The frightening fall in Australia’s skills

Business heads expect state and federal government to soon give Australia’s training sector a much needed shot in the arm.

New statistics show Australia is de-skilling itself at an alarming rate, and Victoria is leading the downturn.

There was a 22 per cent drop in apprentices and trainees in the last financial year in Victoria.

The Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry today told Neil Mitchell they expect ‘significant’ measures from state and federal governments.

And VECCI boss Mark Stone emphasised why it was necessary.

‘It’s a national trend, and it’s certainly concerning from a short- and long-term view,’ he said.

He warned of a ‘double-barrel’ effect if training numbers didn’t increase.

‘We won’t have the skills that are necessary to service our needs in the future,’ Mr Stone said.

‘But there’s also the impact on young people – the impacts on their self-esteem and self-confidence.’