"Minister Brendan Nelson and the government are to be congratulated for the announcement of the "National Skills Shortages Strategy ",Jim Barron, CEO of Group Training Australia, said today.

The Group Training Network, the largest single employer of apprentices and trainees in this country has long campaigned for policy initiatives that begin to address ongoing skill shortages in key trades.

"This government strategy is a very important and significant step forward. It will also hopefully kick start a community wide debate about how to begin to turn around some deep seated and ingrained prejudices about the value of apprenticeships and vocational training" Mr Barron said.

"As good and welcome as these policy changes are, they can only go so far in tackling the problem of skills shortages. What is needed as well is a fundamental attitudinal change about training and apprenticeships within the wider community, our schools and much of the business sector."

"I particularly welcome the fact that the strategy tackles such totemic issues as the duration of a traditional apprenticeship. Whilst this issue is taboo for some, the fact is it lies at the heart of much of the 'attractiveness' of apprenticeships for many school leavers. As long as quality is not compromised in respect of the duration of apprenticeships, I do not see why this issue cannot be dealt with in a constructive manner."

GTA congratulates Minister Nelson for grasping the nettle and taking action. As one of the peak bodies for training and employment GTA looks forward to working with government and stakeholders to progress key elements of the strategy.