VERTO CEO Ron Maxwell has today applauded the NSW Government’s $2.6 billion investment in skills and training announced as part of the 2021-22 NSW Budget.
“Any investment in the future of the NSW workforce is obviously very welcome. It is great to see the NSW Government acknowledging the important role that high quality skills and training will play in helping our state recover from the COVID-19 pandemic with such a significant investment,” he said.
“I am very confident that initiatives to upskill workers and improve employment outcomes will deliver much needed and real-life positive outcomes for people in our local communities.”
Mr. Maxwell said the highlight of the 2021-22 NSW Budget was undoubtedly the investment in providing better pathways from high schools to the workforce.
“VERTO and Year13 research has revealed that perceptions of lower earning power, lack of encouragement and limited promotion of apprenticeships within schools and by parents are all significant barriers for students taking on apprenticeships or pursuing Vocational Education and Training (VET) careers,” Mr Maxwell said.
“In my opinion, the career guidance programs in our schools need to promote apprenticeships and traineeships more positively and accurately, because the fact is that they are a great way to earn while you learn and a very successful way to start a life-long career.
“The investment in providing better pathways from high schools to the workforce is one that is long overdue, but most importantly, has the potential to improve the lives of thousands of NSW high school students.”
Other highlights of the 2021-22 NSW Budget include:
- Continued investment of $318.6 million over two years for training under the NSW Skilling for Recovery JobTrainer program
- $5.2 million for an Educational Pathways Pilot Program to improve education and career outcomes for high school students
- $11.4 million to pilot Careers NSW, a dedicated careers support service.
