NSW Leading the Nation in Skills and Training

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.

Apprenticeship and Traineeship Number Continue to Rise

The number of apprentices and trainees in jobs across the state increased 11 per cent in the year to December 2021, off the back of the NSW Government’s unprecedented investment in fee-free training.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the 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.

“The NSW Government is investing in fee-free apprenticeships and traineeships to create a pipeline of skilled workers for jobs in industries that are experiencing high demand for employees,” Ms Cooke said.

“It’s great to see the number of apprentices and trainees continuing to grow in NSW, but we want more people to make the most of free training so that they can get a first job, a new job or a better job.”

The report shows that 106,445 apprentices and trainees were in training at the end of 2021, with both commencements and completions up overall on the year before.

The number of women undertaking apprenticeships and traineeships in NSW continues to surge, with a 21 per cent increase in 2021 compared with the year before.

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government is removing barriers to vocational education and training and creating more opportunities than ever before for people to get skilled or upskill.

“The NSW Government’s push to turbocharge the take-up of vocational education and training is securing a brighter future for NSW, with more people getting skilled, finding jobs and growing the economy,” Mr Henskens said.

“Our record skills investment is helping people boost their budget through free training, allowing them to find in-demand jobs and contribute to historically low unemployment rates in NSW.”

More information about the report is available here: Apprentices and trainees 2021: December quarter (ncver.edu.au)