National apprentice scheme to raise pay and simplify training program for workers

Tens of thousands of apprentices across the country can look forward to a boost from poverty wages as a new training blueprint will allow them to fast-track into a career.

The plan, which was announced yesterday by the Gillard Government, establishes a national system for apprenticeships, allowing trainees to travel across state lines in search of work while also reducing the amount of time they must spend working for low pay.

Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Workplace Relations Chris Evans said at the program launch yesterday it was important the developments to apprenticeships reflected changes in the modern workforce.

“We want to see more competency-based assessment so that we can have trades people move through their courses based on the competencies they learn, rather than purely on time. Some of the old models in apprenticeships I think are in need of a shake-up and that’s part of the debate we’re having as to how we better structure apprenticeships.”

The program also addresses the finding of a Federal Government report earlier this year that found more than half of apprentices abandoning their posts, with long periods of low pay being a key factor.

“One of the reasons we can’t retain or attract young people in some of these areas is because they can earn much better money doing casual work that doesn’t require training.”

Additionally, the current system is complex, with its state-by-state regulations varying in training time – the program that might take two years to complete in one state could be twice as long just across the border.

Evans said the scheme would standardise apprenticeship rules across the country.

“I’ve got a commitment from the state ministers to fix those problems to harmonise our apprenticeship systems and make that qualification in one state allows you to work successfully anywhere in Australia.”

Jenny Lambert, director of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the developments for apprentices, but said in a statement that the Government should be cautious about making such drastic changes.

“While we are promoting apprenticeships to people as a stepping stone to a great career, we should recognise that it is the employers who provide those opportunities. At a time when many businesses are struggling in the patchwork economy, examining possible increases to apprentice wages or changing incentive payments would act as a disincentive for employers to employ apprentices.

“Increasing financial burden on employers at a time when all effort must be made to maximise skills development and meet the future skills needs of the economy would be counter-productive.”

The Australian Manufacturing Worker’s Union national secretary Dave Oliver said the present situation, with 48% of apprentices leaving their trades, was a greater cost to employers than increasing pay.

“The relatively small cost of paying higher wages will be offset by the saving in having qualified more trades and a bigger skills base. We shouldn’t forget that employers also receive significant government payments and incentives to employ apprentices, and these will be taken into account in the review of wages as well,” Oliver said.

“These changes are about bringing up the skills base and providing training that will give people rewarding, lifelong careers that also make a positive contribution to the economy.”