The AMWU is campaigning to improve standards and conditions for our members working in skilled trades and in particular, improving conditions and pay for apprentices.

Government and employer inaction has seen apprentice numbers fall dramatically, while employers have been encouraged to treat apprentices as cheap labour while they try to break up trade skills to lower the skill level and pay of skilled trade workers.

Now, with a new Labor Government, we need to take action to fix this mess.

There's never been a better time, and there's never been a greater need.

The only sustainable way to drive the productivity growth we need is through proper workforce skills development, and it's selfish for employers to rely solely on the taxpayer to deliver skilled workers to their door as though they themselves had no responsibility at all.

Use the links above to find out more about these issues and raise the issue with your workmates, friends and political representatives.

Charlie Clarke
Chair
AMWU National Skilled Trades Committee