Despite having the worst skills shortage in the nation, the number of apprentices and trainees in Western Australia has increased in contrast to the national trend.
Despite having the worst skills shortage in the nation, the number of apprentices and trainees in Western Australia has increased in contrast to the national trend, according to the latest figures.
National Centre for Vocational Education Research figures showed that in the year to June 2005, there had been an eight per cent increase in the number of apprentices and trainees in WA compared with a two per cent decrease nationally.
Commenting on the figures, Education and Training Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich, claimed credit on behalf of the State Government for the increase, highlighting a recently announced $31 million training package for new apprentices.
The latest Federal Government data shows that skilled vacancies in WA increased by 13.3 per cent over the year to July 2005, while skilled vacancies nationally actually fell by 6 per cent over the same period.
The full Ministerial announcement can be read below.
WA leading the nation in training.
Western Australia continues to defy the national trend with a record number of people taking up training in apprenticeships and traineeships.
Education and Training Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich welcomed the latest report from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) which showed that in the year to June 2005 there had been an eight per cent increase in the number of apprentices and trainees in WA compared to a two per cent decrease nationally.
"The results speak for themselves - WA is surging ahead with the strong support of employers," Ms Ravlich said.
The Minister said over the past year the number of people taking up apprenticeships and traineeships increased by 11 per cent in WA compared to only four per cent nationally.
"WA is also well above the national average especially in the number of people undertaking traditional apprenticeships," Ms Ravlich said.
"We now have 51 per cent of traditional apprentices in training compared with
37 per cent nationally."
The Minister said other highlights included:
- a 36 per cent increase in traditional apprenticeships commenced (14 per cent nationally); and
- a 36 per cent increase in commencements of people over the age over 45 (11 per cent decrease nationally).
The Minister said since coming to power in 2001, the Gallop Government had increased the number of trainees and apprentices by 60 per cent. This is compared to a national average of 30 per cent.
"Despite these successes, the Gallop Government is not being complacent,"
Ms Ravlich said.
Last weekend the Premier announced an extra $31million training package to create an extra 14,000 training places in WA.
The extra $31million will go towards:
- increasing the number of apprenticeships and traineeships;
- the School Apprenticeship Link initiative; and
- increasing trade skills recognition.
"Over the next four years, the money will create an extra 11,680 apprenticeship and traineeship places and 2,500 School Apprenticeship Link (SAL) places," Ms Ravlich said.
"The money will also be used to recognise the skills and trades of 4,000 workers, who may have gained their qualifications overseas.
"With our booming economy and skills shortages any money spent on increasing the number of apprentices and trainees in WA is not an expense, it is an investment - the wisest investment my Government can make."
The Gallop Government is committed to a new jobs and better opportunities for all Western Australians.