An increase of apprentices was said to be one of the best long-term solutions to fill the skill gaps in the workforce, but it’s still a far cry from solving the ongoing skills shortages of today.
According to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), apprentices and trainees have increased by almost 17% compared to the previous year – an all-time high in Australian history. However, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported continued pressure on trade workers, labourers, and hospitality workers.
The 2021 annual report by National Skills Commission also revealed that 45% of employers had difficulties recruiting workers to fill recent vacancies. Similarly, the most recent Skills Priority List found that 42% of technician and trade work has remained unoccupied.
Even the worsening teacher shortages are starting to take a toll on student outcomes, school management, and staff wellbeing. Australia is currently facing a predicted shortfall of up to 5,000 secondary teachers through to 2025.
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These worrisome reports come on the heels of annual National Skills Week from August 22 to 28, which seeks to introduce Australians to a diversity of careers through vocational education and training. The objective is to highlight industries with the most in-demand jobs of the future to ensure Australians can gain the education they need to secure and maintain stable long-term employment.
However, it is not enough to hold a National Skills Week every year. For Gary Workman, executive director of the Apprenticeship Employment Network (AEN), there is a “disconnect” that ought to be resolved between the increased number of apprentices and the continued shortage of workers.
“The current apprenticeship boom needs to be continued to assist with addressing those gaps,” Workman said. “Additional measures are also needed to ensure youth have sustainable career options and businesses can continue to build the skills they need.”
“The Treasurer is looking for more efficient ways to do things. The obvious place to start would be by ensuring employers are only subsidised for genuine new apprenticeships,” Workman added. “These are some of the key issues the government must consider.”