Apprenticeship numbers growing

The construction and trades workforce may be set to increase in number and skills, as trainee and apprentice enrolments and opportunities continue grow across the country.

Charles Darwin University was recognised by chief minister Paul Henderson earlier this month (March 8) for its record number of enrolments for training courses and apprenticeships.

Already more than 600 trainees have registered at CDU for 2012, with an even spread across industry areas including trades, business, and community services.

"The Territory has a very bright future – kids who take up an apprenticeship today can get access to world-class jobs here", Mr Henderson said. 

These record figures come at a time when other states are also encouraging the uptake of trades to boost the future workforce.

Queensland high school students are being targeted by the Women Who Weld program in an attempt to draw more females into welding, as well as raise the profile of the trades industry as a viable career option for school leavers.

"Most young women wouldn’t put engineering trades at the top of their list of career opportunities but the barriers are being broken down steadily," said Rex Vegt, general manager of Atlas Engineering, which is a partner in the scheme.

"A program like this is win-win because it will give employers another option in meeting their skilling needs but also give young women better access to what are increasingly well-paid trades."