Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Education and Training
Tasmania has outperformed the nation in apprenticeship and traineeship commencements as the Hodgman Liberal Government continues to roll out record funding for education and skills.
In the 12 months to December 2018, the total number of apprenticeship and traineeship commencements in Tasmania increased by 1.1 per cent compared to the previous 12 months (to 4,910 new commencements). Nationally, total commencements decreased by 3.7 per cent over the same period.
In the 12 months to December 2018, trade apprenticeship commencements in Tasmania increased by 12.5 per cent compared to the previous year, while trade commencements for Australia decreased by 0.1 per cent over the same period.
As at 31 December 2018, the number of apprentices and trainees in-training in Tasmania (8 210) was 6.5 per cent higher than a year earlier, while the number in-training for all Australia was 1.0 per cent lower.
Tasmania also has the highest completion rates in the country at 58.1 per cent compared to 52.7 per cent for all Australia.
Apprenticeships and traineeships are a great pathway to a rewarding career help local businesses grow and create more jobs.
Our skills policy settings are working, and this year's State Budget maintains the momentum with initiatives such as Small Business Grants and Payroll Tax rebates helping businesses to take on apprentices as our economy grows.
The Hodgman Liberal Government will continue to invest for growth in TAFE and in delivering the skills we need for our growing economy.
