Employers and workers in the Great Southern will be able to have their say on ways to reform the state's apprenticeship and traineeship system at a public forum in Albany today.
Employers and workers in the Great Southern will be able to have their say on ways to reform the state's apprenticeship and traineeship system at a public forum in Albany today.
Employers and workers in the Great Southern will be able to have their say on ways to reform the state's apprenticeship and traineeship system at a public forum in Albany today.
"Western Australia's apprenticeship and traineeship system needs to change if it is to remain relevant to employers and workers," said Education and Training minister Ljiljanna Ravlich.
"The Skills Formation Taskforce wants to hear from employers and workers throughout the state about ways to help overcome the current skills shortages and strengthen the State's training system to meet future needs."
Ms Ravlich said WA's strong economic growth had created an unprecedented demand for skilled workers.
"WA's apprenticeship and traineeship numbers outstrip the national average," she said.
"However, with the state forecast to continue growing rapidly, we need to ensure that everyone is equipped to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities being generated."
The minister said the Great Southern region's new popularity as a 'sea change' destination, emerging industries and major infrastructure projects were creating new opportunities for skilled workers.
"Workers, employers and the state's economy stand to benefit from reforms to the traineeship and apprenticeship system," she said.
Albany employer David Marsh, of Active Plumbing, said the company was overflowing in work and saw employing apprentices as the best way to build its workforce.
"There is no short-term solution to the skills shortage - it is important to bring in apprentices now and train them to meet the demand for work," Mr Marsh said.
He said he currently employed seven apprentices, two of whom had won regional apprenticeship awards in the last two years.
The Skills Formation Taskforce, chaired by Hon Clive Brown, will hold a public forum in Albany on Wednesday, March 8 from 5pm to 6.30pm at Great Southern TAFE in Anson Road.
The Great Southern forum is one of 10 to be held across the State from the Kimberley to the Great Southern.