By Matthew Giles, Manager, Mid-Coast Group Training
During the past financial year we have seen a welcome, national and local increase in focus on the importance of training to address looming skills shortages. Increased training is essential if our region is to profit from the national resources boom, rather than be left behind.
Training was a centre-piece of the Federal budget with millions of additional dollars for new skills development programs and mentoring of apprentices and trainees. We also saw an important report released on reform of the national apprenticeship system. While my company has apprenticeship completion rates of 85%, sector reform is needed to improve national rates from just 50%.
Locally we have seen more opportunities and choices being offered to students via the VET (Vocational Education and Training) system. Newman Senior Technical College is a good example. State high schools are offering more trade courses and there has been continued expansion of TAFE TVET courses.
We have also seen a great example of local organisations working together to develop a pathway to enable our region to increase the number of local kids with a degree. North Coast TAFE, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Charles Sturt and Newcastle universities and local training providers were all involved. Looking ahead, an exciting initiative is St Columba’s introduction of a new HSC Trade College in 2012.
We must make sure than local businesses take on apprentices and trainees wherever possible to boost their own long-term business prospects and kick-start the careers of our young people.
Together we can make sure we have a well-trained and skilled local workforce.
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