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Hazell Bros Group and the Minister for Education David Bartlett launched TAFE Tasmania's adult apprenticeship program at the new Harvey Norman superstore site at Cambridge. 

The launch featured Hazell Bros Group's Shannon Scott, who completed her electrical technician's apprenticeship in just two and half years.

Shannon received recognition for her experience and training in the Navy, which was counted towards her qualification. 

"I chose electro-technology because it's outdoorsy, hands-on and challenging," she said

"It takes a bit of thinking to work out a lot of the mental challenges this kind of work throws at you - such as wiring in control panels and so on.

"For me, it's been a great opportunity to make a late start in a career that will set me up for life."

Hazell Bros Group managing director Geoffrey Hazell said Shannon was an excellent example of how the workplace has changed.

"Tasmania has experienced great economic growth in recent years - particularly in the construction industry," Mr Hazell said.

"But this growth has collided head-on with a national skill shortage. In the past two and half years, Hazell Bros has grown staff numbers by 44% - 180 new people working across all trades and we now employ more than 400 Statewide.

"Hazell Bros is attacking the issue of skill shortage with a number of strategies - school-based traineeships, VET Programs and traditional Apprenticeships, which include Adult Apprentices.

"Shannon Scott is just one example of a positive and successful Adult Apprenticeship within the group and she is now a key member of our group.

"We find that our Adult Apprentices already have well-developed work ethics and a maturity which results in the apprentice obtaining and retaining knowledge and skill effectively as well as a significant decrease in performance management issues.

"Hazell Bros has found that adult apprentices have a near zero turn over rate, significantly less workplace accidents or incidents and lower levels of absenteeism."

Mr David Bartlett said TAFE's adult apprenticeship program reflected changing community demands.

"We've noticed the increasing demand for adult apprenticeships in the past two to three years, as Tasmania's economy has grown, and the demand for skilled workers has risen," he said.

"Now, we are actively encouraging experienced workers to use TAFE Tasmania to build on their on-site experience, aimed at leading to formal qualifications."

TAFE's program tailors courses to suit individual learning styles, including processes for acknowledging on-the -job experience already gained towards qualification. 

The approach demands close relationships between TAFE trainers, individual apprentices and employers.

Mr Bartlett said the program would offer opportunities for entry-level apprenticeships as well as helping experienced workers convert their experience to qualifications recognising their achievements.

"The demand for skilled workers is increasing, and we need to keep pace with the demand.

"But traditional thinking has it that apprenticeships are only available to younger people.

"We are turning that mindset around, actively encouraging older workers to sign up to apprenticeships - even in an area of expertise they currently may not be working in."