The state’s peak business organisation has welcomed the Minns Government’s $252m investment for councils to ramp up tradie training. The funds will enable 128 local councils to employ 1300 apprentices and trainees.  

Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter said the much-needed boost would significantly contribute to easing the critical skills shortage.  

“It’s great to see the NSW Government put apprenticeships at the core of their strategy to address the skills gap, particularly in regional areas,” Mr Hunter said.    

“Local councils are key members of our network, and this investment in essential skills will have a positive impact across the board.      

“Skills are not just for securing your first job — they’re a lifelong asset that the whole of NSW can benefit from.”  

Mr Hunter said the funding boost aligned with the priorities highlighted in BNSW’s latest Business Conditions Survey.     

“In our latest survey, businesses ranked skills and education third on their list of 11 future investment priorities,” he said.  

Business NSW welcomes the recent NSW vocational and education (VET) review and is confident this investment in VET skills through local government will lean into a renewed vision for TAFE NSW and the registered training industry.  

“Our input to the VET review underscores the crucial role of VET in addressing workforce needs and highlights the importance of TAFE NSW for quality training outcomes," Mr Hunter said.   

“We commend the government for its commitment to investing in skills and urge the Federal Government to continue prioritising skilled migration in boosting much needed skills alongside these increased training numbers.”