Tradie training boom in south western Sydney
Electrical trades apprentices will benefit from upgrades to a state-of-the-art centre in south western Sydney which will train more than 2,000 people a year and help address skills shortages.
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens opened stage two of the National Electrical and Communications Association’s (NECA) Centre of Excellence in Chullora today, which will turbocharge the take-up of vocational education and training.
“The NSW Government is driving a construction boom and there’s enormous demand for tradespeople, particularly in electrical and communications trades,” Mr Henskens said.
“This new state-of-the-art facility will be a powerhouse for apprentice and post-trade training, by combining practical real-world skills with mentoring, industry partnerships and career opportunities.”
The new training facilities allow NECA to enhance post-trade training offerings in areas like telecommunications, solar, battery storage and smart metering. The facility also includes a 100-seat auditorium.
General Manager of NECA Training and Apprenticeships Tom Emeleus said the new centre is one of the construction industry’s latest and most comprehensive facilities.
“The new facility will cater to students across a wide range of courses, including addressing areas of critical skills shortages and advanced training within clean energy infrastructure,” Mr Emeleus said.
“Our holistic approach to training, addressing emerging and advanced technologies and the changing requirements of the industry, gives the NECA Centre of Excellence a strong opportunity to lead the industry.”
The NSW Government is investing in 100,000 fee-free apprenticeships and 70,000 fee-free traineeships that directly address industry needs and skills shortages, so that people can get a first job, a new job or a better job.