Apprenticeships

Ware criticised the government's exclusive focus on TAFE, arguing it ignored private registered training organisations that often had higher completion rates. Ware cited data showing a loss of over 80,000 apprentices and trainees since the government took office and advocated for funding choice between TAFE and private providers.

Mitchell defended TAFE and criticised the Coalition for closing trade training centres and allowing dubious registered training organisations to operate during their tenure. Mitchell linked the current housing crisis to previous government inaction and highlighted the $10,000 incentive payment as a necessary step to support construction apprentices.

McCormack highlighted the Morrison government's record of creating jobs and supporting apprentices, including 220,000 trade apprentices and major transport projects. McCormack argued that the government had neglected private providers and failed to address cost-of-living pressures, which disproportionately affected apprentices.

Fernando detailed the National Skills Agreement, which provides $12.6 billion to rebuild TAFE and deliver 300,000 fee-free places. Fernando emphasised the permanent nature of free TAFE and the specific support for construction apprentices to help address the housing shortage and support families.

Conaghan argued that the government had overseen a decline of 80,000 apprentices, including 44,000 women, and that 27,000 small and medium enterprises had shut down. Conaghan criticised the $10,000 incentive as ineffective since most apprentices live at home and proposed reinstating wage subsidies for employers as a better alternative.

Georganas highlighted the role of TAFE in driving economic growth and innovation, particularly for South Australia's commitment to building naval nuclear powered submarines. Georganas noted the need to prepare the workforce for up to 4,000 new jobs associated with the submarine project.

Boyce cited statistics showing a significant drop in apprenticeship starts, particularly for women and in construction trades, attributing this to government economic failures. Boyce suggested recognising prior learning for parents and grandparents to address childcare shortages and criticised the government's visa priorities for excluding skilled trade workers.