The State Government is failing to reach their apprenticeship targets at a time when skilled workers are desperately needed across Queensland.
Over the last seven years, the State Government has fallen short by 14,400 completed apprenticeships.
That means right now, Queensland is missing more than 14,400 qualified tradespeople from all industries like hospitality and construction.
Queensland, especially places like Rockhampton need these skilled workers. Without them, businesses close, projects are delayed and the economy lags.
It is critical for the Government to plan ahead and identify future projects to start training workers now and recruiting them into priority fields.
By training and recruiting local workers, it keeps jobs in the regions.
Apprentices and Trainees Queensland, based in Central Queensland, has put forward a great pilot project to increase capacity of Rockhampton precast concrete manufacturers by upskilling local labour.
This can ensure jobs on major projects like the Rockhampton Ring Road go to locals, and taxpayer money is not wasted on flying in and housing workers from around the state.
It’s vital more apprenticeships are completed right across Queensland and that skilled workers are based in every corner of the state.
Queenslanders deserve a plan to make this happen.
