The rise in trainee and apprenticeship numbers is showing the Palaszczuk Government's record investment of more than $1 billion in training and skills is paying off, with people in Central Queensland getting the qualifications they need for the jobs of the future.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said 'RE-THINK', the theme of this year's National Skills Week, encouraged Queenslanders to take a good look at the many and varied careers available through vocational training.
"Wherever you are in Queensland, you deserve the opportunity to get world class training to help you get the right job," Minister Farmer said.
"There has never been a more important time to do this, and that's why the Palaszczuk Government put investing in training and skills at the heart of our $14.2 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan."
Member for Keppel and Assistant Education Minister, Brittany Lauga, said the government was supporting young people in Central Queensland with free training.
"We have free apprenticeships and free TAFE for under 25s across 165 priority skills areas including construction, health, and disability support services," Ms Lauga said.
"And the figures show that it's paying off: 45,700 apprentices and trainees started in the last financial year, which is a huge 56.6% rise on the year before.
"Nearly 1,000 of those are right here in Rockhampton and Keppel.
"Queensland is also the national leader in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships with 57% of the national total."
Member for Rockhampton, Barry O'Rourke said having the right facilities was vital to ensure Queenslanders continue to get world-class training.
"That's why we have invested over $220 million into renewing and revitalising TAFEs across Queensland since 2017 with another $100 million to come.
"Investment here in Central Queensland includes over $8 million for a Rockhampton Training Centre of Excellence.
"This will ensure our apprentices and trainees have world class facilities to train in and get the skills they need to change their lives."
Rockhampton school student Bethany Harth has learnt the value of vocational education and training at a young age.
Bethany completed a Certificate III in Sport and Recreation as a Year 12 student this year and is encouraging other students to dive into a VET course.
"As a competitive swimmer, I grew up around the pool, so an opportunity to complete the Sport and Recreation qualification was an obvious fit for me," Bethany said.
"My traineeship has opened up opportunities for me to develop a career in an industry that I love."
Bethany has already had success as a Central Queensland regional finalist in the 2021 Queensland Training Awards' School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year category.
Bethany is continuing to work at Bluefit and plans to continue her training journey and hopes to undertake further qualifications in the future.
"I love what I do because it's really rewarding. I'm helping people and getting to share my love of the water.
"My advice to other young Queenslanders is just do it – whether you follow it or you don't, it's an amazing opportunity to grow as a person and to grow your skillset. You learn so much, so you don't lose at all."
Minister Farmer said vocational education and training was vital to Queensland's economy.
"We know that if you get the right training, you're more likely to get the right job," Minister Farmer said.
"I'd encourage every single person reading this to go and look up all the rewarding, lucrative and prestigious career opportunities available through vocational education and training."
National Skills Week, which runs from August 23 to August 29, is an opportunity to raise awareness of the power of vocational education and training and the wide range of qualifications that lead to rewarding careers now and into the near future.
