Apprentice overhaul call

The traditional apprentice system, which has undergone little change for several decades, needs to be modernised and become more flexible, industry representatives told the skills shortage forum.

“I think the lack of flexibility in the apprenticeship system is a problem,” Dale Alcock Homes managing director Dale Alcock said.

“In a trade like bricklaying, only 30 to 35 per cent of those that commence an apprenticeship are actually completing it.

“Now that tells me straight away that the apprenticeship itself is failing those people who enter it. Something needs to change.”

Hospitality Group Training general manager Ian MacDougall agrees there is a need to move away from traditional approaches.

“There is a reason why industry is not using apprenticeships,” Mr MacDougall said.

“We have to start thinking outside the square and think about fast tracking apprenticeships, shorter term apprenticeships, adult training.

“We have to look at adjusting the infrastructure to make training attractive to industry.”

He said the traditional view that apprentices and trainees were all 16 to 19-year olds needed to change.

“I’ve got 50 apprentices and trainee positions that I just cannot fill but everybody is still saying they want young apprentices and trainees,” Mr MacDougall said.

“The problem is going to get much, much worse over the next five to 10 years unless there is a dramatic change in population growth.

“The youth demographic is just not there … we’re at the lowest levels of youth unemployment for 30 years.”

The traditional requirement that apprentices need to be employed full time, for 38 hours a week, is seen by industry as a real constraint.

Education and Training Minister Alan Carpenter said the State Government had introduced a range of measures to make training more flexible.

This includes fast-tracking programs and moves to train older workers.

Its latest major initiative is the Schools Apprenticeship Link.

“We’ll have 500 kids in school-based apprenticeships next year, offered opportunities by industry with guaranteed places of employment after they get through year 11. Now, 500 is a lot,” Mr Carperner told those at the forum.

Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union State secretary Jock Ferguson said he disagreed with proposed changes to the apprentice system.

“We will be pursuing the employment of proper apprentices with great vigour,” he said.