- Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills
New data released today has revealed an 11.3 per cent increase in the number of Australians commencing training in non-trade professions compared to the same time last year.
The largest growth areas were for sales assistants, mining and construction labourers, carers and aides, marking a second consecutive quarter of growth for non-trade professions.
The data, published by the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research, provides insights into apprenticeships and traineeships across Australia.
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Karen Andrews said while the data revealed some positives, she was concerned by the 7.8 per cent drop in the number of apprentices and trainees now in training.
“Australian apprenticeship commencements and completions began declining in 2012 and restoring the sector’s status is a key policy focus in VET,” Minister Andrews said.
“The Turnbull Government has put industry in the driving seat so that the national training effort graduates people with the skills that employers want.
“We created the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network which helps employers recruit, train and retain apprentices. We’ve committed $9.2 million to fund five new industry-led training models to help entry level and qualified trades people get into the labour market.
“We’ve also invested $6.82 million to pilot multi-industry pre-apprenticeship models that give young people in Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania hands-on industry experience and pathways into apprenticeships or traineeships.”
Minister Andrews said the Turnbull Government will continue to work with state and territory governments, and industry and training providers to reinvigorate and raise the status of the sector.
For more information please visit: www.ncver.edu.au.