Training shortage sparks call for inquiry

LABOR has called for a parliamentary inquiry into an apprenticeship shortage, saying 1800 traineeships and apprenticeships have been lost in the past four years.

Opposition spokeswoman for training and skills development Anita Dow said there was a risk some Tasmanian industries could fall short of workers within a few years if no new workers were trained.

“Tasmania has lost 1800 apprentices and training places over the past four years and we need to understand why these positions have disappeared under the Hodgman Liberal Government and where the training dollars have gone,” Ms Dow said.

“We have a number of tradespeople who are approaching retirement, so while there is investment in the construction and building industry in Tasmania we should be looking to invest in our people and provide opportunities for training and apprenticeships.

“Labor is calling for a Parliamentary Inquiry to be established to look at key concerns including costs for industry, wages and training and work pathways ...”

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the call was hypocritical, with 4000 apprentices and trainees lost under the last Labor government.

He said the government was implementing initiatives such as payroll tax concessions to encourage businesses to take on apprentices.