticeshipsupport.com.au/coronavirus-stimulus-package-announcement
• Health advice, statistics and testing information etc available at NSW Health website
• COVID-19 WHS industry guidance available https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces
• Department of Education, Skills and Employment provides information for employers, job seekers and VET providers https://www.dese.gov.au/covid-19

If you have any questions or concerns or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Further congratulations to our talented Student Summer Carson.

Summer has been selected as a finalist in the ”Proud to be a Chef" competition for 2020.

We wish her every success in this competition and in this industry.

Summer is one of a select group of finalist as this competition received over 500 entries.

We will have further information on the 2021 competition later this year.

Congratulations to our talented student Summer whose consistent hard work has paid off!

Summer is an apprentice chef at the Illawarra Master Builders Club and with the support of her employer, has recently been awarded the 2019 Chef's Table Apprentice Award from Clubs NSW.

You clearly have a very bright future in this industry. We're proud of you!