THERE will be an unprecedented level of support for trainees following Tuesday’s 2018-19 NSW Budget announcement, with the government offering 100,000 free apprenticeships to ensure there is a strong pipeline of skilled workers across the state.
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Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen said the new $285 million skills and training package meant that as of next month, free apprenticeships would be offered to newly-enrolled apprentices in any course.
“It’s all about building up the workforce that will help us capitalise on our record infrastructure program and, in turn, deliver a generation of skilled workers,” he explained.
“As a government, we have already created the positions for apprentices, by ensuring 20 per cent of trade roles on all future government projects will be filled by apprentices, and now we are covering the cost of their training.
“NSW needs more apprentices to ensure we have a strong pipeline of skilled workers for the NSW job market, and we know that without skilled workers, our economy will stall.
“The single biggest threat to our $80.1 billion infrastructure spending program is not having the workforce to deliver it.
“You can have the money to spend, but if you don’t have the skilled workers to actually bring the projects to life, it all counts for nothing.”
Mr Johnsen said the Upper Hunter electorate would benefit greatly from this policy of government to deliver free training opportunities, particularly for our youngest workers.
“This sort of free training offer has never been made available before,” he admitted.
“It comes about as a result of this government’s strong financial management, so I encourage people thinking about skilling up, or starting a new career to make the most of it.
“As the father of a former apprentice, I know the importance of apprenticeships in our communities and across the professional employment field.
“I am proud to be a member of a government, which is delivering so strongly for young men and women in our local workforce, and beyond.”
The 100,000 free apprenticeships will be on offer over the next four years and include all 121 courses currently funded under the Smart and Skilled program.
For more information, including details about how to enrol from July 1, go to the Smart and Skilled website at: https://smartandskilled.nsw.gov.au/
