Government’s New Apprentice Program Short 270,000 Trainees: Opposition

Published on February 20, 2024

The government has been criticised for delaying investment in essential skills following a review of incentive schemes for apprentices. Skills Minister Brendan O’Connor, on Feb. 19, outlined a review of the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System, which offers a financial boost to employers hiring trainees in essential industries. The review will examine whether additional incentives are needed to retain apprentices in industries with worker shortages, aiming to secure the future of these crucial sectors. However, opposition skills minister and deputy leader, Sussan Ley, said the review was merely the government “kicking the can down the road” in boosting apprentice numbers.  “This ‘strategic’ review is less a strategic review and more a strategic delay, it is taking submissions until the day after the Federal Budget, this all but rules out any new support for struggling apprentices,” she said. ...

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