Why apprenticeships are the new black for careers

Meanwhile, this year’s National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference (held this week) is focusing on new ways to bring employers, community and educators together to skill up the next generation of Australian workers and ensure the future competitiveness of the country’s economy. This comes as the Government renews its commitment to increase supplies of skilled tradespeople via the Apprenticeship Support Network – of which Apprenticeship Support Australia is a major part.

For job seekers, the combination of a skills shortage and strong Government backing of vocational training pathways presents the ideal opportunity to secure positions in industries that can offer long-term career advancement. But how do they secure these in-demand positions? By committing to paid work and training as part of an apprenticeship agreement with an employer seeking skilled workers.

Under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program, an Australian Apprentice undertaking a Certificate III or IV qualification that leads to an occupation listed on the National Skills Needs List may even be eligible to attract employer incentives and personal benefits. The market is ripe for trade-based skills oriented career success!

So which industries are struggling to fulfil their recruitment needs? As of September 2014, the Government has identified shortages across the automotive and engineering trades, construction trades, food trades, skilled animal trades, horticultural trades and so-called “other” technical trades.

A complete listing of national skills needs (including breakdowns for your State or Territory) can be accessed here.

For more information about training for a job on the National Skills needs list contact Apprenticeship Support Australia for a free consultation.