As part of the NSW State Budget, an additional 70,000 people across the state will receive fee-free TAFE training in bid to help address current skills shortages.
NSW treasurer Matt Kean will hand down his first state budget on Tuesday June 21, 2022.
He said the 2022-23 NSW Budget would invest $82.7 million over four years to accelerate the skills boom and help to deliver the lowest state-wide unemployment rate on record at 3.5 per cent.
The new investment in an additional 70,000 fee-free TAFE training places is in addition to the 100,000 fee-free apprenticeships and 70,000 fee-free traineeships already being delivered by the NSW Government.
The new funding will cover eligible courses across a broad range of industries, including transport and warehousing.
“This investment will deliver tens of thousands of new apprentices, trainees and full qualifications to help people get skilled for in demand jobs,” Kean said.
“The NSW Government’s strong economic management means we can deliver fee-free training which is helping people boost their budget and ensure a brighter future for them and their family.”
According to the most recent National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) report, there has been a 77 per cent increase in the number of people commencing apprenticeships and traineeships in the 12 months to September 2021.
There was also a 91 per cent increase in the number of women commencing apprenticeships and traineeships during the same period.
“This Budget cements the golden era for skills and training in NSW – there has never been a better time to get the skills you need to unlock a first job, a new job or a better job,” added Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens.
“As part of our skills-led recovery, we have seen an enormous surge in the number of people commencing apprenticeships and traineeships in NSW and this Budget will turbocharge the take-up of training right across the state.”
Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT executive officer Jason Sultana said the investment will deliver a pipeline of skilled workers for industry.
“This announcement shows the government is focused on addressing skills shortages for the long-term by removing the financial barriers for young people to move into trade apprenticeships,” he said.
For more details on training available, click here.