More than 20,000 additional work-based apprenticeships and traineeships will be created in SA over the next four years according to the SA Government.
The announcement unlocks at least $87 million from the Federal Government’s Skilling Australians Fund, in addition to the state’s $100 million investment.
In 2017, there were 14,725 apprenticeships and trainees in training, down from 30,690 in 2013 according to data from the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research.
The skills policy includes streamlining the registration process for employers to hire apprentices, flexible apprenticeship pathways for commencing fulltime work in Year 12, re-establishing Industry Skills Councils and revitalising the Training and Skills Commission.
SA Premier Steven Marshall said the investment is a significant shot in the arm for SA’s skills training sector.
“Apprenticeships are vital to building a skilled supply of workers for industry and this has never been more important as we move to a more diversified economy and to capitalise on major, long-term national defence contracts awarded to South Australia,” Mr Marshall said.
Minister for Industry and Skills David Pisoni said the SA Government is committed to assisting more local businesses to have the ability and confidence to take on apprentices and trainees.
The program will be accessible for employers and apprentices from July.
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