Supporting Victorian Secondary Schools and Youth into Apprenticeship Careers: A Critical Imperative

September 2024?

Over the past decade, the Victorian school-based apprenticeship system has experienced a steady decline, resulting in fewer opportunities for students to embark on vocational career paths. As a state, Victoria now lags behind others like Queensland, where participation in school-based apprenticeships is significantly higher. This decline is occurring at a time when youth unemployment rates are climbing, and employers are facing acute skill shortages across many industries. It is imperative that we address these challenges head-on by supporting Victorian secondary schools and youth in accessing apprenticeship careers to meet our skills demand, and not turn to skilled migration or outsourcing our work offshore, which has been highlighted though COVID to not be the long-term solution.

The issue at hand is multifaceted, involving changes in policy, inadequate funding, and a lack of coordination between educational institutions and industries. The introduction of the Headstart program in 2018 and recent policies on creating a vocational major for secondary schools was a step in the right direction, aiming to integrate school-based apprenticeships into the education system. However, despite significant investment of $100+ million Victoria has not succeeded in reversing the downward trend in apprenticeship participation. Instead, it has struggled to establish meaningful connections with local industries and employers, and more youth are failing to complete year 12 than pre COVID.

To combat these challenges, the Apprenticeship Employment Network proposes a two-phase program designed to better support students in making informed career choices. This proposal is rooted in the understanding that providing students with hands-on training and real work experience opportunities in various industries is crucial for their ability to make educated decisions about their vocational futures.

Multi-Industry Pre-Employment Work Experience Programs

The first phase of the program seeks to build on the success of the 2016–2019 Multi Industry Pilot Project. This pilot, which provided nearly 2,600 youths with opportunities to explore different industries, proved that hands-on experience can significantly influence career decisions. By offering practical experiences in a safe and structured environment, the program enabled participants to gain insights into various occupations, helping them to make informed decisions about their career paths.

Under this phase, year 10 and 11 students in Victoria would have the chance to explore multiple career opportunities within their local regions, supported by registered Group Training Organisations (GTOs). These organisations are well-equipped to provide the necessary support, ensuring that students receive valuable industry exposure while maintaining a safe learning environment. The program’s key components would include hands-on training combined with workplace readiness training, understanding employer expectations, and learning about new and emerging technologies in various industries. Local employers looking to provide apprenticeship opportunities would be supported, with students rotating through various work experiences until a match is found.

VET in Schools and School-Based Apprenticeships

The second phase of the program involves supporting students in commencing a school-based apprenticeship or a VET in Schools program directly linked to local employment opportunities while completing their secondary education. This phase is designed to ensure that students can seamlessly transition from school to a full-time apprenticeship, with ongoing support from GTOs.

By aligning VET programs with local employment opportunities and government priorities, students can acquire qualifications that are in high demand, such as in building and construction, engineering, and clean energy sectors.

The integration of these two phases creates a comprehensive pathway for students, from exploring career options to completing an apprenticeship. By leveraging the existing statewide group training network, this proposal aims to create a sustainable model that not only addresses the current decline in school-based apprenticeships but also ensures that Victoria can meet its future workforce needs.

The declining participation in school-based apprenticeships in Victoria is a significant concern that requires immediate attention. By implementing a structured, multi-phase program that provides students with hands-on experience and supports them through the apprenticeship process, we can reverse this trend. The proposed program by the AEN offers a viable solution that not only benefits students but also addresses the growing skill shortages faced by industries across the state. It is time for stakeholders to come together and invest in the future of Victoria’s youth, ensuring they have the opportunities and support needed to succeed in their chosen careers.