“Australia’s manufacturing industry has come through a difficult period, in the face of both domestic and global challenges,” Minister Andrews said.
“Rebuilding confidence in the industry will grow the demand for skilled workers as well, presenting an opportunity to thousands of Australian Apprentices and trainees.
“The Turnbull Government is committed to seeing an extra 300,000 apprenticeships over the coming four years through the Skilling Australians Fund and I expect that many of them will find on-going employment with Australia’s various manufacturers.”
Minister Andrews said five states and territories have already signed on to the SAF, which will commence on 1 July 2018, injecting an estimated $3 billion into the VET sector in state and federal funding.
“SAF will kick-start Australia’s skilled labour sector, sparking what is possibly one of the largest recruitment drives we’ve seen for apprentices. I expect the influx of new skilled workers will boost industries like the manufacturing sector.
“I am confident the apprentices in the coming years and the qualified workers they will become will have the exact skill sets needed by the manufacturing sector to deliver major projects to world standard and beyond,” Minister Andrews said.
The National Manufacturing Summit included representatives from major stakeholders including business, unions, universities, the financial sector, suppliers, and government.
Want to comment on this topic? Click 'Have Your Say' and add your thoughts.
