MEDIA RELEASE
NSW Budget opens the door to thousands of apprenticeships
Today the New South Wales Government demonstrated its deep commitment to increase apprenticeship numbers by providing $285 million in funding to cover the cost of training fees for all new apprentices.
Currently, the NSW Group Training organisations employ over 8000 apprentices and trainees and starts 3000 more each year across NSW in all industry sectors with a heavy focus on traditional trade areas.
Jason Sultana, Executive Officer of the Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT says “We welcome the new level of funding to scrap training fees for 100 000 apprentices across the state. This announcement shows the government is focused on addressing skills shortages for the long-term. Removing the financial barriers for young people to move into trade apprenticeships will have an immediate impact.”
“We encourage the Minister to extend this offer to all qualifications on the state’s skill list by including traineeships particularly in industries like Aged Care, Child Care and where skill shortages exist and where apprenticeships are not available.”
John Liddicoat, AEN NSW ACT Chairperson and General Manager of Novaskill said “We congratulate the NSW Government on their initiative to remove this financial disincentive to taking up an ‘earn while you learn’ pathway and Group Training provides the ideal model to drive the growth of apprenticeship numbers in NSW.”
About the Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT
The Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT is the peak body representing its network of 24 Group Training Organisations (GTOs) employing apprentices and trainees throughout New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. We employ one in nine of all apprentices and trainees in NSW & ACT.
www.aennswact.com.au www.iwantanapprenticeship.com.au
Jason Sultana, and John Liddicoat are available for comment.
Jason Sultana
0419 466 584
jason@aennswact.com.au
John Liddicoat
p: 0417 061 052
E: johnl@novaskill.com.au
