The State Government is handing out a $10,000 incentive payment for apprentices in the construction and clean energy sectors to boost apprentice retention.
NSW leads the nation in apprenticeship and traineeship participation, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of Australia’s total, with more than 103,000 apprentices and trainees in training.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan says these figures highlight the State Government’s commitment to building a skilled workforce for the future.
“Completion numbers in NSW are also on the rise, with a 10 per cent increase in the 2024 June quarter compared with 2023.” said Whan.
“This includes a 13 per cent jump in apprenticeship completions and 7% growth in traineeships, well above the national average of 3 per cent.”
“However, we know there is more work to do and finding innovative ways to address skills shortages in the construction sector will be key if we are to meet our NSW commitment to boost housing supply and reach net zero by 2050.”
“Whenever I meet apprentices, they tell me how difficult it is to keep up with cost-of-living pressures. I know this $10,000 boost will be warmly welcomed by apprentices in NSW.”
This incentive payment complements the work under way as part of the State Government’s newly released NSW Skills Plan, the first in over 15 years, the Apprenticeship & Traineeship Roadmap 2024-26, and the NSW VET Review, which all have a key focus on construction and renewable energy workforces and giving young people opportunities and pathways to fulfilling careers.
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