Apprentice numbers dropping, limiting prospects for youth

The decreasing number of available apprenticeships is limiting school leavers’ job prospects, according to the Group Training Association of Victoria (GTAV).

Figures released by Skills Minister Peter Hall showed the number of apprentices in Victoria had dropped by 5% over the last year.

“This is a worrying trend and shows that businesses are concerned about the economy and whether they can afford to put on an apprentice,” said Gary Workman, executive director of GTAV.

“From the anecdotal evidence we are hearing, we don’t expect this to improve over the coming year.”

Workman said the drop in apprenticeships means that fewer Victorians are able to start on a pathway to skilled, well-paid work.

“The Victorian Government has increased the support it provides for apprenticeships, but it is clear that this is not enough to counteract the poor economic conditions,” Workman said.

“Businesses need the support of governments to be able to provide apprenticeships and give young people the skills they need for a life in the workforce.

“The federal government has increased its funding through a temporary three-month recommencement of the Kickstart program but this has failed to make a difference in take-up rates. The federal government should continue the Kickstart program beyond February 2013.”

Apprenticeships are a way of addressing the skills shortage faced by many industries, Workman said.

“Group training organisations make it easier for businesses who want an apprentice by handling administrative details and ensuring that apprentices can be shifted to other workplaces if required, which gives greater flexibility and ongoing support.”