“Giving employers greater flexibility in choosing their training provider for government subsidised apprenticeships and traineeships will ensure further increases in uptake and satisfaction with the VET system in NSW,” said NSW Business Chamber Chief Executive, Stephen Cartwright.
“It has been encouraging to see the National Centre for Vocational Education Research report that the numbers of employers using the VET system in NSW has increased from 52.9% in 2013 to 53.9% in 2015. Enabling employers to use their provider of choice in all regions across the state should see this trend continue.
“Greater levels of contestability in the training market will help lift the standard of VET delivered in NSW. A fairer playing field between TAFE and private education providers sets the foundation for better training and employment outcomes, which is in the interests of students, employers and the wider community.
“As demonstrated in our recent Thinking Business report, Paving the Pathway: Addressing Post Year 10 Education and Training, apprenticeships and traineeships provide the best ongoing employment outcomes for young people
“The additional $10 million to subsidise pre-traineeship and pre-apprenticeship courses for students who have left school, previously announced by Minister for Skills, John Barilaro, will provide more career opportunities for young people and help address the skills shortage currently affecting employers in regional NSW.
“One of the major barriers for many young people who want to access an apprenticeship or traineeship is poor literacy and numeracy skills and a lack of job readiness. Well-designed pre-apprenticeship and pre-traineeship programs can address these issues and give young people the best opportunity to transition into an apprenticeship or traineeship.
“The provision of effective pre-apprenticeship programs has a positive impact on retention and completion rates as these courses give students a taste of what an apprenticeship involves and also provides valuable foundation and employability skills.
“Boosting the number of apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities for young people is a priority for the Chamber; ensuring young people have the skills needed to meet industry demand remains key to building a motivated and flexible workforce to drive productivity and economic growth across NSW,” Mr Cartwright said.