The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union’s (AMWU) has condemned the Turnbull government’s savage cuts to support for Australian apprentices which has seen enrolments continue to nosedive.
Figures released today by the National Centre for Vocational Education show that enrolments in apprenticeships have dropped by 122,400 since the election of the Coalition
Charlie Clarke a Fitter from Western Australia and Chair of the AMWU National Skilled Trades Committee was scathing of the Government’s lack of action.
“These figures are a cruel blow to the aspirations of young Australians and our ability to build the sort of economy that Malcolm Turnbull himself says we need.
“I want young Australians to be able to have the same opportunities that I have had to get a good trade and a decent job. Thanks to this Government, hundreds of thousands of Australians will never get that chance,” said Mr Clarke.
Since the election of the Coalition, over $1 billion has been slashed from apprentice support programs, including assistance in purchasing tools.
“Taking over $1 billion of support away from apprentices is an incredibly narrow minded approach by a government that seems to be incapable of investing in the future,” said Mr Clarke.
“A failure by the Prime Minister to deliver on decent vocational opportunities for young Australians will be proof that agile and innovative are just hollow buzzwords,” he said.
“Turnbull must take immediate steps to reverse his damaging cuts to apprentice supports to encourage more young people to take up skilled trade apprenticeships.”