July 1 has come and gone and many changes have been implemented, one of those is fee free apprenticeships.
The Smart and Skilled Policy for the Fee Free Apprenticeship Strategy states that the NSW Government is investing an additional $285 million over six years to fund the qualification fees for 100,000 new apprenticeships commencing from 1 July.
NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, stated in a NSW Government media release that the free apprenticeships will be on offer in any course at TAFE and non-TAFE providers approved to deliver apprenticeship programs, removing the financial pressure apprentices face, and that it will help the State Government capitalise on infrastructure.
“The decision we are taking now help us to capitalise on our record infrastructure program by creating the electricians, plumbers and mechanics NSW needs.”
The Smart and Skilled Policy for the Fee Free Apprenticeship Strategy also states that student fees for apprenticeships were capped at $2,000. Under the Strategy, eligible apprentices that commence training on or after 1 July will be fee free. NSW apprentices, including school based apprentices who are funded under Smart and Skilled, and NSW apprentices funded through Cross Border Contract, and who commenced subsidised training on or after 1 July 2018 are eligible.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills, John Barilaro, emphasised the importance of the Strategy and how, as an ex-tradie himself, he feels about the Strategy.
“While NSW is home to around 60,000 apprentices, the State needs more to continue to deliver the roads, rail, schools and hospitals the NSW Government is investing in, and to meet the demand created by a booming economy. As an ex-tradie turned Skills Minister, it is extremely rewarding to be delivering this free training opportunity, particularly for our youngest workers.”
“There are an abundance of opportunities available for the next generation, and we (the NSW Government) want to make it as attractive as possible for them to take up a trade.”
The 100,000 free apprenticeships will be on offer until 30 June 2022 and includes all 121 courses currently funded under the Smart and Skilled program. This includes refrigeration and air conditioning courses.
The Smart and Skilled Policy for the Fee Free Apprenticeship Strategy can be found here.
Image via Pixabay.