According to general manager of Career Employment Group, Andrew Anninos, the number of apprenticeships available in Port Augusta has increased over the past few years.

Mr Anninos said Port Augusta had seen an influx in apprentices and believed it was beneficial to the community.

“It is great for the community in general, it gives more job opportunities and brings more people to the city,” he said.

Companies are realising that training is necessary for business growth and for the employment of stable workers, said Mr Anninos.

“Employers have realised there’s a skill shortage out there, for lots of years this area was neglected and now companies are realising you need to invest in training,” Mr Anninos said.

He also feels that Port Augusta City Council has been proactive in employing apprentices.

Mr Anninos believed a greater work demand is also a factor when it comes to traineeships in trade work.

“With the Roxby Downs expansion only a number of years away, even more trades people will be needed.”

Downer EDI Rail is one company in Port Augusta that had increased its intake of apprentices over the past two years.

Rail supervisor, Gary Curly, said the trade force had come to the realisation that skilled labourers were hard to find.

The Company now employs 24 apprentices as well as four adult apprentices.

“Before last year, EDI Rail had no apprentices for a fair few years, but now we have realised they are an asset to the company,” Mr Curly said.

“We are hoping to continue this and put another six apprentices on each year from now.”

Dion Strike, an apprentice working at EDI Rail, believes traineeships are a great way to receive on-the-job training.

“You learn as you go, so it’s pretty good that way,” Dion said.

“And everyone really helps you out, it’s a good way for them to pass on a few tricks of the trade.”