Employers urged to hire more apprentices

The Australian Industry Group is urging employers to hire more apprentices to avoid a skilled labour shortage.

“While skill shortages were less evident during the global economic and financial crisis, as we start to see a return to growth it’s clear that the shortages were just below the surface,” Ai Group chief executive Heather Ridout said in a statement.

Ridout said employers should consider hiring new apprentices and accessing extra commonwealth funding available until the end of February.

“Given the importance of nipping the re-emergence of skill shortages in the bud, the government should also remain open to extending the program,” she said.

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