Page hits out over apprenticeship completion rates
After 12 years of Labor, NSW apprenticeship completion rates have dropped to the second worst of any Australian State or Territory, Member for Ballina and Shadow Minister for Skills Development and Training Don Page said today.
Mr Page said figures released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research showed apprenticeship completion rates in NSW had fallen from 52 per cent between 1998-2002 to 45 per cent from 2002-2005.
He said the only State to record a lower completion rate was Victoria with 44 per cent between 2002-2005.
Mr Page said the figures were proof that the NSW Labor Government was not doing enough to encourage apprentices to complete their training.
“In light of the critical skills shortage gripping NSW, the Labor Government should be doing everything it can to increase the number of apprenticeship completions,” Mr Page said.
“Yet we are seeing a significant drop in the number of people completing their training in this State.
“A NSW Liberal/Nationals Coalition Government will address the low apprenticeship completion rate by expanding competency based training and providing financial incentives for both apprentices and their employers.
“We will also lift the value attached to skilled workers, through promotion of the career options available to those who complete an apprenticeship.
“The NSW Coalition is committed to addressing the skills shortage and increasing the number of apprentices finishing their apprenticeships.”
For related entries on Ballina Info on this topic, visit:
http://www.ballina.info/blog/2006/10/17/skills-shortages-affecting-local-businesses-page/
http://www.ballina.info/blog/2006/05/31/macklin-hits-out-over-northern-rivers-skills-shortage/
http://www.ballina.info/blog/2006/05/22/country-regions-ignored-over-trade-schools-says-page/
