Apprenticeship enrolments in NSW have increased by 16 per cent in the first half of 2018. 

Under the Smart and Skilled program which was introduced in 1 July 2018, vocational education students have taken advantage of the 100,000 fee-free apprenticeships and traineeships. 

The program has benefited employers from having pay up to $2000 for training costs per apprentice and removed upfront fees for students. 

The most significant growth was seen for students in construction with a 29 per cent growth, making up 3400 students. 

Students in electrotechnology electrician courses saw the highest enrolment numbers with 9100 students, which was a 14 per cent growth. 

In addition, carpentry saw a 15 per cent growth with 7800 students. 

According to Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills John Barilaro, NSW has 74,300 apprentices and trainees doing off-the-job trainings. This makes up 34 per cent of the national figure, making NSW the highest in the nation. 

“The results reflect growth in the NSW economy and show that employers see apprenticeships and traineeships as critical to that growth, while students see them as a pathway to valued employment,” Mr Barilaro said. 

“With our recent $285 million investment to make all apprenticeships fee-free over the next four years, we expect many more people to take up apprenticeships,” he added. 

To be eligible for the fee-free apprenticeships, the course must be funded under the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled Program. 

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