Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Karen Andrews MP today visited Chambers Apprenticeship Support Australia to help mark 20 years of Australian Government support for apprentices and to acknowledge the enormous contribution that apprenticeships have made to Australia’s economy.
Minister Andrews said the NSW government’s decision to sign on to the Skilling Australian Fund National Partnership Agreement puts a renewed focus back on growing apprentice numbers throughout the state.
“An apprenticeship isn’t just about training, it’s the first step in a new paid career,” Minister Andrews said.
“Australians who undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship will develop the job-ready skills that industry needs and which employers are desperate to source.
“That’s why the Australian Government is driving the rollout of the Skilling Australian Fund, which will commit an estimated $1.5 billion to create up to 300,000 additional apprenticeships and traineeships throughout Australia.
“NSW will also benefit from a per capita share of the $50 million SAF sign-on payment, which the Government announced in the May Budget, helping to address areas skills shortages like those in the construction and food services industries,” Minister Andrews said.
“Organisations like Chambers Apprenticeship Support Australia help meet the needs of Australian businesses by equipping Australians with the flexible, adaptable, practical skills that employers want.
“I know that universities are good at selling the dream that a degree is the only pathway to success. We need to better highlight that quality vocational education and training and apprenticeships are also major drivers of jobs, skills and success in communities throughout Australia.
“Real skills lead to real careers. That’s something we should celebrate and reinforce to school students when they are thinking about their future.”
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