Premier Nathan Rees has said the number of government sector apprentices would be tripled from this year.

"Young people in the Hunter will benefit from our plan to create more apprenticeships within government," Mr Rees said yesterday.

"There are some large government departments and energy companies based in the Hunter and I would hope that local young people will take up the opportunity to gain valuable skills and a job through our expanding apprentice program."

Most of the apprenticeships will be offered through TAFE colleges.

More apprentices, such as Dallas Humphries and Tim Grant, who are studying at Newcastle TAFE to become draftsmen, are expected to take up trades, with the electricity sector expected to make significant gains from the program.

A new cadetship program will provide 500 entry level positions in the public sector for school-leavers every year for four years.

"This is a $370 million investment in jobs for young people over seven years," Mr Rees said.

"We are facing the most severe global economic downturn since the Great Depression.

"My Government will take every action it can to boost jobs and stimulate the NSW economy."

Mr Rees said 4000 apprentices would work four days a week with government agencies and spend one day a week in training, most with TAFE NSW.