Voices of apprentices and trainees shape NSW training reform

A statewide consultation is giving apprentices, trainees and vocational education leaders the chance to influence the future of training and workforce development across NSW.

A group of Vocational Education and Training (VET) Ambassadors met with NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan in Dapto this week to discuss how the state’s apprenticeship and traineeship system can better meet the needs of learners, employers and communities.

The roundtable, part of the NSW Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act Review, is one of several consultations being held across the state as the Minns Labor Government works to deliver a training system that is “simpler, fairer and gives every apprentice and trainee the best chance of success”.

VET Ambassadors, including past finalists and winners from the NSW Training Awards — shared insights based on their lived experience across sectors such as engineering, health, hospitality, education and construction. Their feedback will help inform reforms under the NSW Skills Plan, particularly for industries facing critical workforce shortages such as care and support, clean energy and technology.

Minister Whan said: “Hearing directly from people who have lived the experience is essential to make sure this review delivers real improvements for apprentices and trainees, trainers and employers.

“The feedback from today’s roundtable will help us create a system that is simpler, fairer and gives every apprentice and trainee the best chance of success.”

More than 8,000 survey responses have already been submitted as part of the broader consultation. Initial insights highlight the importance of consistent workplace support, stronger awareness of entitlements, and reducing administrative burdens to help more learners complete their training.

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said: “The aim is to strengthen the apprenticeship and traineeship framework by making it easier to navigate, more flexible, and better matched to the needs of the community.”

This includes recognising the needs of school-based apprentices and trainees (SBATs), women in trades, and learners in regional and remote areas, groups well-represented at the Dapto session.

The review is seen as critical to ensuring the state’s training system can keep pace with the evolving needs of industry and support economic growth.

To read the full media release, visit the NSW Department of Education website.