Growth in VET Training for non-trade occupations.

Recently released data published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) revealed a 4.6 per cent increase in the number of Australians commencing training in non-trade professions from the previous years data.

" This result indicates people continue to get the benefit of learning on-the-job as an apprentice or trainee," Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, the Hon Karen Andrews MP said. "The Government is concerned, however, with the same data also revealing a drop in the number of people starting an apprenticeship."

NCVER figures show overall apprentice and trainee commencements were down by 3.7 per cent compared to last years data. Growth areas were more likely to be for sales assistants, salespeople and child carers.

"We are actively working to improve the system through a number of initiatives, including the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network - introduced to assist employers recruit, train and retain apprentices while also helping apprentices get the support they need to complete their training, " Minister Andrews said. 

"The Government will invest $9.2 million to fund five new industry-led training models. The project will lead to greater skills development, choice and industry acceptance. Funding of $6.82 million has also been made available to test multi-industry pre-apprenticeship models that are giving young people hands-on industry experience an a pathway into an apprenticeship or traineeship."

For further information on the Australian vocational education and training statistics: Apprentices and trainees 2016 please click here.

Mike Cullen has recently returned to Akolade after a period as the conference producer for one of Australia's leading economic think tanks. Mike began working in the conference industry in 2007 after looking for a career change from the high pressured world of inbound customer service. Mike has worked for some of the most well-known conference and media companies in the B2B space and in his spare time is working on his first novel in a planned Epic Fantasy trilogy.

Mike’s most recently published story, Seeds of Eden, is featured in the Sproutlings Anthology released in March 2016. Mike is also editing the Anthology – Community: Tales of the LGBTI scheduled for release in June 2017.