Whyalla Apprentice Retention Package

The Whyalla Apprentice Retention Package (WARP) is a South Australian Government initiative designed to support eligible apprentices and trainees who have been displaced as a result of the blast furnace closure in Whyalla (employed either at the OneSteel Whyalla Steelworks or as part of its supply chain).

What is WARP?

The program will support these displaced learners to recommence or continue their Training Contract with Group Training Organisations (GTO), and progress to successful completion through high-quality GTO pastoral care arrangements and host employer placements.

The WARP is administered by the Apprentice Employment Network SA (AEN SA) on behalf of the Minister for Education, Training and Skills.

Displaced apprentices and trainees will be encouraged to contact the South Australian Skills Commission and register with AEN SA via the Career Connect Register below. Once you’ve registered your details, a member of the AEN SA team will contact you to discuss options available and connect you to a potential employer.

Apprentices who are entering their final year (4th year) will be prioritised for early completion of their apprenticeship. In licensed trade areas such as electrical and plumbing, minimum workplace experience requirements will remain, and final assessments (for example, electrical capstone testing) will be prioritised.

Training Contracts will be transferred to an eligible GTO (coordinated via AEN SA) and remain active for the duration of the search for a new host.

Eligibility Criteria

Apprentices who are interested in continuing their apprenticeship under this initiative must meet the following eligibility criteria.

Eligibility applies to apprentices and trainees who:

Were employed at the OneSteel Whyalla Steelworks or its supply chain as at the date of the blast furnace closure on 14 September 2026; and

Need to have their Training Contracts transferred (for Training Contracts that are active or suspended) or recommenced (for Training Contracts that are terminated on or after 14 September 2026).

The Whyalla Apprentice Retention Package (WARP) is a South Australian Government initiative supported by:

WARP Career Connect Register