Electrical apprentice subsidy cut in WA

The decision to cut funding subsidies for electrical apprentices has been criticised by the National Electrical Skills Council, EE-Oz Training Standards.

Western Australia’s Building and Construction Industry Training (BCIT) Board has decided to reduce the subsidy for young apprentices from $9000 to $6000 and for mature-age apprentices from $12,000 to $6000.

EE-Oz Training Standards called the decision “short sighted” and said it will impact the economy if the Government allows it to stand.

“A failure to develop sufficient electricians to meet industry demand will act as a bottleneck on broader economic activity, driving up the cost of infrastructure investments and increasing cost of living pressures on households,” said Bob Taylor, CEO of EE-Oz Training Standards.

Mr Taylor said the predicted increase in the number of qualified tradespeople in WA is below the national average, despite WA having the highest predicted growth in demand. Demand for electricians is expected to increase by 6.8% each year to 2015/2016, but training figures show the workforce will not increase to match this, expanding by only 3% each year.

“The maths doesn’t look good,” said Taylor.

“If BCIT’s decision is allowed to stand, WA will have even higher demand and lower supply than the Australian state average. The national flow-on effects will be pronounced as underinvestment in WA will cause local firms to poach workers from around the country to meet their skill need, driving up costs across the country.”

“BCIT’s decision will further impact the number of qualified tradespeople produced in WA, driving up costs for consumers and risking the state’s capacity to develop essential infrastructure.”