WA is working again

With improving employment and consumer sentiment figures and the increased focus on the importance of training from both State and Federal Governments, apprenticeships and traineeships are set for a positive future.

Apprenticeship Support Australia manager Lena Constantine said the team were excited about having apprenticeships and traineeships back in the spotlight. “It is great to see both State and Federal governments making apprenticeships and traineeships a focal point of their speeches, policies and programs,” she said.

The Federal Government through the Skilling Australians Fund aims to increase the number of apprentices and trainees by 300,000 over four years.

In Western Australia, apprenticeship and traineeship numbers have been in decline since 2012 and the 2016-17 financial year saw that decline deepen, dropping about another 10 per cent.

However, economic signs of optimism are also starting to push through. According to the ABS, there are now 942,000 West Australians in full time employment, the largest number since 2015.