The NSW Government will invest $10 million to help school leavers start their career through free pre-traineeship and pre-apprenticeship courses.
Minister for Skills John Barilaro met with trainees at the Sydney Fish Market to announce the initiative that will provide a platform for more students to access training and include greater support for school leavers.
Investing In School Leaver Courses And Traineeships To Create More Jobs : NSW
“As the school year draws to a close, many students will be thinking about their next move and we want more students to consider a career in the trades, so this is a ‘try before you buy’ initiative,” Mr Barilaro said
“Our investment will help up to 2,000 students find the career that suits them, and increases the likelihood of completing a subsequent traineeship or apprenticeship,” he said.
Mr Barilaro also announced that from 2016, the NSW Government has capped the traineeship fee at $1,000 under new reforms to vocational education and training in NSW.
“Recognising the need to continue encouraging more trainees we will enable more access for students to be trained in the skills to get a job,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This change means more people can access high quality, affordable training so they have the skills for the jobs of the future, and employers have a skilled workforce,” he said.
Over 85 per cent of the current traineeship qualifications on the NSW Skills List will be cheaper for students in 2016, with the average saving being $1,128. The adjustment is in response to ongoing consultation with training providers, industry and students.