$500m for trainees and tradies
Media release | 8 June 2018
Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills John Barilaro today announced the NSW Government has signed up to the new National Partnership Agreement for the Skilling Australians Fund (NPA SAF) with the Commonwealth Government.
Mr Barilaro said the NSW Government has negotiated up to $500 million over 5 years in partnership with the Federal Government to train future generation of apprentices and trainees.
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals Government’s commitment to skilling our future workforce is second to none,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We are building the infrastructure that will carry NSW into the future and with that comes the opportunity to give young Australian’s training in a career that will support them for life.
“NSW is taking the lead on Vocational Education and Training (VET) by signing the new Agreement because we know how important a skilled workforce is for the future prosperity of this state.
“The Commonwealth’s commitment of up to $500 million over 5 years to NSW under the new National Partnership Agreement will go a long way to help us meet the skills needs of businesses and prepare our future workforce,” he said.
Mr Barilaro said the previous National Partnership on Skills Reform helped to drive much needed reforms through Australia’s VET sector.
“I congratulate the Commonwealth Government on working with the NSW Liberals and Nationals to deliver this landmark funding agreement,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The previous agreement helped introduce the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled program which has put trust back into the VET sector and means apprentices and trainees can complete subsidised training in courses that lead directly to employment opportunities.
“This new funding will continue to support employers to meet their growing need for qualified skilled apprentices and trainees and it will also help us as a Government deliver on our record investment in infrastructure projects throughout this state.
“More students, parents and teachers are realising that VET opens doors to rewarding careers and lifestyles.
“The partnership announced today with the Federal Government guarantees NSW will continue to have a trusted and high quality VET sector giving young workers the opportunities and training they need to build a rewarding career,” he said.
The National Partnership Agreement for the Skilling Australians Fund allows the NSW Government to access up to $500 million funding over 5 years and will directly support training opportunities for apprentices and trainees in NSW.