GROUP TRAINING September 2002
Better Business September 02
GROUP TRAINING September 2002
As the local National Party Member of Party Member, I acknowledge the important
role group training organisations play in providing apprenticeship and
traineeship opportunities, particularly for young people who may be
disadvantaged in the labour market.
There has been a high growth in the number of apprenticeships and traineeships
in NSW in the past five years, which has boosted employment, skilled up the
workforce and filled skills gaps.
In the Lismore electorate there are a number of group training service
providers, covering the North Coast area, which has vast variety of industry
bases including rural and coastal such as hospitality, mechanical, building and
administrational.
Currently skilled shortages is the biggest challenges being met by group
training providers with the building industry experiencing distinctive shortages
followed by the automotive sector also encountering similar trends. Employers
are recognising that taking on apprentices is necessary and will ensure the
future supply of trained and qualified tradespeople. Group training service
providers are assisting businesses in establishing new traineeships and
apprenticeships and coordinating the advantages of these workers moving between
a number of differing employers, gaining varied experience and a cross section
of expertise. Long term careers prospects are broadened through group training
involvement and a variety of employers.
In the North Coast region, 30 new apprentices have been recorded by one provider
along this year alone compared to half that of last year.
North Coast Trainee of the Year Miss Cherie Kay has represented the area in the
State Finalist Awards. Many will not appreciate this tremendous achievement,
however Cherie has been chosen as the North Coast Trainer of the Year from 6,000
apprentices and trainees in this region. She is the first ever State Finalist
and will be judged along with five other finalists from 11 regions across the
State. This alone is a great tribute to the quality of group training graduates
and I congratulate all local graduates, furthermore I acknowledge and
congratulate all providers in my electorate on their successes.
