ABC

Tasports has taken on five apprentices at its major ports in an effort to address the skills shortage.

The new employees will be trained in the carpentry, electrical and boiler-maker welder trades.

Tasports spokesman, Charles Scarafiotti, says they are the first apprentices the company has ever hired.

"The work force is aging, as is the general population and we really see a need to make sure that you know we have the young people coming through that are trained and skilled in a number of areas," he said.