Justin Clancy
Shadow Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education
Concerns have grown about the State’s ability to meet future workforce demand, with the latest National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) data showing New South Wales’ skills pipeline continues to weaken with falling qualification enrolments.
Shadow Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Justin Clancy said businesses across New South Wales continue to warn they cannot find the skilled workers they need, and the latest data suggesting the pipeline is moving in the wrong direction.
“Everywhere you look, employers are telling us they need more skilled workers. The latest NCVER figures suggest we’re producing fewer of them,” Mr Clancy said.
“The warning signs have been there for some time, so this latest NCVER data should be sounding alarm bells for the Minns Labor Government.”
“Apprenticeship and traineeship commencements in New South Wales have fallen from 65,265 in 2022 to 39,630 in 2025, a decline of almost 40 per cent. The number of apprentices and trainees in training has also fallen by almost 25 per cent.”
“Alongside falling apprenticeship commencements, qualification enrolments are now declining at a time when employers across New South Wales continue to report persistent skills shortages.”
Mr Clancy said the latest figures showed there was an increasing disconnect between what the Minns Government said about skills and what was actually happening on the ground.
“When apprenticeship commencements are down and the number of apprentices in training are down, the Minns Government must explain how their policies are delivering the outcomes New South Wales needs,” Mr Clancy said.
“Businesses don’t need more announcements. They need more qualified workers on their books.”
Mr Clancy said the Liberals and Nationals are committed to rebuilding the skills pipeline by strengthening apprenticeships, backing employers and ensuring training better reflected the needs of industry.
“We need to make it easier for employers to take on apprentices, strengthen career advice in schools and ensure training better reflects the needs of industry.”
“Right now, the evidence suggests we are falling short. That’s not good enough for students, employers or the future of New South Wales.”
