Public Sector Apprenticeship and Traineeship Program – Round 3 open

NSW Government agencies and State Owned Corporations are invited to apply for Round Three of the 1000 NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program, with applications closing 5pm, 11 July 2025.

This initiative supports agencies to grow their workforce through structured entry-level pathways and aims to strengthen recruitment pipelines in key areas facing skills shortages.

Resources and support materials are available to help employers prepare and submit their applications. For further guidance, employers can contact Training Services.

Round 3 builds on earlier success and continues to offer:

• Funding support to employ additional apprentices and trainees
• Pre-employment training to develop job-ready candidates
• Specialised recruitment support for agencies new to hosting apprentices and trainees
• Supervisor workshops to strengthen in-agency support and mentoring
• Career preparation training for apprentices and trainees nearing completion
• Alternative Trade Pathways Training to increase the supply of qualified tradespeople within government

This program positions the NSW Public Sector as a leader in skills development and workforce renewal, offering a valuable recruitment alternative to meet growing service delivery needs across the state.

Further information on the program can be found on the NSW Department of Education website

Free Workshops to support apprentice and trainee supervisors

Training Services NSW is offering free workshops across regional and metropolitan areas to assist employers in supervising apprentices and trainees. Designed for those with supervisory responsibilities, the Supervising Your Apprentice or Trainee workshops equip participants with the skills needed to support apprentices and trainees through to successful completion.

The sessions cover key topics including:

• Effective supervision and coaching techniques
• Building strong workplace communication
• Collaborating with training providers
• Organising training that aligns with business needs
• Managing workplace bullying and harassment issues

Participants may also be eligible to claim Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points.

For more details, visit the Skills NSW website or contact your local Training Services NSW office on 13 28 11. 

To register for an upcoming workshop, visit Training Services Eventbrite page.

RFS honours decades of service across Hawkesbury and Lake George regions

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has recently honoured over 140 dedicated volunteers from the Hawkesbury District and Lake George Zone for their extraordinary service to their communities. 

Both ceremonies highlighted the extraordinary dedication and professionalism of RFS members, many of whom serve without seeking recognition. Their commitment, along with the support of their families and communities, remains a vital force in protecting lives and property across NSW.

Hawkesbury District Recognition
At a ceremony in Richmond, 119 RFS members were recognised for their long-standing commitment. Deputy Commissioner Kelly Quandt AFSM, joined by local dignitaries, presented 99 Long Service Medals, 18 National Medals, and two National Emergency Medals. Deputy Commissioner Quandt paid tribute to the enduring commitment of volunteers and also acknowledged the essential support of their families and communities.

Lake George Zone Recognition
Meanwhile, in Bungendore, 28 volunteers from the Lake George Zone were recognised for more than 450 years of combined service. Deputy Commissioner Kyle Stewart APM presented 24 Long Service Medals, three National Medals, and one National Emergency Medal.

Have your say on Correctional training implementation

Public Skills Australia invites Correctional Services stakeholders to help shape the future of training in the sector.

A national consultation series is underway to support the development of the Correctional Services Implementation Findings Report, focusing on the rollout of the CSC30122 Certificate III in Correctional Practice. The NSW workshop will take place on Wednesday, 9 July 2025, from 9:00am to 1:00pm at the Brush Farm Corrective Services Academy, Eastwood.

The consultation and subsequent report will focus on key issues affecting the delivery and assessment of the qualification, including:

• Units of Competency interpretation and consistency
• Challenges in ethical scenario-based role plays
• Recognition of prior service (RPL)
• Comparisons with New Zealand’s Certificate in Prisoner Management

Public Skills Australia is calling on corrections professionals to contribute their insights and experiences. Stakeholders encouraged to attend include Correctional Services Commissioners and operational leaders, Academy and prison education managers, Recruitment and HR teams, RTOs (both enterprise and external), TAFE trainers and assessors, Union and training council representatives and Senior officials from education and justice departments.

Registration is essential: Register here

Feel free to share this invitation with colleagues within your organisation who work in training, recruitment, or operational delivery in the corrections sector. 

NCVER research confirms value of pre-apprenticeship programs

A new report from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) highlights the positive impact of pre-apprenticeship programs on improving apprenticeship and traineeship outcomes, particularly in trade occupations.

The study Understanding the Value of Pre-apprenticeships found that students who complete a pre-apprenticeship in the same field are 7.3 percentage points more likely to complete their apprenticeship than those who do not. The effect is especially strong in trades, where completion rates rise by 4.1 percentage points among those with pre-apprenticeship experience.

The research confirms that pre-apprenticeships play a critical role in helping learners build both skills and motivation. 

The study also reveals that:

• Younger learners, males, and students outside of equity groups were most likely to benefit from pre-apprenticeships.
• Around one-third of students who left their pre-apprenticeship early still entered apprenticeships, but they were less likely to complete them compared to those with no pre-apprenticeship at all.
• This highlights the need to improve support mechanisms and understand the reasons for early withdrawal.

The research analysed more than 280,000 apprenticeship commencements, including 11,210 learners with a prior pre-apprenticeship, across four Australian jurisdictions. It combined statistical modelling with interviews from students and employers to assess how different pre-apprenticeship formats impact long-term success.

As governments and training organisations look to lift apprenticeship completions, these findings affirm that well-designed, industry-aligned pre-apprenticeships can be a key tool in strengthening workforce outcomes.