Inverell Shire Council will strengthen its advocacy for apprenticeships and traineeships after receiving extensive feedback from local businesses, employers and training providers on the challenges facing the regional workforce.
At its ordinary meeting on 27 May 2026, Council resolved to seek input from the Inverell Chamber of Commerce on apprenticeship and trainee retention, including factors contributing to apprentices not completing their training.
The Chamber consulted its members and gathered submissions from employers, employment services, community training organisations and vocational education representatives across a range of industries, including manufacturing, automotive, engineering, disability services and vocational education.
The feedback identified several barriers to attracting and retaining apprentices.
Key issues included the impact of rising living costs on apprentice wages, competition from higher-paying industries and metropolitan employers, the cost of travel and accommodation for training, limited access to specialist courses delivered locally, reduced employer incentives, administrative complexity and the need for stronger mentoring throughout apprenticeships.
Respondents also highlighted opportunities to improve collaboration between TAFE NSW, community-based training providers and employers to expand access to flexible, locally delivered training.
“The submissions make it clear that apprenticeships are vital to the future of our local workforce, but they must be supported by flexible training options, strong mentoring, and incentives which recognise the realities of regional business.” said Mayor Kate Dight.
Council thanked the Inverell Chamber of Commerce and all businesses and training representatives who contributed to the consultation.
The information gathered will support Council’s ongoing advocacy to the NSW and Australian governments for policies and investment that strengthen workforce development, expand regional training opportunities and improve support for apprenticeships and traineeships.
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