The number of South Australians that now have apprenticeships or are trainees continues to grow, according to new data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research.
The figures, for the quarter to 30 September 2023 compared to the same quarter in 2022, show that apprentice and trainee commencements increased by 380 to 2000, or 23.6 per cent. This was 1.4 percentage points about the national average.
There was an increase in a range of occupations including electrotechnology and telecommunications, engineering and mobile plant operators. The number of apprentices finishing their training also rose by 10.6 per cent over the same period, the second-highest growth in the nation.
South Australia continues to show strong growth in trade sectors as the state's workforce looks towards building on a number of significant opportunities, including the AUKUS deal which will see ship and submarine building activity in Adelaide.
Investments in the skills sector include the signing of the $2.3 billion National Skills Agreement (NSA), including fee-free TAFE, funding for five new regional skills centres and a boost in funding for training providers to address skills shortages.
South Australian Skills Commissioner Cameron Baker said more people with VET qualifications were needed to meet the needs of industry now and into the future.
"So, these figures today showing more people in trades are very encouraging, particularly in construction, automotive and engineering trades," Mr Baker said.
"It is positive to note that there has been almost a 24 per cent increase in commencements this quarter when compared to the same period last year."
The chief executive officer of training group PEER, Brian Rungie, said South Australian businesses needed a pipeline of skilled workers to meet the needs of projects within our State involving the construction, defence and renewable sectors.
"It has never been a better time to be an apprentice or trainee within South Australia," Mr Rungie said.
"The career opportunities are endless."
