Apprenticeship Boost in Sydney’s Booming West

Apprenticeship and traineeship commencements have dropped by 33% since 2011, exacerbating the ongoing skills shortage.

But in that shortfall, there is opportunity, Western Sydney, home to around 29% of NSW businesses, contributed about one-fifth of NSW’s gross state product in 2022-23 and employs around a third of the state’s workforce.

The west’s continuous growth calls for skills to supply sectors such as automotive, engineering, horticulture and construction with workers. The jobs are well paid and can be acquired through vocational training and apprenticeships.

Aligning with the NSW Government’s initiatives to address the skills shortage, the WPC Group announced its expansion into Liverpool. This move aims to meet the rising demand for a skilled workforce in the region. WPC Group provides a robust infrastructure for training and apprenticeship programs across Sydney, with the expansion expected to create hundreds of roles in the city’s major suburbs.

The automotive sector is booming, and several pathways including electrical technology, body repair tech and light and heavy vehicle mechanical technology allow access to good jobs. The past year has seen increased interest in electric vehicle (EV) technology, driven by a greener workforce approach. This trend is supported by Federal Government incentives, offering up to $10,000 for apprentices willing to learn clean energy skills.

Emerging technologies are transforming industries such as engineering, with advancements like fusion welding, robotics, 3D printing and automation, opening exciting career opportunities. WPC Group provides a range of apprenticeship programs in engineering, including mechanical, fabrication and AC and refrigeration, ensuring the workforce stays ahead of job market trends and earn while learning.

As the third largest agricultural industry in Australia, horticulture demands a workforce with skills to contribute to the economy as well as Australia’s export growth plans. WPC Group offers a variety of qualifications in agriculture, arboriculture, sports turf management, landscape construction and conservation and land management.

Frederick Maddern, Chairman of WPC Group, stated, "We have seen a surge in demand for skills across various sectors in suburban Sydney and across Australia. With the right infrastructure, we can meet this demand. Our workforce demands hands-on skill learning, and we are committed to providing the right skills through our learn-while-working approach."

The new Liverpool office launched in August 2024, marking a new chapter for WPC Group. Furthermore, the $1.9 billion infrastructure funding welcomed by the region brings significant prospects. "We offer a variety of trades and skills for apprenticeship, driving greater satisfaction among both employees and employers as we pursue their ambitious targets," added Maddern.

WPC Group is a leading provider of apprenticeship and traineeship programs in Australia, committed to delivering high-quality training and employment opportunities across various sectors. With a focus on practical, hands-on learning, WPC Group aims to equip the workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing job market.