Record results continue for apprenticeships and traineeships in WA

While touring the SkillsWest Careers and Employment Expo today, Minister for Education and Training Sue Ellery MLC announced record-breaking numbers of Western Australian apprentices and trainees in training for June. The unprecedented numbers were bolstered by a record-breaking number of training contracts registered in July, eclipsing the March record.

On the back of the WA State Government’s significant investment in the training sector, the number of apprentices and trainees in training climbed to a record of more than 47,700 by the end of June 2022. This is the first time the number has reached beyond 45,000 in 10 years. The record 4,490 training contract registrations recorded in July eclipses the previous record set in March this year.
 

  • Apprenticeships and traineeships continue to be a popular choice for Western Australians, with more than 10,300 people completing an apprenticeship or traineeship in 2021–22; up 16 per cent from the previous year.
  • Apprenticeships with the most significant completion increases were mechanical fitters (up 71 per cent), automotive electricians (up 70 per cent), heavy mobile mechanics (up 46 per cent) and heavy/welding fabricators (up 42 per cent).
SkillsWest Careers and Employment Expo

The results come as Perth hosts the SkillsWest Careers and Employment Expo —Western Australia’s biggest showcase of jobs, skills and training at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, giving all West Aussies the advice and opportunities to follow suit. Now in its 13th year, the expo provides jobseekers and students with free advice and interactive experiences to inspire their future careers, with a strong focus on apprenticeships and traineeships. Up to 15,000 people including secondary students, graduates and career changers are expected to attend event, which brings 140 employers and training organisations together under one roof.

Staff from TAFE colleges and Jobs and Skills Centres are on hand to provide free and practical advice on apprenticeship, training and career opportunities, including the State Government’s $22 million Career Taster Program. While at the expo, the Minister took part in an interactive experience from the program, which is providing Year 9 students around the State with access to career discovery and practical industry activities to support early experiences of the world of work.

The expo also features an entire pavilion dedicated to WorldSkills regional competitions, where the State’s best are competing for medal positions in real time while showcasing their trade and skill talent.

The expo is on until 27 August at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. For more information, visit skillswestexpo.com.au.

“The McGowan Government’s five years of investment in training and workforce initiatives is creating record training results and world-class learning and job opportunities for West Australians.“ said the Minister. "Apprentices and trainees are a valuable part of the State’s workforce, so this surge in their numbers is adding to the pipeline of skilled workers available. The SkillsWest Expo comes at an opportune time with Western Australia’s strongest economic performance in the nation and very low unemployment putting jobseekers in a prime position to enter training or the workforce and make their dream careers become a life-changing reality. The expo provides a window into the amazing array of careers, jobs and skills and training opportunities on offer, and the practical support available to help Western Australians of all ages and backgrounds to access training and jobs.”

Read the full media statement here


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Page last updated February 09, 2024