Australia’s $3.4 billion apprenticeship scheme has led to poor training and high dropout rates, construction industry representatives say.
Since July last year, employers have been able to claim up to 10 per cent of wages paid to an apprentice for the first and second year they are employed, up to $6000 a year, with reduced reimbursement for the third year, along with cash grants for apprentices and employers once they complete their training., 13,130 people completed trade training and apprenticeships, while 15,565 cancelled or dropped out: a 15 per cent increase from the same quarter in 2021.
Bullying, unsafe working conditions, poor training, insufficient supervision and wage theft were the main concerns, along with sexual harassment, discrimination and being coerced to take drugs. A spokesperson from the NSW Department of Education said the department is “adopting measures to strengthen quality monitoring to improve regulation for all apprentices and employers” under a strategic approach. Micro-credentials – short, focused courses in a specific area of study, designed to teach and upskill people quickly – are being considered.
“We are working with the states and territories to help employers create a workplace environment that encourages apprentices to succeed.” “[My boss] gives me all the opportunities, and he tries to get me doing as much work as I can. Every day is different.”
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