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Employers must forge closer ties with school-based apprenticeship programs to stop critical shortages in vital industries, Training Minister Matt Foley says. The construction, engineering, electrical/electronics, automotive, food and printing industries are suffering severe shortages of skilled workers. Foley says while currently there are record numbers of apprentices and trainees in the state, shortages are still evident in these industries. "Clearly, we must do more if industry is to reach its full potential over the next decade and more jobs are to open up for Queenslanders," he says. "One of our main aims is to ensure the pathway from school to work is smooth." He called on employers to consider taking on more apprentices and trainees. "Many employers are doing the right thing and training new workers, and I applaud them for that," he says. "There is a need for more employers to consider taking on additional apprentices and trainees. "There are real financial incentives [for employers] in skill shortage areas." Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) Queensland director David Whiting says employers in the manufacturing sector need to develop close ties with schools. "Employers who don't have a connection [with schools] aren't pulling their weight," he says.