“Completion rates for apprenticeships in NSW are the second lowest in Australia at just 45% - some 12% below the national average,” said Mr Paag.

“Young people in the Blue Mountains are missing out on the opportunity to pursue an apprenticeship.  We need to make apprenticeships more attractive for individuals and employers,” said Mr Paag.

Our $73 million plan to address the skills shortage includes:

1.  Exempting employers from Workcover Premiums for Apprentices;

 2.  A new Apprenticeship Incentive Scheme to deliver an additional $1,000 incentive to NSW apprentices to continue their training;

 3.  The introduction of standard three-year competency-based apprenticeships for many trades;

4.  The permanent extension of vocational education and training opportunities to students in years 9 and 10 in our high schools;

5.  An information campaign in high schools to promote skills-based

career options;

6.  A $2 million package of measures to promote mathematics, science and engineering studies and ongoing employment in the NSW defence industry;

7.  A formal bid to host the 2013 WorldSkills ‘Skills Olympics’ in NSW;

8.  A closer relationship between TAFE NSW and industry; and,

9.  Industry representation on the NSW Skills Council.