Chris Minns
Premier of New South Wales

Jihad Dib
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government
Minister for Emergency Services
Minister for Youth Justice

Steve Whan
Minister for Skills TAFE and Tertiary Education

MEDIA RELEASE
NSW Government delivers on commitment to tackle skills shortage

Wednesday, 7 February 2024

The NSW Government is continuing to reskill the State with applications now open for the NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program, delivering on the Government's commitment to employ 1000 extra apprentices.

The $93.5 million investment, committed during the state election, will provide an opportunity for up to 1,000 apprentices and trainees to join more than 30 government agencies and state-owned corporations.

Under the former government the NSW skills sector was undervalued and neglected, which lead to a 33 per cent decline in apprenticeship and traineeship commencements since 2011.

But the NSW Labor Government understands how important a strong vocational education system is for skills training in NSW.

With broad skills shortages across the State, apprentices and traineeships provide a unique mix of on-the-job training with formal study that makes them vital additions to the future NSW workforce.

Under this program specific industries which have significant skills shortages, including transport, electricity, water, IT, and cyber security will be targeted.

Over three years of training, until June 2026, successful applicants will be able to:

• Earn and learn on the job;
• Have access to excellent career opportunities and industry experience;
• Gain support from highly experienced and skilled industry professionals;
• Build hands-on, practical experience; and
• Earn nationally recognised qualifications.

There are more than 50 qualifications available in the program with more than half of the roles based regionally.

To learn more about the initiative and register interest, visit The 1,000 NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program | NSW Government

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

"The NSW Government is committed to giving more young people opportunities to learn new skills, to get good paying jobs and to being to fill the skills shortage.

"Prior to the election we committed to addressing the shortage of skilled workers in NSW, following twelve years of underfunding and neglect.

"Under the former government we saw apprentice and trainee number plummet, as NSW lost out on vital skilled workers in priority areas like transport, electricity and IT.

"This is an important stap in reversing that trend and rebuilding the skilled workforce NSW needs.

"Today we are proud to be delivering on a major election commitment by increasing the skilled workforce in NSW by 1,000 - and we won't just train them, we'll hire them too."

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

"A job in the Department of Customer Service (DCS) can be incredibly rewarding, supporting the people of NSW with important frontline and digital services through leading Government agencies like Service NSW.

"Service NSW personnel do a great job for the people of NSW, and I encourage those interested to apply for these opportunities and do an apprenticeship or traineeship with Service NSW or any of the NSW agencies involved.

"Service NSW is the one-stop-shop for government services and these new roles will open the door to career pathways, giving candidates vital workplace experience and employment opportunities in an organisation that is making services more accessible to everyone."

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

"The NSW Labor Government is directly tackling the skills shortage by investing in and training the next generation of workers to build a highly skilled workforce.

"We're not just plugging gaps; we're launching careers. If you're a recent high school graduate or an adventurer seeking a new path, you should seize this opportunity and make the most of it.

"If you're considering a new career, I strongly encourage you to apply and become an apprentice or trainee in the public service.

"Today's investment in apprentices and trainees is tomorrow's investment in a thriving NSW economy. Apprentices and trainees will gain on-the-job work experience and emerge with a nationally recognised qualification that will absolutely broaden their career opportunities.

The program will also position the NSW public sector as a leader in the employment of apprentices and trainees as we build capacity within our own agencies."