The number of industries with skills shortages in the Northern Territory is continuing to rise, according to the Department of Employment Education and Training.

Figures from the department illustrate that almost 100 occupations are now experiencing a lack of staff with relevant training or expertise, regardless of the fact that there is a record number of apprentices being employed in the NT.

The trades which are suffering the most are:

• machinists
• motor mechanics
• electricians
• welders
• and other roles such as social workers, teachers, tour guides and librarians require trained people to take up positions as soon as possible.

Mr John Hassed, from DEET, believes that "the fact that we have got a record number of apprentices in the trade area is a good sign and we need to keep working on that (but) we need more employers to put their hands up and put kids into apprenticeships."