Apprenticeship shake-up to cut red tape

Employers are promised less red tape and apprentices will get more personal mentoring under a federal overhaul of training.

A tailored support network will replace the largely administrative apprenticeships centres, the government says.

Beginning in July 2015, the new system will provide targeted job-matching, advice on training and personalised mentoring to apprentices.

The $200 million a year overhaul aims to take greater account of the skills requirements of business.

Unveiling the apprenticeship network on Monday, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said it would be "employer-led and outcomes-focused".

Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane said the "new direction" on apprenticeships would make it less complicated to employ and train people in Australia.

"There is no point in having training for training's sake," he told reporters.

"We want a training and apprenticeship system that actually works ... and most importantly turns out people that employers want to employ."

The current system had become convoluted, complicated and too rigid, Mr Macfarlane said.