Queensland has recorded a dramatic drop in the number of young people completing apprenticeships and traineeships as Labor’s skills crisis worsens.
Data released by the National Centre for Vocational and Educational Training (NCVER) shows since Annastacia Palaszczuk was elected, completions have fallen by 20.7 per cent and there are 11 per cent fewer students in training.
“Queensland’s training industry is in crisis after five years of Labor,” Ms Simpson said.
“There are fewer young people starting training, fewer completing courses, and a significant number of people cannot find a job once they get their qualification.
“Every training indicator is now heading in the wrong direction under Labor.
“Plunging apprenticeship and traineeship numbers ultimately leads to less productivity and higher youth unemployment.
“Queensland’s youth unemployment rate is shamefully high at 14 per cent while there are 7165 fewer students in training compared to 2015.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government is crushing the careers of young people before they have even begun.
“Labor Employment Minister Shannon Fentiman is completely out of touch – she’s more interested in free luxury ski slope holidays with Jackie Trad when she should be focused on fixing the skills shortage.”
The NCVER data showed more than 15 per cent of Queenslanders couldn’t find a job after they had completed their training – the highest rate in the country. Commencements slumped by 4 per cent while cancellations and withdrawals increased 1.8 per cent.
Ms Simpson said the LNP had a plan to get Queensland working again and create jobs.
“The LNP will create a Queensland Industry Skills Council with more employers at the table with trainers to ensure young people across the state are getting the training they need for the roles that are needed,” she said.
“We will also launch a Young Entrepreneurs Program to deliver 8,000 students living in high youth unemployment regions the opportunity to receive life-changing training.
“The LNP will help young Queenslanders get a job and get ahead.”
| A&T Completers | ||||
| Employed after Training | Not employed after Training | Employed after Training | Employed after Training | |
| NSW | 90.6 | 9.4 | Males | Females |
| Vic | 85.8 | 14.2 | 86.7 | 80.4 |
| Qld | 84.5 | 15.5 | ||
| SA | 90.6 | 9.4 | ||
| WA | 86.6 | 13.4 | ||
| Tas | 93.8 | 6.2 | ||
| NT | 89 | 11 | ||
| ACT | 93.9 | 6.1 |
