GRADUATING HSC students are urged to consider how apprenticeships and traineeships could be the stepping stone to a successful and secure future.

With the release of HSC results today, Apprenticeship Support Australia regional manager, NSW north, Jeffrey Cooke, said apprenticeships and traineeships offer a hands-on alternative to university that allows young people the option to earn while they learn.

“Apprenticeship and traineeship qualifications are in high demand across the country with a national skill shortage as high as 50 per cent for some trades,” Mr Cooke said.

“Skilled workers in construction, manufacturing, clean energy and community support are in shortage nationally and the demand for these skills will only grow.

“The Australian Government Jobs and Skills Report 2024 found that the median income in the base year and two years after commencing an occupation was higher for those with an apprenticeship pathway than those with a non-apprenticeship pathway.

“A successful apprenticeship or traineeship leads to a secure future with strong job prospects,” Mr Cooke said.

“Recent data supports this, with 95.6 per cent of trade apprentices and trainees in 2023 employed after their education.

“Once an apprenticeship or traineeship is completed young people are often offered a permanent position with a well-defined career path, competitive income and may even be prepared to start a business of their own, boosting local economies.”

Students are urged to consider how apprenticeships and traineeships could be the stepping stone to a successful and secure future.

Hunter Region Fabrication apprentice, Keleigh Stewart, enjoys the variety of skills she’s learning and is excited for the future.

“You get to expand your knowledge, and there’s so much you don’t consider before starting an apprenticeship and realising where it can lead,” Ms Stewart said.

“Thinking about the possibilities ahead makes me really excited about where my life will take me.

“Being hands-on with the tools and engaging in meaningful work is really rewarding.”

For school leavers who aren’t sure about what they want to do, ASA recommends they visit www.skillsroad.com.au and complete the free career quiz and job fit test to learn about their skill set and which careers may suit them.

Media Release