ACT churning out apprentices

The ACT has experienced a 165% increase in apprenticeship and traineeship completions and a 125% increase in the number of apprentices and trainees in training over the last decade, according to the Minister for Education and Training, Andrew Barr.

Figures released recently from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research show the ACT has significantly increased its apprentice and traineeship activity in the decade from 1996 to 2006.

"With skills shortages being a major issue for many Canberra businesses, the ACT Government committed an extra $6.2 million over four years in this year's budget for VET grants, to respond to the massive demand for apprenticeships and traineeships in the ACT," said Barr.

"In 2006, 3.2% of all employed people in the ACT were apprentices and trainees."

Mr Barr also said the figures revealed more ACT apprentices and trainees to be completing their qualifications and completing them more quickly.

"Overall, compared to the national average and across most occupations, more ACT apprentices and trainees completed their qualifications.

"This means more Canberrans are completing their qualifications and in a faster timeframe, a great sign for responding to the need for skilled employees in the territory."