The latest data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) confirms that Victoria is failing on apprenticeship commencements and completions.
Over the life of the Andrews Labor Government, apprenticeship commencements have plummeted by 25 per cent, with 10,800 fewer apprentices commencing training in 2019 compared with 2015.
As part of the Back to Work Back in Business platform to get the Victorian economy moving post COVID-19, the Liberal Nationals have called on Labor to boost apprenticeship commencements by 10,000 by the start of the 2022 training year.
With the Victorian economy in recession, it is critical that we restore the level of technical trades training.
In Question Time today, Higher Education Minister Gayle Tierney provided no explanation for the huge drop in apprenticeships while she has been Minister and failed to commit to boosting apprenticeship commencements at this critical time for our economy.
Comments attributable to Shadow Treasurer, Louise Staley:
“Labor has decimated apprenticeships in Victoria over the last five years.
“The Andrews Labor Government’s focus is on factional brawling, not working for Victorians.
“After seeing apprentice numbers plummet by 25 per cent Labor must, as part of the COVID recovery, commit to boosting apprentice starts by 10,000 by 2022.”
