Apprentice completion rates have hit a record low 48 per cent, a government report revealed this week, prompting the AMWU to call on the Federal Government to make changes to the training and apprenticeships system.
 
AMWU National Secretary, Dave Oliver, was a member of the expert panel that delivered the report, A Shared Responsibility – Australian Apprenticeships for the 21st Century to Skills Minister Chris Evans.
 
“A lot of apprentices are dropping out because of low wages, or inadequate training or mistreatment from their employer. A lot of apprentices didn’t see the value of sticking with the trade.”

Mr Oliver said major charges are required to improve the current rate of skilled apprenticeships completions.
 
“Government funding for training needs to be re-directed to traditional apprenticeships, and a mentoring program to give apprentices someone to talk to should be put in place.
   
“It is important that investment in skilled training is maximised and business is paying its fair share. It is equally important that government funding is targeted at the areas where young people can make the most of an opportunity to learn skills and find secure, well-paid employment,” Mr Oliver said.
 
The report’s recommendations were welcomed by apprentices around the country including Melbourne locksmith, and AMWU member, Tyrone Dixon.
 
He said a mentorship program would be a significant step towards improving completion rates.
 
“I’ve had things go wrong with both my training provider and my boss where I wasn’t receiving enough training in a certain competency and I was being bullied.
 
“My group training company hasn’t been there for me. Whenever I have brought up an issue I’ve been bounced somewhere else and told “it’s not our problem.”   
 
“I’ve seen a lot of apprentices come and go. I feel sorry for some of them and try to help, because I know what it’s like."