Apprentice and trainee positions surge, but almost all other states going backwards

Apprentice and trainee spots have surged in SA, according to new figures which show almost all other states going backwards.

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Apprentice and trainee positions have surged in SA over the year, according to latest figures which show almost all other states went backwards at the same time.

The latest report from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research, released on Monday, shows a 9.9 per cent increase in SA of the number of people in training in the 12 months to March.

Tasmania was the only other state to show an increase, rising 2.9 per cent.

The number of people starting courses in SA rose even more, by 11.9 per cent.

The State Government has been flagging a significant transition underway in the SA economy, with a shift toward hi-tech and defence, that requires a massive upgrade in worker skills.

The report finds there are 18,180 apprentices and trainees in SA, as national numbers declined 2.9 per cent on average.

The March figures predate the disruption of the COVID recession.

Innovation and Skills Minister David Pisoni said it showed “the resilience of the state’s training system, and augurs well for our economic recovery out of the COVID-19 pandemic”.

“These figures translate into jobs and lasting careers in new and expanding industries such as defence, space, cyber security, and industries requiring a higher apprenticeship,” he said.

“The success of Skilling SA has been built by Government working with industry … to shape the bespoke projects which employers and industries want to meet their skills needs.”

In September, the Government faced criticism for a slow start to a $200 million scheme, taken to the last election in 2018, which promised to train an extra 20,800 apprentices and trainees.

With just 115 added in the 12 months prior, it put the Government well behind target.

At the time, Mr Pisoni said “the first year is focused on stabilising the system”.

The new report was released amid a battle in SA parliament over further planned reforms the State Government said would create an “expanded, modern and accessible” system.

Opposition education spokesman Blair Boyer said the Government’s planned shake-up of the sector would harm vulnerable workers and many apprentices “who will be worse off”.

“Only the Liberals would think that increasing probationary periods, abolishing the Independent Training Advocate and giving David Pisoni the power to appoint all members of the Commission is something to be celebrated,” Mr Boyer said.

“The Marshall Liberal Government’s support for apprentices during the COVID-19 period has been non-existent. The only support provided has come from the Federal Government.

“These figures are up until March this year and therefore don’t include the COVID-19 period where, at one point, SA had the worst unemployment rate in the nation.”

Mr Pisoni rejected the claim the Government had failed to support apprentices during the pandemic, and pointed to programs including thousands of dollars in cash boosts for hiring and assistance with travel and equipment.

The Government wants to establish an SA Skills Commission.

It also introduces an expanded scope of trades and declared vocations and “simplifies” recognition of qualifications and “streamlines employer registration”.

NCVER bills itself as the main provider of research, statistics and data on Australia’s VET sector. The report was produced by NCVER on behalf of the federal and state governments.