Positive signs for apprenticeships, but more to be done

The value of a robust apprenticeship program has never been more apparent than it is today. As our construction and trade industries struggle to meet the demand for qualified tradespeople across major projects, home repairs and renovation, it has come into the public’s consciousness in a big way.

And we are seeing that reflected in rising commencement numbers. According to National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) data, the number of apprentices and trainees completing their studies between October and December 2022 grew by 18.8% compared to the same quarter in 2021.

There’s no denying that this is great news. We have more qualified workers on sites, shopfloors and in businesses around the country.

But there’s another number we need to be watching keenly, too – and that’s commencements. In the same December 2022 quarter, the number of apprentices and trainees commencing their programs declined by 33.5%.

An expected rebalancing after the BAT incentive

Some of this decline can be attributed to the end of the Boosting Apprenticeship and Traineeships (BAT) incentive, and in some ways, it is a rebalancing. The BAT incentive encouraged employers to act sooner than they otherwise may have to take advantage of wage subsidies.

Once it ended, it was fair to expect some decrease in commencements. However, it’s vital that we keep a keen eye on this figure in the months to come.

A long-term view is critical

While a return of the incentive would always be welcome, we also need longer-term solutions. Prior to COVID, apprenticeship commencements had been decreasing for some time, indicating there may be long-term issues at play.

Apprenticeships and traineeships are typically three to four years long. The numbers we see in commencements today won’t be realised in our workforce for some time. So, a pipeline is critical, and for me, there are some focus areas that may help us avoid band-aid solutions in the years ahead.

More open discussions about apprenticeship careers

Anyone who knows me is likely aware that this is a bugbear of mine. Many students don’t hear about trade and apprenticeship careers as viable post-HSC options at school or at home. Or, if they are discussed, they may be positioned as a poor cousin to university.

Trade and apprenticeship careers are ever-evolving. Many trades today require significant STEM skills and are a fantastic pathway to business ownership for those with entrepreneurial dreams.

In addition, skill shortages are driving demand and wages up in many sectors, so it can be an incredibly lucrative career option, too.

I’d love to see more structure around apprenticeship career discussions. We already have the perfect vehicle for students to try their hand at a trade career, so let’s leverage it. The school-based apprenticeship allows students to continue their HSC studies while getting a head start (and a taste for life) in their chosen careers. It’s a win-win, but in my opinion, it's an underutilised program.

At the end of the day, the goal of our education system should be to help each child realise their own potential – and trade apprenticeships are a perfect fit for many students across a broad range of industries.

Actively encouraging female apprentices

It’s an area I talk about often because it’s an important one. Encouraging more women into apprenticeship careers, particularly those that remain male-dominated, is a must on several fronts.

Firstly, and most importantly, apprenticeships are an excellent opportunity for many women, matching their skills and interests and leading to fulfilling lifelong careers. Ensuring every high school student can find the career best suited to them is how we realise individual and collective potential.

Secondly, if we encourage more women to consider these careers today, we’ll build a stronger future for these industries. Imagine, in 10 or so years, when the women who have completed apprenticeships today are running their own trade businesses, creating career role models and new pathways for tomorrow’s students. Unless we take steps to actively address barriers today, the challenge will not be solved.

Thirdly, it’s simple maths – 50.7% of Australia’s population is female. If we want to increase skills and qualified workers in key trade industries, why overlook more than half of the population, many of whom already have the skills, passions and interests to thrive in these sectors?

Encouraging more women to consider traditionally male-dominated trades will take more than conversations in careers programs. We need to ensure working environments are suited to the entire workforce – and this can be a change for those that have been male- dominated for decades. This is important on a logistical and practical level, ensuring there are enough female toilets on job sites, for example. But it’s also important to address covert and overt barriers with mentoring and role model programs for apprentices and business owners.

There are some great organisations out there offering such programs and supports, including SALT and Tradeswomen Australia. It would be great to see continued and growing support for these wonderful initiatives.

We are already seeing some green shoots for apprenticeships, but imagine what could be achieved if we broadened these discussions further and helped more students realise their potential. It would surely be a win for us all – so let’s build on the momentum and put apprenticeships back on the radar.