The Federal Government has announced it will contribute $68 million to the formation of a new, industry-led pilot training program aimed at developing new training pathways into high-demand trade and technical occupations.

Federal Minister for Skills, Craig Emerson, said that the new four-year Alternative Pathways pilot program will target priority skills areas through new training models that are led by industry.

"Traditional apprenticeships have served the nation well and will continue to be a valuable way to obtain skills," Minister Emerson said.

"However, this program looks at alternative ways to deliver training so we can increase the number of 'job ready' Australians in areas of high demand.”