The New South Wales (NSW) government is set to overhaul the state's apprenticeship system to combat chronic skills shortages and improve completion rates, as currently only half of apprentices finish their training.

In the first half of 2024, 27,000 individuals in NSW began traineeships or apprenticeships, yet 15,000 of them dropped out, highlighting a significant dropout issue.

Gareth Jones, director of Marley Flow Control, has criticized TAFE for its inadequate support to apprentices, particularly those struggling with reading, which hampers their success in the workforce.

Gary Workman from the Apprenticeship Employment Network pointed out that employers are facing a pipeline of applicants who lack basic communication skills and academic preparedness for trades.

Unlike Australia, other OECD countries have entry-level apprenticeship programs that continue general education, highlighting a perceived deficiency in the Australian apprenticeship system.

Recent NAPLAN results have revealed that one-third of Year 9 students in NSW are not meeting minimum standards in reading and writing, raising concerns about the overall quality of education.

NSW Skills Minister Steve Whan has emphasized the necessity for a skills system that aligns with current economic needs and supports job seekers, especially in regional areas.

Dr. Caroline Smith from the Australian Industry Group has advocated for legislative changes to accommodate new apprenticeship models, including degree apprenticeships that allow students to earn while they learn.

A review of existing legislation is underway to better align training with workforce demands, particularly in high-demand sectors such as construction, technology, care, and clean energy.

The government has announced a substantial investment of $3.4 billion in TAFE and skills development, citing the previous Coalition government's neglect of the sector over the past 12 years.

Maddison Daly, who excelled in maths and physics, discovered her potential to pursue a trade after seeing female carpenters on Instagram, leading her to enroll in a Certificate III program to become a qualified electrotech electrician.