The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland(CCIQ) has welcomed the announcement by QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and QLD Minister for Employment and Small Business and QLD Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman of a $1 million fund targeting businesses to employ more apprentices.
Queensland’s growing population and steady pipeline of projects will be best served by boosting the state’s skilled capacity according to CCIQ General Manager of Advocacy Kate Whittle.
“With an improving economic outlook and heightened construction activity, it is important that key industries such as tourism, mining, and construction are ably supported by a well skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of a modern and diverse economy.”
CCIQ notes the demand for trades is expected to remain elevated over the longer term and a career path that is becoming increasingly attractive to both new and older job seekers.
“Apprenticeships are a career of choice with earning outcomes that continue to compare more favourable than industries linked to university education.”
“Given Australia’s pivot to a services economy in the last decade any encouragement in boosting apprenticeship numbers is to be welcomed,” Ms Whittle said.
Ms Whittle said the government’s announcement to work with industry group such as CCIQ will allow businesses to better access any government assistance or information on the benefits of hiring an apprentice.
Source: CCIQ