Qld apprenticeships and traineeships discussion paper released

The Palaszczuk Government will build on its commitment to ensuring Queensland is ready for the jobs of the future through a Jobs Queensland discussion paper on apprenticeships and traineeships.

‘Positive Futures: Apprenticeships and Traineeships in Queensland’ was launched today by Minister for Training and Skills Yvette D’Ath.

“This conversation with employers, training providers, industry peak bodies and other stakeholders will help chart the course for developing the workforce of tomorrow through Jobs Queensland,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is encouraging all stakeholders to take this opportunity to talk to Jobs Queensland about the strengths and challenges of the apprenticeship and traineeship system, to ensure it continues to meet the needs of employers.”

“A skilled workforce is more productive and can respond quickly to the changing work environment and the needs of the new and innovative industries the Government is working to attract to Queensland.”

Jobs Queensland includes representatives from industry, unions and the training sector as well as experts in labour market and workplace trends.

“We’re encouraging stakeholders to respond to the discussion paper I’ve launched today, to help develop a report Jobs Queensland will deliver to the Government next year on the apprenticeship and traineeship system,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“The Queensland Government has committed $220 million to User Choice funding in the 2016-17 financial year to support apprentices and trainees.

“It is vital Jobs Queensland can analyse and convey these critical workplace trends to better inform future funding commitments.”

The discussion paper is a key component of Jobs Queensland’s role providing long-term strategic workforce planning and is part of a broader effort to provide advice to the Queensland Government on future strategic interventions across policy, investment and regulation.

Jobs Queensland Chair Rachel Hunter said more than 19,000 Queenslanders commenced traineeships last year.

“At the same time, we saw about 18,450 Queenslanders begin their apprenticeships,” Ms Hunter said.

“This discussion paper will ensure that Jobs Queensland can keep the Government properly informed about the quality of our apprenticeship and traineeship system which will help ensure the state has the workforce required to grow the economy,” she said.

“Jobs Queensland is inviting stakeholders to make initial submissions by the deadline of 20 December 2016, and we will maintain a program of engagement into 2017.”

Submissions can be made via the Jobs Queensland website at www.jobsqueensland.qld.gov.au

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