Mark Arbib (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Government Service Delivery) Share this | Hansard source

Youth unemployment is still a big issue in this country—there is no doubt about it. While we have been successful in driving down unemployment to 5.3 per cent, there is no doubt that, across the globe, young people have borne the brunt of the global recession. Apprenticeships are the best way forward for young people—because you are not just giving them a job for the short term; you are giving them a career for the long term. That is what the government is delivering right now.

During the recession of the 1990s, apprenticeship commencements dropped by over 20 per cent. It took 13 years to make up for that downturn in apprenticeships. The skills shortage that hit the country under the watch of the Liberal Party was partly caused by their neglect in developing skills and training. Thanks to the work of the Rudd government and thanks to Apprentice Kickstart, we have, in 12 months, made up for the drop in apprenticeships during the global recession—an outstanding result. (Time expired)