APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINEESHIPS 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 Manly James Griffin 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,” Mr Griffin 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)