Steve Whan
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education
Janelle Saffin
Minister for Small Business
Minister for Recovery
Minister for the North Coast
MEDIA RELEASE
Minns Labor Government expands $20 million skills program as Northern Rivers training numbers rebound
Saturday, 10 October 2026
The Minns Labor Government is investing more than $20 million to help small businesses, workers and job seekers gain the skills needed to grow, adapt and succeed in a changing economy.
This boost comes as the Northern Rivers training system continues to recover strongly following the 2022 floods, with apprenticeship and traineeship participation approaching pre-flood levels.
The investment will expand the NSW Government funded Part Qualifications Program to support existing workers in small businesses to upskill, improve productivity and strengthen workforce capability.
Under the Minns Labor Government, existing workers in small businesses will be able to access funded short courses and part qualifications to develop new skills, respond to changing workplace needs and improve career opportunities.
The program will also support training in emerging technologies aligned to critical skills needs, including digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
Since the 2022 floods, more than 10,500 apprentices and trainees have started training across the seven flood-affected Northern Rivers local government areas, with 3,500 receiving their Certificate of Proficiency.
Across the Northern Rivers 1,288 small businesses currently employ 3,565 apprentices and trainees.
As part of Small Business Month, Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan visited Lismore businesses, including Southside Chempro pharmacy, to highlight the important role small businesses play in creating jobs, supporting apprentices and trainees, and driving regional economic growth.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
"Small businesses are the backbone of communities across the Northern Rivers and play a critical role in creating jobs, building skills and training and next generation of workers.
"The Minns Labor Government is investing more than $20 million to give workers and small businesses access to practical training that helps businesses grow, improves productivity and creates new opportunities for employees.
"It's really encouraging to see apprenticeship and traineeship participation across the Northern Rivers approaching pre-flood levels, with more than 10,500 people commencing training since the devastating floods of 2022 and more than 3.500 completing their qualifications.
"Whether it's helping businesses adopt new technology, supporting apprentices and trainees or creating pathways into secure jobs, we're making sure workers and employers have access to the skills that work, for the future."
Minister for Small Business, Minister for Recovery, Minister for the North Coast, Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin said:
"Small businesses across the North Coast and Northern Rivers do far more than drive our regional economy - they are the heart of our communities. Having stood alongside them throughout the recovery journey, it's inspiring to see how tirelessly local employers continue to support their neighbourhoods.
"Seeing apprenticeship and traineeship participation bounce back so strongly across the region reflects the determination of our small business sector to keep growing and building for the future.
"This $20 million investment provides practical support to upskill workers, adopt new technology, and strengthen workforce capabilities. Southside Chempro is a fantastic example of a business delivering vital local services while actively creating opportunitie for staff to develop their skill right where they live."
