Home News Apprentice retention. What works for you?
Wednesday, 26 October 2011 00:00

Apprentice retention. What works for you?

schooltraineeWe would like to continue discussions around the issue of Australia's low apprentice completion rates.

Does your business employ any strategies to encourage apprentices to complete their trades? Or if you are an apprentice, what factors would affect you completing your training?

Please send your comments to Melannie at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or post them on our website via the 'Add comment' form below.

 

We've collated the feedback we've received to date on our website and Facebook page regarding apprenticeships and pay levels.

Man give me back my apprenticeship any day, I loved it. I got caned cause they ran out of work. Why would anyone drop out?

I have been involved in the VET sector for 16+ years and we have been fighting to have the apprentice wages increased to try and attract teenagers & mature aged people into the trades. As we have been told at many a Trade / Career Expo - 'we can get better pay working at woolworths'!

One of the saddest things that I have seen whilst working in the industry, is that Apprentices are paid at an appaulingly low rate, but then not entitled to even the basic of assiatance that other 'students' get (eg: travel discount/student cards etc). How can a uni student, who can work part-time be entitled to such relief, and yet not even an Apprentice who is most obviously a student for (in most cases) up to 4 years, not even eligible to receive a discounted bus fare to get to college (when they are earning such little money in the first place). The whole Apprenticeship system needs a re-think - IMO. :) (including or maybe STARTING with their pay levels!)

 
 

Comments  

 
0 #1 Paul Lavelle 2011-10-31 06:55
The pay levels of apprentices are reflected by their ability. There may be a minimum wage, but there is nothing stopping employers from paying above the award to encourage young employees to remain on in the job. Rest assured, the bulk of employers would not use government incentives for further training nor to offer a bonus system for their apprentices to better themselves. Admittedly, I too find the work ethic of today's young people somewhat challenging. Although we need to adapt and make them see the bigger picture during their apprenticeship, and see what they are capable of achieving once the hard yards have been put in.
Further,an apprenticeship, when i went through, had to be committed to like any marriage. It seems all too easy today for these kids to get out when they lose interest. Its simple, use the probationary period to see if the two parties are compatible, and don't settle for anything other than what you consider is excellence.
Quote
 

Add comment


Security code
Refresh