Thursday, 20 November 2025

 Ann-Marie HERMANS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (22:50): (2170) My adjournment is for the Minister for Skills and TAFE, and the action I seek, Minister, is for you to address Victoria’s deepening skills crisis and to act on the recommendations of the Apprenticeship Employment Network’s newly released policy paper. Unlike you, Minister, last night I actually attended the 2025 Victorian Apprentice Training Awards held at the Melbourne Town Hall. This spectacular and edifying event was attended by over 300 guests. The night was held to celebrate the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees, mentors and long-term contributors to the profession from across the state. The event recognised the commitment, skill and dedication of all finalists, but apprenticeship skills are waning without government support and a commitment to further funding.

Members interjecting.

Ann-Marie HERMANS: President, I cannot hear myself.

The PRESIDENT: Please continue, without interjection.

Ann-Marie HERMANS: I would like to congratulate all of the worthy winners and particularly give a shout-out to two young ladies that I met last night. One was Caitlin Van Dolderen, a young single mum representing CVGT Employment who won not only Trainee of the Year but the People’s Choice Trainee of the Year after completing her certificate III in business. Caitlin came out and captivated the room with her enthusiasm and exuberance. It was totally infectious. Her story touched many hearts in the room. She acknowledged how much the program had absolutely changed her life, and she said her only regret was having to finish her traineeship and leave the program. She is a single mum, and the achievement as a young single mum was absolutely outstanding. She was so thrilled.

Ella Underwood was also a nominee for Trainee of the Year and, astoundingly, won the Disability Achievement award with a story that captivated the room. She was a premature baby delivered at 23 weeks. It was really inspirational to hear how she had grown and become this amazing person that was contributing to the workforce. She won the Disability Achievement award for completing a certificate III in business. Her story showed how important this program is to young people who may not get a chance anywhere else without the support.

In just two years apprenticeship training contracts have more than halved. They have collapsed from more than 58,000 to fewer than 25,000. This is the lowest level of commencements in 15 years, and it represents a devastating blow to young people, regional communities and the industries that rely on skilled workers. Local constituents in my area are telling me they cannot find apprentices, employers are struggling to fill vacancies and young people are missing out on opportunities to build long-term careers. The numbers speak for themselves. Cancellations remain high and commencements are at record lows. The system is failing to deliver.