Queensland attracts more new apprentices and trainees

Data released today shows Queensland continues to buck national trends with increases in apprenticeship and traineeship commencements

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said the latest Emerging Apprenticeship and Traineeship Trend data shows the growing number of apprentice (4%) and trainee (5%) commencements in Queensland in the 12 months to the end of May 2018.

“Queensland is leading the way, while we are seeing declines in apprenticeship and traineeship commencements nationally, more Queenslanders are recognising the lifelong benefits of learning a trade,” Ms Fentiman said.

The report shows the strongest growth in new apprenticeship commencements is in engineering (up 22%) and automotive (15.1%) and a strong traineeship growth in transport and distribution (52.3%) and construction (6.2%).

“It’s wonderful to see an increase of more than 35,500 new commencements within 12 months taking the number of apprentices and trainees currently in training in Queensland to more than 63,000.”

“While today’s data is a promising sign, we know that there is more to be done to encourage even more Queenslanders to choose an apprenticeship or traineeship pathway,” Ms Fentiman said.

“We are making significant investments to ensure Queenslanders have the skills they need to get a job and grow the economy, including $202 million in 2018-19 to support more than 60,000 Queenslanders to gain a qualification.

“Our Free tafe initiative provides all year 12 graduates in Queensland the opportunity to kick start their careers with 160 qualification on offer in high priority industries completely free,

“We have invested $1 million in our Advancing Apprentices Fund to partner with industry to grow the number of apprentices across the state.

“We are working to make it easier for businesses to employ apprentices and trainees by doubling the payroll tax rebate for apprentices and trainees and driving down the cost of WorkCover Queensland’s premiums.”

The quarterly report is derived from data recorded with the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training and is available from https://training.qld.gov.au/docs-data/statistics/training-performance/apprentices-trainees.

For further information visit www.training.qld.gov.au or call 1300 369 935.

ENDS

Media contact:                       Inga Williams              0439 949 719