More students need to look at careers in trades and training, if the nation is to tackle its skills shortages.

That was the call made by Federal Assistant Minister for Education Sussan Ley this week, addressing roundtable of South Australian authorities from industry, training, education and government sectors.

Ms Ley’s portfolio includes vocational education and training in schools (VETiS), and she says a minimal amount of students seem to be interested in school-based apprenticeships.

In SA, just 0.8 per cent of 15-to-19 year olds are enrolled in such programs.

The national average is just 1.5 per cent.

Despite this, there is a range of skills shortages across state and country, including a lack of gasfitters, plasterers, plumbers, bricklayers, concreters, electricians and carpenters.

She says a national approach is needed, welcoming the recent agreement from the states and territories to update the national VETiS framework for the first time since 2001.

“It’s no secret we need more tradies in this country. Yet the current national VETiS framework, which is meant to be delivering the next generation of skilled Labor, hasn’t been updated in over a decade,” she said.

“Our kids need the freedom and support at school to choose a career in the trades without feeling like they’re playing on the ‘B team’ for not deciding to go uni.”

She said the core of the agenda for the touring state roundtables was the need for stronger links between schools, employers and trainers, the role of career guidance and how VETiS programs are delivered in schools.

“This is no different to building a house - you have to understand the lay of the land before you can build a solid framework,” she said.