A new report has revealed that more than 16,000 Queenslanders began an apprenticeship or traineeship in the December 2020 quarter — up 11 per cent from 2019.
The latest figures from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) also show that more than 10 per cent of workers employed within trade occupations in Queensland were an apprentice or trainee.
Minister for Training and Skills Development and Minister for Employment and Small Business, Di Farmer said the Government had put allocations for skills at the heart of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
“Clearly our support for employers, and record investment in apprenticeships and traineeships, is paying dividends,” Ms Farmer said.
“We know there are lots of industries with skills shortages that need more people with the right qualifications to fill the vacant roles they have.”
She said the Government was funding the training costs for a range of in-demand qualifications for people under 25 through its free apprenticeships program.
“With 139 priority apprenticeships and traineeships covered through the program, we are supporting businesses in a range of industries to develop the skilled workforce they need and people are clearly taking advantage of these opportunities,” Ms Farmer said.
She said the NCVER’s December quarter release showed 63,625 apprentices and trainees were in training as at 31 December, up 12 per cent compared to 2019.
“Getting these new and continuing apprentices and trainees to complete their training contracts and become qualified, job-ready workers is so important for the future prosperity of Queensland,” Ms Farmer said.
