HSC graduates urged: consider apprenticeships

“The employment outlook for apprentices and trainees is very strong, with 85.5 per cent employed six months after they complete their training,”  Apprenticeship Support Australia NSW General Manager, Andrew Williams, said today.
 

“And the future is even brighter for those in in the technical or trade industries, such as  electricians, bricklayers and panel-beaters, with 91.4 per cent employed after completing their  ‘earn-while-you-learn’ apprenticeship qualifications.”

 
Mr Williams says it’s important for young graduates to understand where the jobs are and what employers are looking for when selecting careers pathways.
 
“The NSW Skills List 2016 is a handy source of information about the current skills in demand in this State and the training needed to qualify, and also about the courses that have costs subsidised by Government to help fill industry needs,” Mr Williams says.
 
“Under the Australian Government’s Apprenticeship Support Network program, training is also backed by ongoing mentoring and support from experts to ensure participants have the best chance of success.
 
“Many young people think that university attendance is the only prescription for a successful career, but there are literally hundreds of vocational training pathways that can lead to interesting and often lucrative occupations.
 
“Once an apprenticeship or traineeship is completed graduates are often offered a permanent position with a well-defined career path, competitive income and they may even be prepared to start a business of their own, boosting local economies.
 
“I urge today’s HSC graduates to ensure they have thoroughly explored the opportunities afforded by a vocational education before making that final decision to sign up for further training of any kind.”