Apprentices optimistic after meeting with Skills Minister

Following a meeting with Skills Minister Chris Evans, apprentice electricians are feeling optimistic about the Communications Electrical Plumbing Union (CEPU) campaign to increase apprentice electrician wages.

“After putting our case to the minister, we’re confident that he understands the human aspect of this problem,” said Allen Hicks, CEPU Assistant National Secretary, who led the meetings with key decision-makers in Canberra.

“The modern-day apprentice is older and more educated than those of previous generations and they simply can’t survive on such a paltry income.”

Currently, electrical apprentices earn as little as $225 a week; the Henderson poverty line sits at $447 a week.

“It is little wonder four in 10 apprentices don’t complete their training. This will be a huge problem for Australia unless we lift wages and subsequently lift retention rates,” Hicks said.

Fair Work Australia will make a final determination on apprentice wages in August. In the meantime, the CEPU is supporting the apprentices’ push for higher wages through a combination of lobbying and public meetings across the country.

“This issue requires urgent attention,” Hicks added, “otherwise young Australians will miss the opportunities offered by the resources boom.”