Thousands of Australians will receive free apprenticeship training under an initiative to be included in the state budget.

The New South Wales government will inject $285 million over the next four years to cover the fees of 100,000 apprenticeships over 121 courses.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro tells Ben Fordham demand for skilled workers is only going to increase and this announcement will help meet the need.

“We need people to consider trades.

“We just want to be sure that we’re building the workforce not just for today but for the future.”

When it comes to the barriers TAFE students face when accessing loans, the Skills Minister says anyone choosing a vocation over a degree shouldn’t be disadvantaged.

“The 20% loading they put on those loans, I don’t get it.”

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