The latest national data on apprentices and trainees shows the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s record investment in skills continues to drive nation-leading results, with more than 115,000 apprentices and trainees in training across the State.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the recent National Centre for Vocational Education and Research (NCVER) report shows NSW continues to lead the nation, with more apprentices and trainees than any other state or territory.
“It’s great to see the number of apprentices and trainees continuing to grow across the region off the back of the NSW Government’s record investment in skills and training,” Ms Cooke said.
“Across the board, the number of people commencing and completing apprenticeships and traineeships has increased, which is further strengthening the pipeline of skilled and job-ready workers in our state,”
“We have over 1,870 apprentices and trainees across the electorate, with Certificate III in Carpentry at the top of the list, closely followed by Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care which is fantastic for our local economy.”
The report also reveals that over the last two years, NSW has recorded a 42 per cent increase in apprenticeship and traineeship commencements. With commencements of females students up 59 per cent.
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government is removing barriers to vocational education and training for young people through unprecedented investments in fee-free training and programs like the Educational Pathways Program and Careers NSW.
“The NSW Government’s record $3.1 billion investment in skills and training in the Budget will further turbocharge the take-up of vocational education and training, securing a brighter future for people in NSW,” Mr Henskens said.
“NSW is leading the nation when it comes to skills and training, with more people in training than any other state, ensuring that we continued to build a strong pipeline of skilled, job-ready workers to help grow our economy.”
Reforms to the HSC and ATAR will also increase the take-up of vocational education and training, by significantly expanding the education and employment pathways available to young people.
Students wrapping up their schooling will be given the opportunity to access fee-free training to help them rapidly gain new skills for summer jobs in industries experiencing labour shortages such as hospitality, construction and early childhood education.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the NSW Government’s Summer Skills program will help school leavers find their feet as they try to match their early career opportunities with the right training.
“Businesses in the electorate and across NSW need workers now and this program will help upskill young people and find jobs this summer,” Ms Cooke said.
“Summer Skills gives young people meaningful opportunities to get jobs, whether it’s a gig at their local café or securing work in the aged care sector.”
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the Summer Skills program will deliver 4,000 fee-free courses, with a focus on school leavers, as part of the NSW Government’s record $3.1 billion investment in skills and training.
“If you’re completing your HSC, now is the perfect time to get skilled for free and jump straight into a well-paid and rewarding job over the summer,” Mr Henskens said.
“This program is helping people boost their budget by slashing course costs, so that young people can get the skills they need for the jobs they want – whether that’s to kick start a career or earn money while they study.”
“It will also help businesses address labour shortages so that they can employ more people and have a bumper summer.”
Summer Skills courses will be available for people between 16 and 24 who have left school through TAFE NSW and other registered training organisations.
For more information, visit https://skills.education.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/summer-skills.
Young people across region are set to benefit from fee-free hospitality training during the winter school holidays to help them get the skills they need for the jobs they want.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said the hospitality industry offers incredible opportunities and this initiative will give students aged 16 and above a great head start in the industry.
“By giving local students a foot-in-the-door, they’ll gain practical experience and build industry connections, which in turn supports their ongoing education and employment pathways and help businesses meet demand for workers,” Ms Cooke said.
Courses available include Statement of Attainment in Hospitality Skills, Statement of Attainment in Espresso Coffee and Food Safety Supervisor.
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said 1,000 free training places are up for grabs as part of a new NSW Government initiative.
“We want to provide more opportunities for young people to get the skills they need for a first job, a new job or a better job, and this program is another great example of that,” Mr Henskens said.
Since February, the NSW Government has delivered 10,000 fee-free Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) courses.
Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said the hospitality sector supports more than 300,000 jobs across the State and now is the perfect time for students to gain their free qualification and enter the industry.
“These free courses will help young people get jobs at local cafes and restaurants, which will support hospitality businesses who are in need of staff,” Mr Anderson said.
Training will be delivered during the July and September school holiday periods (4-15 July 2022 and 26 September–7 October 2022) and are available through TAFE NSW and other registered training organisations.
For more information, visit skills.education.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/school-holidays-hospitality-skills.