TAFE apprenticeship booming
TAFE Queensland Gold Coast says its apprentice numbers are surging despite a national decline.
Between 2014 and 2016 the number of trades-related apprentices in Australia fell by nine per cent, according to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research.
However, during the past three years TAFE Gold Coast has seen its apprentice numbers increase substantially.
The fastest-growing trades include electrotechnology, where the number of apprentices has increased by 25 per cent to 798, wet trades by 30 per cent to 168, plumbing by 25 per cent to 254, and cabinet making/shop fitting by 40 per cent to 162.
TAFE Gold Coast has a total of 2197 apprentices in training this year.
Queensland executive director Robert Petherbridge said the growth is a result of the flexible study options offered to employers.
“We have experienced sustainable growth for many years now and this is directly attributed to our tailored delivery options and relationship with local businesses,” Mr Petherbridge said.
He said staff work closely with employers to find the most efficient apprenticeship and traineeship model.
Trade Skills faculty director Rob Jones said under its workplace training model, assessments take place on-site, which cuts down on apprentice absences.
He said employers have responded positively to the model with 137 approaching the organisation in the past two years to provide education services.