ASA Network calls for boost in support for apprenticeships as skills shortages bite

Freya Lucas

May 05, 2023

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The Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) network has highlighted the “dire lack” of junior workers engaging in trades and apprenticeships in New South Wales, joining business leaders in calling for a boost in support to help address a severe skills shortage.

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) was named as a profession “most in need” of help to boost numbers, along with farming, hospitality, construction, the service industry and aged care.

NSW Skills Minister Tim Crakanthorp was joined at the Sydney Mint by Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter and ASA head Peter Gilchrist on Monday, saying the NSW government is committing more resources to attract apprentices to industries and sectors “crying out for workers.”

"Apprentices are the lifeblood of the economy, with training holding the key to filling the country's skills shortages," Mr Gilchrist said, adding in his belief that the skills shortage impacting Australia can be addressed by boosting vocational education and training, and promoting the role of mentors.

"I was fortunate to have a fantastic mentor and hope the next generation can be just as lucky," he said.

"Employers want more mentoring to ensure that apprentices complete their training,'' Mr Hunter added.

"This is especially true for new and emerging businesses who may be taking on an apprentice or trainee for the first time."

A recent Business NSW survey of more than 12,000 employers found 70 per cent wanted more incentives from the government to hire apprentices and trainees.

To learn more about hiring trainees in an ECEC context please see here.

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