Chief executive Ron Maxwell said the VERTO team was proud to continue its role, particularly given its 16-year history in the industry.

"We are extremely pleased the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business has given us the opportunity to support both Australian apprentices and employers," he explained.

"This means VERTO will offer its no-cost service on behalf of the Australian Government in the Newcastle-Hunter region, including the towns of Cessnock, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens and Singleton.

"Youth unemployment is at about 11.7 per cent nationally (more than double the general unemployment rate), and recently released statistics show apprenticeship rates dropped by 0.9 per cent from March 2018 to March 2019.

"These concerning figures demonstrate a need for concerted focus on the vocational education and training sector now more than ever.

"The AASN program, along with the Australian Government's Skilling Australians Fund, will both help to boost Australian apprenticeship starting and completion rates."

Mr Maxwell said the new and improved AASN program would include a range of targeted initiatives including psychometric testing to ensure the best employment fit for both the apprentice and the employer.

"The AASN program (effective from February 1, 2020) is designed to give them all the support they need from commencement right through to completion at no cost," he added.

"It will make it easier for employers to find, train and retain quality apprentices and trainees.

"VERTO will continue to be a one-stop-shop for Australian apprentices and employers as they will (among a broad range of tasks) job match, provide advice about training options, facilitate personalised mentoring to at-risk apprentices, and facilitate all paper work associated with employer incentives and Trade Support Loans.

"We look forward to continuing to work with them right across New South Wales, including the Newcastle-Hunter region, over the coming years."