The Chief Executive Officer of the National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN), Dianne Dayhew, said the peak body welcomes Labor’s commitment to advancing opportunities through apprenticeships and traineeships.

“We congratulate Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his election and on the positive plan he has brought for the country,” Ms Dayhew said.

“Labor has a strong commitment to the apprenticeship system and has set out a positive agenda to build new opportunities for the many people who will choose this pathway.”

Apprenticeships and traineeships will play an even more important role as Labor rolls out its plan for revitalisation of domestic industry capability in the post-pandemic era.

Vocational education and training will be a critical avenue to address skills shortages in many industries, and in building a pipeline of skills for jobs in emerging industries.

“We believe that Labor’s promise to hold an employment summit in its first few months is an important step in considering the skills that will be needed and how apprenticeships and traineeships can address areas of skills shortage and the needs of employers,” Ms Dayhew said.

We also extend our congratulations to Minister Richard Marles who was sworn in today in the Employment portfolio and acknowledge his support for the apprenticeship sector and his work in helping to develop Labor’s skills policy.

NAEN also extends its appreciation to outgoing Minister Stuart Robert for his support of the sector at such a challenging time for many young people and their employers.