Growing skills shortages in a number of sectors in Australia are the subject of new efforts by the government to develop new talent.

The Gillard administration has released plans to assist companies in creating experienced workers in order to meet high levels of demand in certain areas of the economy.

Under the proposals, employers will be helped to provide 370,000 training places between now and 2015 through a $558 million National Workforce Development Fund in a bid to improve labor market participation.

Further assistance will be given to companies to fast-track apprenticeship schemes, improve completion rates and establish mentoring services to support those undergoing training.

Under the Building Australia's Future Workforce, more than $200 million will be spent during the next four years to boost the system for apprentices.

Workplace Relations Minister Chris Evans commented: "We need to lift the quality of apprenticeship training to retain more apprentices, and we must adopt a more innovative and streamlined training system."

Posted by Sarah Dixon