The Minns Labor Government is on track to deliver an election commitment to employ an extra 1,000 apprentices and trainees in NSW government departments with applications for the final round of positions now open.
Funding for 432 additional roles across 73 agencies has been approved with positions for 215 apprenticeship roles and 217 trainees across the state, taking the total jobs offered under the program above the original 1,000 target.
The $93.5 million program has been an overwhelming success with 651 apprentices and trainees placed in roles over the last two years with an almost-even split between regional and metropolitan locations and a 94 per cent retention rate.
Importantly there has been a 94 per cent retention rate of apprentices and trainees funded under the program.
Through the 1,000 NSW Public Sector Apprenticeships and Trainees Program, Trainees are also breaking gender stereotypes, by working in non-traditional roles. Morgan Johnson and Summer Crealy are two trainees working at the Port Authority of NSW, a male dominated industry, with women making up just 5 per cent of the seafarer workforce and 3 per cent of the shore-based maritime workforce, according to the 2020 Maritime Industry Australia Diversity Census.
Agencies offering positions in the third and final round include: National Parks and Wildlife Service, Art Gallery of NSW, NSW Police, NSW Port Authority, Transport for NSW, Sydney Trains, Essential Energy and NSW Health.
The success of the program is just one initiative by the NSW Government to open opportunities for young people in public service and to upskill the state's workforce.
Other initiatives include:
- 1,000 apprentices to be trained each year in the new Manufacturing Centres of Excellence
- The Fresh Start for Local Government Apprentices, Trainees and Cadets Grants Program injecting $252.2 million to employ new starters over the next six years
The positions will be advertised on 1000 A&T webpage, I work for NSW and generic job search engines.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
"I am proud to see our election commitment fulfilled with the latest round under the 1,000 NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program taking us beyond our target.
"Not only does this program show the Minns Labor Government 'walking the talk' in offering young people opportunities, it is also ensuring we have a pipeline of skilled workers to continue delivery of essential public services."
Port Authority of NSW Trainee Morgan Johnson said:
"The 1,000 Apprentices and Traineeships Program is breaking down barriers to entry by intentionally creating space for women to confidently step into traditionally male-dominated industries they're passionate about."
"The Port Officer Traineeship Program is allowing me to gain new qualifications and learn from true professionals while exposing me to possible career paths that I never even knew existed."
Port Authority of NSW Trainee Summer Crealy said:
"I'd spent time working in harbour charter services and boat rental businesses, but finding a clear path to advance my skills was difficult, until I discovered the female traineeship program."
"Living in a regional area like the South Coast makes it challenging to access the kind of industry experience needed to grow a maritime career."
"When I heard about the program, I jumped at the opportunity to pursue structured training with unique industry experiences and build those connections within the industry at Port Kembla."
The success of the program is just one initiative of the NSW Government to open opportunities to young people and rebuild the State's skilled workforce.
Botanic Gardens of Sydney Trainee Gretta Mountford said:
"I always loved the environment, but I didn't actually know much about plants.
"I came across this apprenticeship on social media, and it just clicked. I wanted to work outdoors, be hands-on and develop skills that aligned with my interests. The 1,000 NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program made that possible."
