Construction Industry Apprenticeships

In reply to the Hon. H.M. GIROLAMO ().1 November 2022).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Education, Training and Skills has advised:

Many apprenticeships in construction such as the Certificate III in Civil Construction are subsidised by government's annual investment of around $300 million in training to ensure there is a pipeline of skilled workers.

The Malinauskas Labor government is also backing industry programs that work. We have committed $1 million over four years to the Master Builders SA Born to Build outreach program. It focuses on promoting apprenticeships in the building industry, including a focus on women and Aboriginal people.

In support of employment outcomes and pastoral care, group training organisations receive funding through the $5 million South Australian Group Training Program in place until 2025.

To support students overcome barriers to learning and employment, free access to learner support services are available and the travel and accommodation allowance provides around $2 million annually to support rural and regional apprentices – opening up trade pathways to all South Australians.

We are also looking to the future and supporting pathways to skilled trades through a $208.8 million investment in five new technical colleges.

The decision to offer an apprenticeship is ultimately a decision by individual employers.

The Malinauskas Labor government is committed to continuing to support learners access training, including through apprenticeships. Improving completions across the vocational system is of the highest priority for our government.