GROUP TRAINING September 2002

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.