Apprenticeships for growth: how skills investment can drive Australia's economic recovery

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis has created unprecedented economic upheaval. Millions of Australians are now unemployed or leaving the workforce, entire sectors of the economy have been shuttered and our leaders are warning us to prepare for an extended period of economic uncertainty. Apprenticeships and traineeships facilitate a uniquely adaptable skills development model. They give individuals employment certainty and a defined pathway to a qualification and a career. They also offer businesses the security of knowing their employees will receive workplace-relevant...  [+] Show more

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis has created unprecedented economic upheaval. Millions of Australians are now unemployed or leaving the workforce, entire sectors of the economy have been shuttered and our leaders are warning us to prepare for an extended period of economic uncertainty. Apprenticeships and traineeships facilitate a uniquely adaptable skills development model. They give individuals employment certainty and a defined pathway to a qualification and a career. They also offer businesses the security of knowing their employees will receive workplace-relevant training to develop cutting-edge industry skills. As our leaders consider the policy options to best position Australia for the post-COVID-19 economic recovery, it is clear an expanded emphasis on apprenticeship employment and targeted vocational training must be central to any economic and employment recovery strategy. This report details the exciting range of opportunities available through apprenticeship and traineeship programs.

Edited excerpts from publication and publisher's website.