APPRENTICE and trainee commencements have increased by 23.6 per cent across South Australia with the numbers continuing to grow.
According to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) data, the quarter to September 30 last year compared to the same quarter in 2022 apprentice and trainee commencements increased by 380 to 2000.
This was 1.4 per cent points higher than the national average.
There were also commencement increases in the quarterly period for occupations including electrotechnology and telecommunications trades workers, engineering trades workers and mobile plant operators.
The number of completions also rose by 10.6 per cent over the same period the previous year and was the second highest growth in the nation.
South Australia also continued its national piece of work to lift completions in trades across the board by focusing on mentoring and wrap-around support for those in training.
Completions over the quarter were also up in the quarterly period for occupations including machine and stationary plant operators, engineering, ICT and science technicians, automotive and engineering trades workers and health and welfare support workers.
Minister for Education Blair Boyer said the state had a “big job” ahead to significantly increase the skilled workforce to meet the demands of the emerging defence industry and other areas of growth in the state.
“Across all sectors, including building and construction, health and community services, and early childhood education, there is great demand for skilled workers and with that means significant job opportunities for people in this state,” Mr Boyer said.
“Our investments in the wider skills sector will help us to meet the demands of the exciting period of growth ahead of us.”
