
The Whyalla Apprentice Retention Package (WARP) is a South Australian Government initiative that aims to provide support for eligible apprentices who have been displaced through business downturn in the Whyalla region.
As part of this initiative, the South Australian Skills Commission (SASC) is partnering with the Apprentice Employment Network SA (AEN SA) and their member group training organisations operating in the Upper Spencer Gulf region to support local apprentices experiencing disruption to their employment, including job loss or a reduction in hours with the opportunity to connect with new host employers so they may continue with their chosen career pathway.
Throughout this disrupted period (while a new employer is being identified) apprentices will have the opportunity receive wage support, the ability to progress their off-the-job training and any fees associated with transferring to a new employer waived.
Apprentices who are entering their final year (4th year) will be prioritised for early completion of their apprenticeship. In licensed trade areas (eg. Electrical and Plumbing), minimum workplace experience will remain, and final assessments (eg. Electrical Capstone Testing) will be prioritised.
If you are an apprentice impacted by the downturn in Whyalla steelmaking sector or associated industry, meet the eligibility criteria above and are looking to continue your apprenticeship, please submit your details 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.
Eligibility Criteria:
Apprentices who are interested to continue their apprenticeship under this initiative must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Physically employed (not residentially located) in the LGA boundaries of the City of Whyalla (including OneSteel Whyalla Steelworks), and:
- Are identified as at risk of having their training contract terminated and / or are already subject to a pending or active training contract suspension, or
- Whose apprenticeship has been terminated arising from a downturn in their employer’s business on or after 1 January 2025.