Rebuilding Australia’s workforce demands continued skills investment

A surge in the number of apprentices and trainees continues the positive trajectory of rebuilding our local skills base, but maintaining this strong growth and realising further gains will require continued investment.

Figures released today by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research reveal that apprenticeship and traineeship commencements grew nationally by 66,885 in the June quarter 2022.  This represents a 36.5 per cent increase when compared with the same quarter in 2021.

Apprenticeship and traineeship completion rates also increased by 16.6 per cent over the same period.

“The strong increase in apprentice commencements and completions is a very positive sign.  However, we cannot take the outstanding growth in apprenticeship numbers for granted,” ACCI chief executive Andrew McKellar said.

“To ensure those looking for work have the skills and training required for the jobs of today and tomorrow, we must get the incentives right.  Continued investment will guarantee that employers see the value in taking on an apprentice or trainee.

“The government should commit to establishing a 30 per cent wage subsidy in the first year of an apprenticeship or traineeships to provide greater certainty for employers. Reinstating completion incentives of $2,500 for businesses and up to $5,000 for apprentices and trainees will also encourage more to finish their training.

“Locking in long-term investment is absolutely essential to put more Australians in work and support our growing economy that is in dire need of a skilled workforce.

“We are excited by the direction apprenticeship numbers are headed.  With apprenticeships requiring a longer-term investment, government must work to ensure that it is more viable for many employers to commit to skills development.