The Palaszczuk Government's investment and skills and training is paying off, with a new report showing more than 16,000 Queenslanders started an apprentice or traineeship in the December 2020 quarter - up 11 per cent from 2019.
The latest figures from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), also show that more than 10% of workers employed within trade occupations in Queensland were an apprentice or trainee.
Minister for Training and Skills Development and Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the Palaszczuk Government had put investing in skills at the heart of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
"Clearly our support for employers, and record investment in apprenticeships and traineeships, is paying dividends," Minister Farmer said.
"We know that there are lots of industries with skills shortages that need more people with the right qualifications to fill the vacant roles they have.
"That's why, among other things, we are funding the training costs for a range of in-demand qualifications for people under 25 through our free apprenticeships program.
"With 139 priority apprenticeships and traineeships covered through the program, we are supporting businesses in a range of industries to develop the skilled workforce they need, and people are clearly taking advantage of these opportunities.
"The Palaszczuk Government has also worked to support employers of apprentices and trainees impacted by COVID-19 to keep their staff on or put their training contracts on hold so employees could resume their training when conditions improved."
The NCVER's Apprentices and Trainees 2020 – December quarter release for Queensland shows 63,625 apprentices and trainees were in training as at 31 December, up 12 per cent compared to 2019.
"Getting these new and continuing apprentices and trainees to complete their training contracts and become qualified, job ready workers is so important for the future prosperity of Queensland," Minister Farmer said.
"To support them, our $100 million Equipping TAFE for our Future program has kicked off this year with around $40 million being invested in our TAFE Queensland campuses so they can deliver world class training from fit for purpose facilities.
"In addition, the recent Budget's investment in major infrastructure projects will support apprentices and trainees up and down the state.
"We also have the 50 per cent payroll tax rebate for apprentice and trainee wages.
"The Palaszczuk Government's strong commitment to investing in skills will ensure we have the workforce we need for our economy to thrive."
