Apprentice numbers cause for concern

Recently released data highlighting a big drop in technical and trade apprentice and traineeships is a cause for concern and action, said the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).

Data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research for the December 2014 quarter showed apprenticeship commencements were down 21.9% on the corresponding quarter a year earlier.

“Figures showing a decline of 192,000 apprenticeship commencements and 157,100 less completions over the corresponding year clearly requires attention,” said Suresh Manickam, NECA’s CEO.

While electrotechnology apprenticeship commencements continue to strongly contribute to the overall take-up of technical and trade worker apprenticeships, NECA said the drop-off in numbers over the past year reinforces its concerns about skill shortages.

“A key challenge for the electrical contracting sector is the lack of supply of skilled electrical workers, which is further exacerbated by the retirement of long-term, highly skilled workers,” said Manickam.

“The current trajectory is concerning given the need for more skilled electrical workers and the upswing in residential- and infrastructure-related construction.

“Skills shortages can only lead to higher business costs, which in turn get passed on to consumers.”

Manickam said NECA acknowledges the work the government has undertaken in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) space to reduce red tape and deliver higher quality training outcomes, but these figures indicate a strong need to more heavily invest in skills and training initiatives, including more advice at school-age level to inform students of industry needs and requirements.

NECA is the peak industry body representing the interests of electrical and communications contractors Australia-wide.