While Maitland is in the grip of a major construction boom, apprenticeships and traineeships across the city and the wider Hunter region are going begging.
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As more school leavers set their sights on university, vocational education and training (VET) operators, like Maitland’s Hunter Valley Training Company (HVTC), are struggling to fill positions.
With a glut of advertising for university courses this time of year, the VET sector is floundering, experiencing a skills shortage with a lack of people prepared to take on apprenticeships and traineeships.
As second round university offers go out this week, many students are waiting to see if they are accepted before looking at alternate options.
Hunter Valley Training Company currently has 33 unfilled apprentice and trainee vacancies in the Hunter and 133 across the State.
HVTC CEO Sharon Smith said undertaking an apprenticeship or a traineeship is an excellent alternative to university study and should not be overlooked by people wanting to start or change their career.
“University is not the only option when it comes to higher education and it may not offer the right training, depending upon your chosen career and learning style,” Ms Smith said.
“Apprenticeships and traineeships provide school leavers with an opportunity to earn while they learn, obtain a nationally recognised qualification and hands-on work experience that will kick start their career.”
The shortage is not a first in the Hunter but with demand by employers for skilled people now growing, young people need to be encouraged to try VET pathways.
“They allow young people to earn while they learn, there’s no huge HECS debt, they offer real work experience and can lead to rewarding well paid careers.”
Despite its active recruitment process it has a shortage of applicants across many industries including automotive, engineering, customer engagement, electrical and construction.
The Apprentice Employment Network NSW and ACT has 1000 unfilled apprenticeships and traineeships across the Sydney metropolitan and regional areas.
Its executive officer Jason Sultana said this is the peak recruitment time for industry.
“Our members are indicating they cannot fill all the apprenticeships and traineeships they have available right now which target young people especially school leavers.”
