OLDER APPRENTICES FORGE QUEENSLAND’S SKILLS LEAD
Published Wednesday, 10 October, 2007 at 12:49 PM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
More than twice as many Queenslanders aged over 45 completed their apprenticeship or traineeship during the past year compared to five years ago.
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said new figures recently released by the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research showed Queensland was once again leading the nation in the uptake of apprenticeships and traineeships.
“This increase shows our Government’s approach to giving all Queenslanders the chance to access education is paying off,” Mr Welford said.
“The number of Queensland apprentices and trainees who completed their training over the year to 31 March 2007 was up 45 per cent from the same period in 2002.
“Of these 29,200 who completed their training, about 4000 were aged 45 and over, representing almost 14 per cent of the total number.
“In 2002, just 6.5 per cent were in this age group.
“During 2006-07, our Government invested $4.4 million to support increases in the use of recognition of prior learning through the Skills First initiative.
“Skills First gives Queenslanders, who may not have studied or trained formally in a particular field, better employment opportunities.
“They may have industry relevant work skills or knowledge, paid or unpaid work experience, community work experience and life experience that they can apply towards their apprenticeship or traineeship.”
Mr Welford said a total of 58,700 Queenslanders started apprenticeships and traineeships in the 12 months ending 31 March 2007, an increase of 8.4 per cent on the previous year.
“The annual growth for the same period Australia-wide was 0.2 per cent,” Mr Welford said.
“Queensland is well ahead of the national level in the uptake of traditional apprenticeships, with 12,800 people representing a 26 per cent annual growth in this category.
“That’s almost three times the national increase of 9 per cent.
“Overall, the latest figures indicate that initiatives outlined in our Government’s $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan are paying dividends.”