The number of South Australians that now have apprenticeships or are trainees, continues to grow, according to latest data released today.
In the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) data, for the quarter to 30 September 2023, compared to the same quarter in 2022, apprentice and trainee commencements increased by 380 to 2,000 or 23.6 per cent. This was 1.4 percentage points about the national average.
There were commencement increases in the quarterly period for occupations including Electrotechnology and Telecommunications Trades Workers, Engineering Trades Workers and Mobile Plant Operators.
The number of completions, over the quarter to 30 September 2023, also rose by 10.6 per cent over the same period the previous year. It was the second highest growth in the nation.
This comes as South Australia continues its national piece of work to lift completions in trades across the board by focusing on mentoring and wrap-around support for those in training. This is work other states are following our lead on.
Completions over the quarter were also up in the quarterly period for occupations including Machine and Stationary Plant Operators, Engineering, ICT and Science Technicians, Automotive and Engineering Trades Workers and Health and Welfare Support Workers.
South Australia continues to show strong growth in trade sectors as we build upon the biggest opportunities that state has ever seen – including the nationally significant AUKUS deal.
The Malinauskas Labor Government has made significant investments in the skills sector – unlike anything the state has ever seen. These include the signing of the $2.3 billion National Skills Agreement (NSA), including Fee-Free TAFE, funding for five new regional skills centres and a boost in funding for training providers to address skills shortages.
Quotes
Attributable to Blair Boyer
We have a big job ahead of us to significantly increase our skilled workforce to meet the demands of our emerging defence industry and other areas of growth in our state.
Across all sectors, including building and construction, health and community services, and early childhood education, there is great demand for skilled workers and with that means significant job opportunities for people in this state.
Our investments in the wider skills sector will help us to meet the demands of the exciting period of growth ahead of us.
Attributable to South Australian Skills Commissioner Cameron Baker
We know that in order to meet the needs of industry now and into the future we need many more people with VET qualifications, so these figures today showing more people in trades are very encouraging, particularly in construction, automotive and engineering trades.
The SA Skills Commission will continue to work to promote the opportunities offered through apprenticeship and traineeship pathways, as we help to build the skills and workforce which is critical for our state. With our new Committee, which is focusing on safety in the workplace, I look forward to working with industry to ensure better outcomes for our apprentices and trainees.
It is positive to note that there has been almost a 24 per cent increase in commencements this quarter when compared to the same period last year.
The SA Skills Commission recognises the important role of apprenticeships and traineeships to the State’s economy, so the increase is welcomed. Through the Commission’s ten Industry Skills Councils, we will continue to gather insights from industry leaders to strengthen the experience and outcomes for apprentices, trainees and their employers.
Attributable to PEER Chief Executive Officer, Brian Rungie
South Australian businesses need a pipeline of skilled workers to meet the exciting projects within our State, including within the Construction, Defence and Renewable sectors.
It has never been a better time to be an apprentice or trainee within South Australia. The career opportunities are endless.
PEER is the largest employer of apprentices within the building and construction industry in South Australia. Through our quality pathways, including our in school programs and apprenticeship training, we are building the highly skilled workforce South Australian industry needs.
